Kieran Holmes-Darby is Co-Founder and Chief Gaming Officer for Excel Esports, a competitive gaming organisation that field professional gamers in the two biggest esports in the world, League of Legends and Fortnite. Excel is one of ten founding partners of Europe’s most-watched esports league, the League of Legends European Championship. We asked Kieran some key questions about getting into the games sector.

Explain your role like I'm 5 years old

I give talented people the chance to play or coach video games for a living.

Take us through your average day at work

Aside from replying to emails and organising my to-do list, I am often in meetings with our professional esports coaches and team managers ensuring they have everything they need in the form of organisational support to get the best out of themselves and our teams. I will also be present in any meetings discussing seismic shifts in Excel’s journey to ensure we remain aligned with the vision.

What was your educational and career journey into your current role?

I co-founded Excel Esports back in 2014 with my brother Joel. At the time I was studying for my law degree at Lancaster University and was really passionate about the potential of the esports industry. Through continued determination, we have grown the Excel brand from a bedroom hobby to a multi-million-pound organisation.

At the beginning of 2020, I transitioned into the new role of Chief Gaming Officer where I now oversee the competitive success of all Excel’s talent and explore opportunities for expansion and the overall growth of the organisation.

What do you love most about your role?

I love being able to talk about esports all day and call it a job.

What's the hardest thing about your role?

Letting professional players or coaches go, knowing that you are crushing their dreams in that moment.

What key skills should people work on to do your role one day?

Be organised, be driven, be a visionary and make sure you can articulate your key points well and keep driving them home.

What advice would you give to your younger self looking to get started in the industry?

Find what element of the industry you are super passionate about and where you can add value and stick with it. It doesn’t have to happen all at once, it can start as a side hustle, the right time will come and you need to make sure you’re in the right place.

Do you have any links to good articles or videos that you think might give some tips or advice to someone starting in your role?

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