The Next Level Esports Podcast The Next Level

The Next Level esports Podcast 033 features a conversation with Kent Wakeford, COO of KSV Esports.

We chat about:

-The link between Korea and Silicon Valley

-Planting a flag in Korea

-KSV Esports being self-funded

-Focus on Korean based Pro's

-Differences from a business perspective between Overwatch League and LCK

-Korea getting a second team as Overwatch League expands

-Seoul Dynasty's performance in Stage 1


-Seoul Dynasty Sponsorships

-A true mobile esport

-Importance of data


Enjoy the conversation!

The Next Level esports Podcast 032 features a conversation with Brett Lautenbach, President of NRG Esports

We chat about:

-Role and responsibilities with NRG

-NRG's expansion to other games and the first with For Honor

-No PUBG or Fortnite announcement yet?

-Overwatch League and the San Francisco Shock

-Hiring Brad Rajani as Overwatch team coach and roster

-Overwatch's new spectating mode and what else is needed for the fans?

-Overwatch World Cup Viewership

-Events DC Brand Partnership

-Hired David Swartz, a five-time Emmy Award winning producer and the importance of shoulder content

Enjoy the conversation!

The Next Level esports Podcast 031 features a conversation with Chuboi, FIFA Host and Streamer:

We chat about:

-Tell us how you first got involved in the FIFA scene

-You began as a big streamer and then moved to EA SPORTS. What was that transition like and what’s your current work involve?

-What are your thoughts on the current FIFA eSports landscape - both it’s Pro’s and what you else you think is needed?

-This past month, EA added eSports teams - like Team Liquid - and big popular brands like Hashtag United UK - kits inside in the game. Thoughts on this new digital opportunity?

-What is FIFA Ultimate Team and why do you think it’s the best thing ever made?

-The Asian games announced that eSports would be a medal event in 2022. Wouldn’t FIFA make a good start for the IOC to explore as one of the games to be involved?

-Do you think I could take you down if I got to play with the best Ultimate Team and you play as Crystal Palace?


Enjoy the conversation!

The Next Level esports Podcast 030 features a conversation with Clicksuasion and the topic of "Consumer Behavior In A Virtual World":

We chat about:

-Brand advertising and influence on sales,
-Gamification Strategy
-Effects of additive experiences on UX
-Advantages/disadvantages of soliciting friends to gain in-game incentives
-Motivations for users to purchase virtual equivalents of real world products and services
-Industries that missed opportunities
-Components of a successful partnership
-What would I do in my career differently?

Enjoy the conversation!

The Next Level esports Podcast 029 features the 7th esports Industry guest.

Grant Paranjape, Director esports Business for Monumental Sports and Entertainment.

We chat about:

-History in Gaming and esports
-NBA 2K League
-Washington Wizards Involvement
-Real and esports Games
-MSE OTT Platform
-Scouting and Teams
-Athlete Brand Building

Enjoy the conversation!

The Next Level esports Podcast 026 features the 6th eSports Industry guest.

Craig Levine, ESL CEO North America

We chat about:

-Our unique texting magic prior to his flying
-What esports was like 10+ years ago
-Is the esports "hype" helping or hurting the space

-The "sweet" spot for esports event arena and capacity
-ESL's many platform distribution deals
-The platform wars and exclusivity
-Yahoo esports and the esports Media's future
-ESL's recent DisneyXD partnership and the need for shoulder esports content
-ESL and Intel's massive new deal
-ESL's Future
-The most important question: Craig vs. Me on stage at the next panel: 1v1 - What's the game and what's the bet?

Enjoy the conversation!