Episode 24: Patrick Gobonya - Building a sustainable eSports organization with Ovation eSports to deliver the next-generation fan experience Leap Takers

Patrick Gobonya is one of the co-founders of Ovation eSports. Ovation was founded in Zurich / Switzerland in February 2020, and is the first sustainable eSports organization. Ovation is "a lit, young & dynamic pioneer which combines professionalism and fun in one team. A network platform of champs and eSports enthusiasts."


Ovation accompanies and develops athletes on their journey to become leading eSports players. The company is committed to provide their athletes with support to protect their mental and physical well-being and offers an environment to master a successful future following a career in eSports. Ovation eSports AG is a Swiss team consisting of players from the DACH region and with partnerships all over Europe. Ovation is one of the fastest growing and up-and-coming esports teams in Europe and currently competes in the games of Fortnite and Valorant.


In March 2021, Ovation announced that it has raised a seed round investment from billionaire twin brothers Maurice and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.


We discuss:



The origin story of Ovation
Tips for starting an eSports team & scouting talent
Sustainability in eSports and gaming as a career track
Fundraising advice


Show notes:



02:23 -- Intro of Patrick Gobonya
03:12 -- What is eSports and why is it relevant
05:54 -- Ovation’s fundraise from Maurice und Kyril Louis-Dreyfus
06:56 -- How the investment from the Dreyfus twins in Ovation came to be
11:06 -- How Patrick for the first time got the idea to start his own company and the origin story of Ovation
15:52 -- How Ovation came up with the name for its team
17:16 -- How to start an eSports team, recruiting players, getting into the community
19:50 -- How to scout talent in eSports
22:18 -- Progress of ovation in 2020
24:55 -- Stats and further info about Ovation
28:15 -- Revenue streams of Ovation and eSports teams - how the sponsorship model works
31:48 -- What sustainability means in the context of eSports
34:01 -- Patrick’s learnings from building an eSports brand
35:22 -- Trends in the eSports space
36:58 -- Patrick’s favorite game
37:42 -- Patrick Gobonya’s advice to younger self
38:22 -- Open browser tabs
39:20 -- What courage means to Patrick


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Special Guest: Patrick Gobonya.
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Links:
Ovation eSports — A lit, young & dynamic pioneer which combines professionalism and fun in one team. A network platform of champs and eSports enthusiastsFortnite | Free-to-Play Cross-Platform GameValorantClan (video games)TwitchRiot GamesLeague of LegendsRome II - Total WarFIFA Video Games - Official EA SiteCall of DutyReal Madrid CFOvation eSports (@ovationesports) - InstagramOvation eSports (@OvationEsports) - TwitterOvation - TwitchPatrick Gobonya