Each week, ESI Digest breaks down the weekly happenings in the esports industry, making sense of things so you don’t have to. As well as being housed on YouTube, ESI Digest is available on all major podcast platforms and is also available in written form below.
On this week’s ESI Digest, we cover Semper Fortis appointing Dominic Calvert-Lewin as Brand Ambassador, Alfred Chak joining Esports Engine as Chief Operations Officer, LOUD & PIET’s joint esports fashion venture, Guild Esports launching the Guild Academy, Misfits Gaming Group announcing The Misfits Agency.
This edition of the ESI Digest is in partnership with REELY.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin named Semper Fortis Esports ambassador
English professional footballer for Everton FC Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been made a brand ambassador of esports startup Semper Fortis Esports PLC. In his new role, Calvert-Lewin will promote Semper Fortis assets, including the European Rocket League squad Top Blokes.
Moreover, he’s expected to interact with the company’s online community, produce content, and accommodate fan activations. The appointment follows the announcement of the £2.55m investment raised by the startup from the Aquis Stock Exchange listing.
Esports Engine appoints Alfred Chak as Chief Operations Officer
Esports operations company Esports Engine has appointed Alfred Chak as its Chief Operations Officer. In his new role, Chak will collaborate with the company’s senior leadership on short and long-term business strategies, as well as executing business expansion and growth plans. Moreover, he will oversee the operational initiatives and financial reporting across the company.
Prior to joining the company, Chak served as CFO and COO of IMAX Entertainment Division. His past experiences include roles as Head of Strategy & Corporate Development at Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, Strategic Planning and Chief of Staff for EA’s Mobile Publishing Group, and Head of Business Planning and Strategy at The Walt Disney Studios.
LOUD partners with PIET to launch fashion division
Brazilian organisation LOUD announced the launch of its new fashion division in partnership with PIET, the brand of famed Brazilian stylist Pedro Andrade. By invitation from LOUD, Andrade has become the Creative Director of LOUD Apparel, which includes the development of a collection for the organisation. He has previously collaborated with Nike, Rider, NBA, Budweiser, Start and Champion.
LOUD’s fashion division launched with a commemorative edition shirt that was made available its website beginning May 15. New pieces in the collection will be announced beginning in June. Prior to working with PIET, LOUD had already used the concept of drops to launch the organisation jersey and other clothing apparel.
Beckham-backed Guild Esports launches the Guild Academy
Guild Esports, the UK-based organisation co-owned by David Beckham, has launched the Guild Academy, a new online esports training subscription service. The Guild Academy will be open to players aged 11+, with members gaining access to training programmes, tournaments, gameplay analysis from Guild ‘experts’, as well as peer-to-peer coaching and advice.
The academy’s launch will include programmes for both Fortnite and Rocket League, with more titles, such as FIFA and VALORANT, expected to be introduced at a later date. New players will be able to sign up to a 30-day free trial, after which time access to the Guild Academy will be priced at £4.99 per month.
Misfits Gaming Group announces launch of The Misfits Agency
Florida-based esports organisation Misfits Gaming Group has launched The Misfits Agency, a media company designed to help brands enter into the gaming and esports sector. The agency will aim to ‘bridge the gap between generational audiences’ through content creation, with award-winning content creator Amy Palmer becoming The Misfits Agency’s President.
At launch, The Misfits Agency will be collaborating with finance company SoFi and American multinational conglomerate Hasbro, which is largely known for its range of toys and board games.
ESI Digest, in partnership with Reely.ai, is part of the ESI Podcast Network, a collection of podcasts encompassing the esports industry. For deep dives into the major areas of esports with subject matter experts, check out ESI Focus. For conversations with key personnel and major stakeholders in esports, ESI Insight is the series for you.