The way I see it is that the gaming/esports ecosystem is an interesting experience that reflects the games we all play. Need an example? God of War, Uncharted and The Last Of Us are all blockbuster titles that are classified as action-adventure games. However, if we start digging deeper we’ll find unique traits in each that make them special. That’s what makes gaming such a special pastime for all of us.

Now- I started my gaming journey out as a fan, just a kid who was in love with the colors and sounds of my uncle’s Super Nintendo and my SEGAN entertainment system. (Ironically, years later my nickname in high school was SEGA). By then, I was a full-blown gaming enthusiast, waiting for the new Game-Informer magazine to hit my front door so I could peruse the pages and learn about the newest titles and technologies in my favorite industry in the world.

By 15 years old I was traveling the country playing games semi- professionally. My game of choice was a fighting game called “Dead Or Alive.” It was my first competitive title. I spent hours mastering my craft to become the best and while I was able to climb to the top of the mountain and compete against some of the best players in the world, the best gift DOA gave me was travel.

See, travel is a cure for ignorance. Ignorance is something that has been around since the beginning of time and it lives within all of us. No matter how you do it, it is your personal responsibility to educate yourself so that you can become a better person. Gaming unlocked those doors for me. Learning about different cultures and different lifestyles of people across the world opened up my eyes to the opportunities that were available to me in my life. Coming from a poverty environment, it was an ABSOLUTE game changer. I have no doubt that playing video games competitively changed my trajectory in life 100%.

By 2010 I was able to start working with multiple companies as a Brand Ambassador and attend events like E3, PAX, SXSW and more. Starting as a Brand Ambassador was a HUGE part of building my career in Esports. These opportunities allowed me to find a passion in marketing and I started working with Tecmo-Koei America on their marketing campaign for a game called “Dead Or Alive 5”. Full circle right?

By 2017, I had worked with various companies and agencies in the space. I had been freelance consulting for multiple companies and I knew I had a knack for entrepreneurship. ( Another skillset learned from gaming) So with a heart full of passion and a mind full of ideas, I started Gold Standard Gaming. An experiential marketing agency centered around esports and gaming activations. 4 years later we are one of the most premier agencies in the esports and gaming space. We’ve worked with various publishers, developers, celebrities, influencers and creators to bring esports fans of all genres, events, tournaments and activations that are truly one of a kind.

If I had one piece of advice for my younger self or anyone trying to get into the gaming space (Or any career they are passionate about). Never quit, perseverance is the ONE thing you can CONTROL that will affect the outcome of your ENTIRE life. Just like when you are running out of lives in your favorite game, you have to learn from all the times you’ve failed and you MUST be willing to go forward confidently and accept the challenges that come with it. No magic. Just perseverance. Lastly, if you ARE reading this because you want to make your mark in the gaming industry, I leave you with this. No matter what you do, remember this.