14: Build an Esport Empire with Ben Feferman

In this episode, I interview Ben Feferman, the CEO and co-founder of Amuka eSports which is Canada’s leader in esports venues, leagues and tournaments. His firm also raises capital for fast growing esports businesses, and Ben is the co-founder of Canada's first and only incubator for esports-related companies.

 

Time Stamps

[01:20] Ben’s professional background and why he started his own company

[03:00] The evolution of esports: how video games became a competitive spectator sport

[05:42] Building community through esports

[07:24] Gamifying the workplace as a team building practice

[08:26] What an esports-facilitation business model looks like

[09:45] How the pandemic has reshaped the esports industry

[15:06] The upside of transitioning to virtual operations

[16:13] Trial and error in the esports business model

[17:47] How Ben divides his time between his ventures

[19:01] Using acquihire to build a team

[22:10] The size and potential of the Esport market

[24:14] Ben’s forecast for mobile gaming and VR esports

[25:42] Next steps for Amuka Esports

[26:45] Celebrity investments in esports teams

[29:16] Professional esports league models

[30:46] The challenges of transient popularity in esports

[32:10] Fostering creativity through lateral organisation at Amuka Esports

 

 

Links and Resources:

Ben Feferman’s LinkedIn profile

Ben Ferferman’s Twitch channel

Amuka Esports website

Steve’s blog

https://StevePreda.com