Usain Bolt, one of the most recognisable stars of world sports has entered the world of eSports with Dublin based Wylde, an agency formed two years ago by Steve Daly, a former investment banker at JP Morgan, and David Cronin, former President & Chief Executive of the American Ireland Funds and a founding shareholder of Irish technology success story, QUMAS.
Bolt has joined the business as co-owner and “will support Wylde’s mission to identify, empower and support talent whilst adopting a strong commitment to diversity and inclusivity.”
As co-owner and an active member of the leadership team, he will be involved in a range of activities focused on elevating the company’s presence in the world of eSports.
It currently has teams competing in Rainbow Six Siege, Valorant, Rocket League and FIFA. It has teams in the UK and Ireland, Germany and France and has recruited professional players, academy athletes and content creators from 16 countries, reflecting the global nature of esports.
“Wylde is on a journey to becoming one of the biggest brands in the fastest growing sport in the world,” said Bolt.
“In esports, like in track and field, it’s critical to have that competitive, winning mentality. I look forward to working with the Wylde leadership team to help our players to reach their potential, while also taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing.”
Watch Usain Bolt Talk about his involvement with Wylde in our Daily Video.
“Usain coming on board takes Wylde to the next level,” added co-founder Cronin.
“With his vast competitive experience and Olympic-winning mentality, his guidance will be invaluable as we continue to build professional structures to support the development of our players.”
With esports predicted to attract 1 billion worldwide viewers by 2025, it is now the fastest-growing spectator sport in the world.
For the first time, esports athletes will be competing at both the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Esports Championship in 2022, highlighting its rapidly growing global popularity. The International Olympic Council have also made moves to investigate eSports being added to the Olympic programme and it is an area of massive growth potential.
Sponsors have come on board at a global level with brands like Red Bull, Allianz, Intel, Coca Cola and BMW all getting involved.
Last Year An Post signed a major partnership deal with Legion Gaming and fellow Irish Agency Epic Global has been carving out a strong niche in the global space as well.
Riot Games chose to base its first global broadcast hub for gaming in North Dublin and there are other Irish success stories with Nativz Gaming and Munster Rugby also part of the Sport for Business network.
Plans are afoot to host a Sport for Business eSports conference this year, here in Dublin, looking at the commercial side of the sector.
If you are interested in being part of this event, get in touch below.
