Former Betway powerhouses launch esports-focused media business

21 September 2022

Share

(ESI Illustration) Image credit: Zealium Media

Esports and online gambling duo Tim Whyles and Adam Savinson have joined forces to launch Zealium Media, an esports-focused media business.

Both Whyles and Savinson were previously the Managing Director and Esports Director, respectively, of Betway Group’s BG Marketing Services.

In an announcement, Zealium Media highlighted its growth plan, which includes building media assets and publications within competitive esports and beyond. Esports Insider has learned that initially, the company will focus on VALORANT.  

Savinson commented on the launch: “Esports has been a massive part of my life for the last 15 years, and I couldn’t be more excited to get closer to the detail in the industry that I live and breathe. 

“At Zealium Media, we are hitting the ground running and I can’t wait to announce the first projects in our pipeline and start giving back to the esports community.”

Savinson and Whyles detailed to Esports Insider that they believe there is a gap in the market for high-quality media and traffic generation within the esports industry. As such, Zealium Media looks to utilise both individuals’ experiences in growing brands with a focus on digital optimisation.

Both Savinson and Whyles had significant tenures at Betway Group, with the latter joining the bookmaker in 2002. Savinson has spent over eight years with Betway, starting as a Digital Marketing Specialist. He was appointed the bookmaker’s Esports Director in 2021.

Whyles added: “The opportunity that we see in the esports media space is unprecedented and having spent the past 20 years marketing in the highly competitive online gambling industry, I see huge scope to disrupt and outgrow many of the incumbent esports publishers.”

Zealium Media did not disclose its plans for building its media publication. This also isn’t the first time media acquisitions have been mentioned this month. In September, X1 Esports announced the purchase of Rocket League stats platform Octane.gg.

Tom Daniels
Tom has been part of Esports Insider's team since October 2020 and is currently the platform's Editor. When not playing Football Manager, he enjoys reporting on the mobile esports scene as well as the betting sector.