Pandemic Pivot Will Lead To New Jobs At Esports Startup
(March 5, 2021)
Three years ago was the first time Johnny Williams, a former college football player at the University of Kentucky, heard about college scholarships for esports players.
That jumpstarted Williams’ interest in the esports world and led him to found Player Epic Inc. last year. The Orlando-based startup will tap into the booming esports arena, where growth has accelerated during the pandemic, and offer services common in other sports but rare in the esports sector.
“With the increase of participation and adoption [of esports] since the start of the pandemic, I see a continued increase moving forward," he told Orlando Business Journal. "Once more people become aware of the opportunities and diversity available in the gaming space, it has the potential to grow exponentially."
Changing the business
Player Epic helps aspiring and entry-level gamers by offering an extensive database of coaches and a global ranking system of esports gamers. Player Epic also will facilitate wagering on esports events. A free version of the platform will exist, but the full version will require a subscription.
Joining the incubator program already paid off. Leaders at the incubators connected Williams with Ryan DeVos, the director of Orlando Magic’s esports team Magic Gaming. DeVos in February joined Player Epic as a strategic advisor.
Player Epic not only will help esports players, but the teams as well, DeVos previously told OBJ. “The world of esports is already so big and growing pretty rapidly, the idea of trying to scout for talent and find some of the best players in the world is a difficult thing right now for a lot of teams to wrap their head around.”