Esports Movers and Shakers: October 2022

Each month, Esports Insider compiles the period’s most significant movers and shakers in esports. October saw old faces return to the forefront, as well as multiple appointments spanning various sectors in the esports industry.

Here’s the top personnel news for October 2022. Click the link in the corresponding title below for the full story.


Spotlighted story

Image credit: OpTic Gaming / Hector Rodriguez

Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez, the Founder of North American esports organisation OpTic Gaming, has reprised his role as CEO following a change in the organisation’s leadership structure.

Former CEO Adam Rymer will take over as OpTic’s Strategic Advisor as Rodriguez steps back into the position.


Image credit: Allied Esports

Jud Hannigan, the CEO of esports entertainment company Allied Esports, announced his resignation via a LinkedIn post.

Hannigan did not share further plans or reasons for leaving Allied Esports, a company he worked at for the last seven years. He also did not share whether he plans on taking on other roles in the esports industry.


Image credit: Mark Weller

Mark Weller, formerly of Vexed Gaming, has joined the esports division of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team as its Esports Team Manager. In his new role, Weller will bring his expertise to help further shape Mercedes-AMG Petronas Esports Team’s programme and offerings.

Prior to joining Mercedes-AMG, Weller served as Chief Gaming Officer at Vexed Gaming for over six years. While at Vexed, Weller managed to build revenue streams, scout top talent and bring home the organisation’s first championship trophy.


Image credit: LOUD

Brazilian esports organisation LOUD announced Brazilian influencer Iran ‘Luva de Pedreiro’ Ferreira as its first brand ambassador.

The popular content creator currently has over 20m followers on TikTok, plus almost 19m followers on Instagram, making him one of the most prominent sports influencers in Brazil. The signing of Ferreira is likely a move by LOUD to appeal to football fans. The content creator notably became famous through videos showing his football skills.


Image credit: GOALS

Play-to-earn (P2E) football game GOALS has announced the appointment of Jonas Rundberg as the company’s new Chief Technical Officer (CTO).

Rundberg will be tasked with leading the company’s tech teams and developing GOALS’ flagship product. Notably, the company was founded by SK Gaming’s Co-founder Andreas Thorstensson last year.


Image credit: Shikenso

Data and analytics company Shikenso Analytics has appointed Michael Heina as its new Chief Commercial Officer.

Heina will be responsible for making sure Shikenso achieves long-term business goals, and will also be tasked with leading the business development unit for the company. He will also work on further improving the professional development of Shikenso staff.


Image credit: Beter

Betting company BETER has promoted Evgeniy Bekker to the role of Esports General Manager.

In the newly created role, Bekker will be tasked with developing esports betting products and working closely on esports-related assignments. BETER is an iGaming company that provides odds feeds and other betting services, as well as small-scale tournaments.


Image credit: JetSynthesys

JetSynthesys, a multi-media entertainment company and owner of Indian esports company Skyesports, has announced the appointment of Anuj Tandon as the new Chief Executive Officer of the company’s gaming division.

According to a release, Tandon will work with JetSynthesys Founder and CEO Rajan Navani on improving the company’s gaming efforts, which include Skyesports — one of the most popular esports brands in India — as well as Nodwin Gaming and NovaPlay.

Esports Insider