Each month, Esports Insider compiles a list of the most prominent esports movers and shakers of the previous month. Last month saw a variety of personnel-related news, ranging from departures and hirings to founders acquiring companies.
Here are the top movers and shakers for April 2023. If you are interested in a story, click the link in the corresponding title.
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Image credit: Shutterstock
Esports players, by and large, are paid well. Some earn millions every year. Many more make hundreds of thousands.
But where does their money come from? How much do they make?
In this piece, we aim to provide a clear breakdown of player pay in esports — the revenue streams available to players, how much they make, and much more.
Image credit: FaZe Clan
American rapper and entrepreneur Snoop Dogg (Calvin Broadus Jr.), has left FaZe Clan’s Board of Directors, the North American esports organisation noted in an SEC filing.
The move comes into effect immediately, meaning that Snoop will no longer be associated with the company in any way. Snoop Dogg first joined FaZe Clan as a content creator and a board member just over a year ago, in March 2022.
(ESI Illustration) Image credit: RESPAWN Products
RESPAWN Products President, CEO, and founding member Preston Gardner has acquired the gaming furniture brand from furniture manufacturer and distributor OFM.
According to a release, the acquisition allows RESPAWN’s team to ‘fully dedicate’ its efforts to rebuild and support the gaming community behind the brand. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed by either party. Founded in 2017, RESPAWN has been the dedicated gaming furniture manufacturer for a number of organisations and stakeholders in the esports scene.
(ESI Illustration) Image credit: Misfits Gaming Group
Esports and gaming organisation Misfits Gaming Group has appointed Sam Toles as the company’s first Chief Media and Entertainment Officer.
The move sees Misfits continue its transition into verticals outside competitive esports, instead focusing on ‘next-gen’ media and entertainment. This includes the likes of the creator and influencer ecosystem, a sector that Toles will be heavily involved in for Misfits.
Image credit: FURIA
Brazilian esports organisation FURIA has announced two new hires to its team of backroom staff.
Patricia Lima has been named the organisation’s Diversity and Inclusion Specialist while Thales Moura joins as its Head of Talent.
Lima, former Leader of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at PLURIE PR, will help ensure FURIA provides a welcoming environment to everyone involved with the organisation. As Head of Talent, Thales aims to create a range of ‘transformative projects’ to bring FURIA closer to its fans and partners.
Image credit: Tricked Esports
Danish esports organisation Tricked Esport has officially announced its closure following a withdrawal of funding by esports and gaming investment company RightBridge Ventures.
The news follows a statement from the organisation made in February, citing current market conditions raising operational costs. According to a release, the organisation stated that “even if cost[s] had been reduced, there are no longer the right conditions for continued operation.” As a result of the closure, Tricked Esport has filed for bankruptcy.
The team in San Francisco. Image credit: BITKRAFT Ventures
Gaming and esports venture capital fund BITKRAFT Ventures has announced its expansion into Asia with two key hires.
The firm has appointed former Riot Games President Jin Oh as a Partner, with former Temasek Director Jonathan Huang becoming Principal. Both new hires bring extensive experience and expertise in the Asian market, which will help BITKRAFT identify and invest in promising gaming and interactive entertainment startups in the region, across both Web2 and Web3.
Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment
China-based Overwatch League team Chengdu Hunters were not featured in the competition’s schedule announcement earlier this week, raising concerns over the franchise’s future participation.
Via Twitter, Overwatch League noted that the team is “contemplating its future direction” and that it also does not have any more information as to what might happen, and when. Founded in 2018, the Chengdu Hunters were operated by the Chinese esports organisation Royal Never Give Up until 2020. The franchise is owned by Chinese streaming platform HUYA.
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