THE ESPORTS ROUNDTABLE IS A PODCAST THAT HOSTS DIFFERENT GUESTS EACH AND EVERY WEEK, DISCUSSING ALL THINGS BUSINESS IN ESPORTS.
This week’s instalment of The Esports Roundtable welcomes Ryan “OpTic J” Musselman, the Senior Vice President of Infinite Esports and Entertainment – the parent company of organisations such as OpTic Gaming, Team Allegiance, Obey Alliance, NGAGE Esports, among others.
Musselman delves into his history in esports: how he entered the industry and how he found himself involved in one of the biggest esports organisations in the world. As he explains, Musselman spent a long period of time working with Machinima, recruiting content creators for the network. From 2014, Musselman worked for Google to help develop its Gaming division as the head of Strategic Partnerships for a couple of years. That was until his moved into a full-time position with OpTic Gaming as it brought on more teams and content creators.
OpTic Gaming was invested in by Neil Leibman, Co-Owner of Texas Rangers in 2017, who founded Infinite Esports and Entertainment with Chris Chaney to manage its operations. Musselman explains that this decision was part of the organisation’s growth strategy and was envisioned to help to develop esports as a whole. Since its inception, we’ve seen many companies created – such as the innovative GG Esports Academy – and pre-existing organisations being acquired.
The conversation drifts onto the topic of how esports brands aren’t necessarily innovating in the industry, which is damaging their ability to gain more fans and sponsors – which ultimately will help build longevity.
Musselman commented on this episode of The Esports Roundtable afterwards: “It’s always fascinating to sit down and discuss the raw ideas that drive growth, development and innovation in esports: be that be on the level of professional play, business or for building an experience for the fans. Infinite is blessed to be in a truly unique position with our 360 compliment of stellar businesses supporting our pros and we cannot wait to bring more news of the projects we have in the works soon.”
Speaking to Esports Insider, Joe Hills, Founder and Host of The Esports Roundtable, also had his say:
“The vision and drive behind Ryan’s new venture is contagiously inspiring. Watch this space for 2018 in and out of game.”
Hills is the Founder of Looking for Group, an esports executive recruitment company and has worked to achieve placements for many high profile individuals in the burgeoning esports industry.
