Yahoo Sports: Jimmy Baratta, Esports Entrepreneur

Today, esports shows no signs of slowing down. With the world economy likely to reopen within the next year, it is only fitting that the gaming industry's affordable recreation will continue to grow. Enter James Paul Baratta: a former civil litigation attorney from California. In the past few years, Baratta's esports deals have penetrated all levels of the industry. From advising Grammy-winning talent on in-game live events, to brokering deals with Forbes-listed orgs, Baratta has demonstrated an ability to maneuver through the complexities of business life and add tremendous value to his clients. 

Esports Strategist Jimmy Baratta Joins XSET Gaming

Baratta has long helped the esports community since his early career as an attorney. He especially contributed in the early days by helping found the North American Collegiate League (NACL), a non-profit supporting collegiate esports. Right now, he heads user acquisition and strategy initiatives for Wizard Labs, a software developing platform focusing on AI content creation. Jimmy Baratta is also an advisor for Esportz Network, including on its programming show, The Gamer Hour. 

USC Games

How did an attorney turn into a wavemaker in the esports and gaming industry? USC alumnus Jimmy Baratta (’10) sits down with USC Games Editorial to share his journey and helpful tips for those who are looking to break into new spaces. 

Making a Mark in Esports

“I understood the value that the UCI name commanded, and the respect its esports program had already garnered for itself,” he said. “The course that I teach, Overview of Esports, prepares the newcomer and the existing business professional alike with the knowledge and tools to transition into the gaming industry. It lays the foundation, identifies networking opportunities and other resources and outlets to achieve success.”

Alumnus Turns Passion for Gaming into Career

Jimmy Baratta, J.D., ‘06 is the Chief Gaming Officer of Holodeck Ventures. He is also an investor and strategist for competitive org and lifestyle brand XSET, as well as an instructor of esports at the University of California, Irvine. 

The Business of Esports Podcast

From the keyboard to the boardroom... special guest Jimmy Baratta discusses breaking into esports and leaving his job as an attorney to become an investor in XSET and college professor. Current topics are also covered including Riot wire-taps, PlayStation x Discord, Resident Evil Game Pass Exclusion, Sony Cross-Play Cash Cow, and more, with William Collis.

Holodeck Media Taps Gaming Veteran Jimmy Baratta

Holodeck Media announced today the appointment of Jimmy Baratta, J.D., as its new Chief Gaming Officer. Jimmy is based in Los Angeles and will be leading the creation and commercialization of new content focused on gaming, esports and the rapidly evolving world of the Metaverse, a future iteration of the internet, made up of persistent, shared virtual spaces linked into a perceived virtual universe.