The British Esports Association, a not-for-profit body with the aim of promoting esports in the United Kingdom, has announced new additions to its Advisory Board as well as an influx of new game-specific advisers.
The three additions to the Advisory Board are: Mary Antieul, Darren Newham and David Yarnton. Antieul currently oversees esports strategy, operations and partnerships at GAME across both the Belong Arenas and the Insomnia Gaming Festival series. Darren Newham heads up Nexus, a company which focuses on bringing brands, teams and players together. Finally, Yarnton, a games industry veteran, is currently involved in Edge Esports having had stints at the likes of Gfinity and Nintendo.
The other Advisory Board members include Ceirnan “Excoundrel” Lowe, Heather “Naysayerz” Dower, Michael “Odee” O’Dell, Craig “Wizzo” Fletcher, Ryan Hart, Andrew Nixon, Josh Williams, Carleigh Morgan and Mark “Garvey” Candella.
David Yarnton commented: “In the last few years esports has seen a rapid growth in its popularity and created huge amounts of interest amongst the wider community. There are many people who are looking to learn more about esports and understand the benefits it offers, such as helping to develop teamwork and create communities.
“Having been involved in the video games and esports industries for many years, it is good to be able give something back and help the British Esports Association in its efforts with the grassroots of esports.”
Mary Antieul stated: “I’m very excited about joining the British Esports Association board and look forward to working with the other board members to improve the opportunities for grassroots esports players in the UK.”
Darren Newnham added: “As a lifelong gamer and games industry professional I’m excited and honoured to be given the chance to be part of the British Esports Association at such an exciting time for our industry.”
In addition, Mike “Gregan” Ellis has become the Rocket League adviser, with James “Governor” Gove of Barrage Esports becoming a League of Legends adviser.
Elsewhere, the British Esports Association has made additions to its team of voluntary game advisers, who provide input and expertise to help the Association understand each game’s developments and its community effectively.
Renault Sport Team Vitality’s Rocket League team manager Mike “Gregan” Ellis has become British Esports’ Rocket League adviser, while Barrage Esports player James “Governor” Gove has become a League of Legends adviser.
Gregan said: “It’s great to be part of British Esports Association and bring more Rocket League info to the team. Rocket League is a great game to bridge the gap between esports and mainstream media. I am glad I can support esports through this role with my love and knowledge of Rocket League and experience in the scene.”
British Esports chair Andy Payne OBE commented: “We’re delighted to announce our new Advisory Board members and other volunteers to the Association. Please join us in welcoming them.
“We value everyone’s input and look forward to working together to help promote, improve and inspire through grassroots esports in the UK.”
Esports Insider says: Some fresh faces over at the British Esports Association as it continues its good work. With the first British Esports Championships underway in schools & colleges, we look forward to seeing what’s next for the BEA.