Games Change Lives
American based Tom Leonard hosts NT and the CTRL Esports team in his global podcast.
Today’s guests are Nik Turner – consultant and lecturer in Esports & Education at Queen Mary’s College in the UK – and the founders of CTRL Esports: COO George Lewin, CMO Harry Lunn, CDO Ben Gregg, and CEO William Holman.
In this podcast discussion, Nik Turner, a consultant and lecturer in Esports & Education, along with members of the CTRL Esports team, delve into various aspects of esports education and industry development. They highlight the success of Queen Mary’s College (QMC) in Basingstoke, where an esports program was initiated, attracting significant interest and enrollment. The qualification offered is not solely focused on gaming skills, but rather emphasizes industry knowledge, employment opportunities, and business aspects, such as shoutcasting, coaching, nutrition, and strategies. The team members from CTRL share their personal experiences in pursuing esports education and their aspirations for future careers in the industry.
The discussion touches upon the formation of the CTRL team and the qualities they seek when selecting team members, including passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn. They emphasize that exceptional gaming skills are not the sole determining factor. CTRL’s focus currently lies on competitive play in games like Valorant and Rocket League, which align with the team’s interests and aim to compete at the highest level. They also act as consultants for Guild eSports, and their expertise has garnered recognition and opportunities within the industry.
The conversation also explores the significance of sponsorship, merchandising, and networking in the esports industry. The team members discuss the importance of a well-developed brand, showcasing analytics and presenting comprehensive sponsorship plans to potential partners. They highlight the role of social media in building connections and emphasize the value of open conversations and networking.
Looking ahead to the future of esports, the participants express optimism about the industry’s growth. They foresee an increase in job opportunities, the entry of big businesses, and a greater mainstream presence. However, they acknowledge the need for further monetization and collaboration with governing bodies to establish fair play and elevate the industry’s financial potential. They draw parallels to the development of traditional sports, emphasizing that it takes time to reach the desired level of recognition and stability.
