eSports

Misfits Gaming Group Welcomes New Senior Hires

Published

4 years ago

November 22, 2021

Reading Time: 2 minutes

After securing $35M in funding, Misfits Gaming Group (MGG) is welcoming three senior executives as the company restructures towards a media enterprise. The three roles will prepare the company for aggressive investments in marketing, staff and overall operations.

Youth marketing veteran and former Activision Blizzard executive, Steve Brauntuch joins MGG as the organisation’s first chief marketing officer. Operating and staff executive, Candace Rhymer is now the company’s first chief people officer, focused on scaling and implementing the internal practices required for healthy team expansion. Award-winning strategist Alyson Schefren also joins MGG as its new vice president of integrated marketing for the sales team after years serving as a marketing consultant. All three senior executives will lead Misfits’ efforts to accelerate growth and align the company towards producing, distributing and monetising original programming.

“Steve, Candace, and Alyson will be critical in Misfits’ evolution from an esports org to a media enterprise. As we apply the considerable resources available to reimagine our business, I’m thrilled to partner with these talented senior leaders to tell our story and ensure we remain a person-first organization,” Ben Spoont, CEO and co-founder of Misfits Gaming Group, said.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

In late September 2021, the nation’s fourth-largest broadcaster, E.W. Scripps, led a $35M funding round that will materially refocus the business away from the brutal reality of competitive gaming’s wins and losses. The company will now evolve into a media enterprise that elevates the stories behind the teams to deliver a slate of new programming. Through its partnership with Scripps, MGG will develop new, long-form series for traditional and OTT television audiences. The company’s new marketing team will ensure its story of transition is shared transparently, and Rhymer will help establish the talent programmes necessary to carefully nurture performance.

“As one of gaming’s most visible and diversified brands, Misfits has a real opportunity to not only maintain an active conversation with our existing community but substantially grow our audience with original content and programming. Reimagining modern esports into a media business is a real challenge that I’m excited to tackle alongside Misfits leadership,” Steve Brauntuch said.

eSports

Esports Charts to deliver comprehensive viewership data to GeoGuessr

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2025

George Miller

esports-charts-to-deliver-comprehensive-viewership-data-to-geoguessr

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Esports Charts, the leading esports viewership analytics provider, is partnering with GeoGuessr, the world’s favourite geography‑guessing game, to deliver detailed analytics for its esports tournaments. The collaboration will give organizers clear insights into audience engagement and viewership patterns across events.

As part of the partnership, Esports Charts provides tournament dashboard data for the GeoGuessr competitions. Organizers can track engagement trends, compare performance across regions, and make data-driven decisions for future events.

“Esports Charts is thrilled to support GeoGuessr’s esports events. Our team even enjoys the game together during team activities, so it’s fun to combine that passion with our analytics expertise. By providing clear insights into viewership and engagement, we hope to help the organizers nurture and grow GeoGuessr’s competitive scene globally.” – Sergii Rudenko, CSO at Esports Charts

The recent GeoGuessr World Championship 2025 set new viewership records, reflecting the game’s growing presence in esports. In recent years, GeoGuessr has expanded its competitive offerings with larger prize pools, longer seasons, and more events.

“This year’s World Championship has been an incredible journey across four countries. We extend our gratitude to the passionate GeoGuessr community, talented players, and all of our partners who made this possible. Our partnership with Esports Charts plays a key role in helping us gain valuable audience insights, allowing us to continuously grow and elevate the GeoGuessr esports scene. – Mikael Falgard, Head of GeoGuessr Esports

The collaboration marks another step in the development of GeoGuessr’s esports scene and strengthens Esports Charts’ role as a leading provider of competitive gaming analytics.

The post Esports Charts to deliver comprehensive viewership data to GeoGuessr appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

eSports

Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games

Published

5 days ago

September 9, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

global-esports-federation-confirms-program-for-los-angeles-2026-global-esports-games

The Global Esports Federation at its 16^th Board Meeting approved the draft program for the Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games, to be held in December 2026. This follows the earlier announcement of Los Angeles as host city at a major ceremony hosted by Los Angeles Times Media Group Executive Chairman & CEO Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and El Segundo Mayor Chris Pimentel—now marking a significant milestone on the road to GEF’s flagship event in the United States.

The GEF Board also unanimously elected Paul J. Foster as President of the Global Esports Federation. Paul, who is GEF Chief Executive Officer, was appointed President ad interim following the resignation of founding President Chris Chan in July, and now assumes the role of President & CEO through December 2027.

“I’m honored to be elected President of the Global Esports Federation at today’s Board Meeting. Together with our Member Federations and partners, we will champion inclusion, innovation, and sustainability—empowering athletes, embracing digital transformation, and strengthening the global credibility and prestige of esports for generations to come.” –Paul J. Foster, GEF President & CEO.

In addition, the GEF Board approved the establishment of frameworks to develop the esports ecosystem in the United States, anchored in Los Angeles. This initiative will strengthen the GEF’s connections with stakeholders worldwide and reinforce its mission to elevate esports for all.

The outcomes of GEF 16^th Board Meeting reaffirm the GEF’s role as a convening platform, uniting athletes, publishers, Member Federations, and partners to power the future of esports globally.

The post Global Esports Federation confirms program for Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

eSports

TEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION

Published

1 week ago

September 3, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

team-vitality-and-hummel-launch-alternate-jersey-and-exclusive-apparel-collection

Team Vitality launches 2025 Alternate Jersey and an exclusive apparel collection, bringing a new level of energy and excitement for fans.
The jersey, featuring a white base with red and blue accents, pays homage to the French flag and will be worn by all Team Vitality athletes at major esports events taking place in France later this year, including the Rocket League Worlds and EVO Nice.
The Alternate Jersey is available today for €79.99, both online and at Team Vitality’s official Paris store.

Team Vitality is proud to unveil its new Alternate Jersey, accompanied by an exclusive apparel collection. This launch completes the club’s annual merchandise lineup, following the release of the black Pro Jersey earlier this year and the iconic yellow US-style Jersey worn during the Austin Major triumph.

This Alternate edition, featuring the French blue, white and red, honours Team Vitality’s Parisian roots while celebrating the major esports events set to close out the year in France.

The jersey will feature on the global stage with the Rocket League team at the World Championships from September 12 to 14.

PERFORMANCE MEETS LIFESTYLE

The Alternate Collection features a new, stylish jersey and a limited-edition clothing line that blends performance and lifestyle. As with every year, the Alternate Jersey is traditionally white, serving as a complement to the black Pro Jersey released earlier in the year.

Designed in collaboration with hummel, the jersey combines comfort and performance, offering a lightweight fit built to withstand the demands of competitive play. The accompanying exclusive apparel collection follows the same artistic vision, offering clothing and accessories designed for everyday wear. This brand-new lifestyle range, along with exclusive items, reflects the club’s distinctive style.

ALTERNATE JERSEY

Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Jersey – €79.99
Team Vitality’s Alternate 2025 Sleeves – €29.99
Exclusive Vitality Alternate 2025 Pack – €79.99 (includes 1 Alternate Jersey and a complimentary pair of exclusive sleeves)