Projects and Partners

I've had the good fortune of working with some of the biggest names in the industry. From my role with Riot Games, to my very first Fortnite tournament, the links below provide insight, coverage, and descriptions to some of my favorite partners and projects.  Read below for a little about my past and present.

Newegg

Newegg Commerce, Inc., is an American online retailer of items including computer hardware and consumer electronics. It is based in Diamond Bar, California. It is majority-owned by Liaison Interactive, a multinational technology company. In 2005, Newegg.com was named one of the Internet's Top 10 retailers by Internet Retailer Magazine, with a 2004 sales revenue of just under $1 billion. Newegg was listed as a publicly traded company on Nasdaq (NASDAQ: NEGG) in May 2021.

FIFA : The Home of Football

FIFA is the international self-regulatory governing body of association football, beach soccer, and futsal, founded on 21 May 1904. FIFA was founded with the goal of growing football internationally, ensuring it is accessible to everyone, and advocating for integrity and fair play. It is responsible for organizing and promoting football's major international tournaments, notably the World Cup which began in 1930.

Riot Games

Since 2006, Riot Games has been committed to the way video games are developed, published, and supportive of players. From League of Legends to VALORANT, Riot has continued to evolve and grow a community in games, esports, and entertainment. 

As a member of the Commercial Partnerships Team, I work predominantly in sponsorship, media, marketing, and strategic partnerships across North America and Oceania.

Netflix Series : Arcane

Amid the stark discord of twin cities Piltover and Zaun, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions. Starring : Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Kevin Alejandro. Creators : Christian Linke, Alex Yee

Valorant Esports : VCTA

The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) is a global competitive esports tournament series for the video game Valorant organized by Riot Games, the game's developers. The series runs multiple events throughout each season, culminating in Valorant Champions, the top-level event of the tour. The VCT was announced in 2020, with its inaugural season taking place in 2021.

League of Legends Esports : LCS

The League Championship Series (LCS) was the top level of professional League of Legends in the United States and Canada. The esports league was run by Riot Games and had anywhere from eight to 10 teams. Each annual season of competition was divided into two splits, spring and summer, which concluded with a double-elimination tournament between the top teams. At the end of the season, the winner, runners-up and third-place team of the summer playoffs qualified for the annual League of Legends World Championship.

iBuyPower Official PC Sponsor of the VCTA

iBUYPOWER is a company that designs and manufactures custom-built gaming PCs, with a history in the esports scene, and is known for its Revolt series of gaming PCs. iBUYPOWER specializes in building high-performance gaming PCs, offering both pre-configured and custom-built options. The company has a strong presence in the esports community, with its systems used by professional gamers, teams, and LAN centers. 


Pulsar Joins The VCT Americas

Pulsar Gaming Gears is a relatively new brand of eSports equipment founded in July 2020 with the goal of offering high-tech products at better cost performance for all types of consumers. The company is based in South Korea and plans to offer a complete range of products to equip gamers, enthusiasts, and e-sports athletes around the world.

New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium Brewing Company is a nationally distributed brewery in the United States. The brand produces Fat Tire Ale, Voodoo Ranger IPA, Mural Agua Fresca Cerveza, and La Folie Sour Brown Ale, among other regular and seasonal beer varieties. Founded by Kim Jordan and Jeff Lebesch in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, the company expanded to Asheville, North Carolina, in 2016 and Denver, Colorado, in 2018.


Ignite Tournaments

Introducing the world’s first esports tournament organization app for mobile games, with payouts in 70 currencies to 175 countries, connecting 3 billion mobile gamers worldwide. Ignite Tournaments offers all of the professional features you’re looking for to run the mobile esports tournament of your dreams, with fast, easy payouts. 


GamerGains

GamerGains is a gaming platform that lets any gamer earn cash and crypto playing the games they already love. With GamerGains, you can earn cash and crypto by completing in game challenges and competing in our tailor-made contests. Note: GamerGains is currently in our Open Beta Phase. Contents in this document are subject to change in the future.

Sizzle.GG

Link your Twitch and YouTube streaming accounts to allow Sizzle to automatically fetch your streams and find the best moments! Sizzle creates clips and compilations of your streams with personalized filtering options, including kills, knockdowns, headshots, victories, and more! Using advanced AI, Sizzle is the ultimate tool to take your highlights to the next level!


Chapman University

Chapman University is a private research university in Orange, California, United States. Encompassing eleven colleges, the university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity". The school maintains its founding affiliations with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, but is a secular university. It boasts the top film school in the nation.

The Business of Esports

The "Business of Esports" podcast, hosted by Jimmy Baratta, William Collis, and Paul Dawalibi, explores the intersection of business and esports, a rapidly growing entertainment phenomenon, shedding light on industry news and potential strategies. The podcast delves into the business aspects of esports, a rapidly growing entertainment industry. The podcast covers current events, industry news, and potential strategies within the esports landscape.

Holodeck Media

The Metaverse will be the most significant technology trend of the next decade as evidenced by major companies like Facebook (Meta) and Microsoft investing billions of dollars to make it happen. Gaming and crypto are the foundations of this revolution, and we have something for everyone on the metaverse spectrum of interests.

CNBC Arabia : Game Changers

CNBC Arabia is an Arab free-to-air television channel. It covers regional and international affairs from an Arab economic perspective. Formerly known as the Business of Esports with Paul Dawalibi and Jimmy Baratta, CNBC's Game Changers seeks to break down all the numbers, so you can find out who the industry's biggest players are in gaming and esports.

Mythic Talent

Representing the best and brightest content creators in the digital world. From YouTube to TikTok and everything in between, we help our clients produce, promote, and distribute high-quality content. Follow us for updates on our talented roster and the latest trends in online content creation.


Diamonds in Minecraft: How to Find and Mine Them

An article by Jimmy Baratta exclusively for the Natural Diamond Council. From real-life to virtual worlds, diamonds are precious and rare. Finding diamonds in Minecraft at the right level is a significant accomplishment and a rewarding endeavor. Whether they are being used to upgrade your armor, or propose to your loved one, Minecraft diamonds truly mirror the magic of real-life natural diamonds mined from the earth.

GymShark

Gymshark is a British-based multinational athletic apparel retailer headquartered in Solihull, West Midlands, England. Founded in June 2012 by Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan, the company was initially focused on crafting and distributing its own line of fitness wear. Gymshark reached a valuation of over £1 billion in 2020.

Holodeck Presents: Camp Knut Ft. OTK Media

IRL Twitch Streamer and bodybuilder Knut Spildrejorde worked with OTK members this summer in a 30-day fitness boot camp, Camp Knut, to help the crew get in shape and educate viewers on fitness best practices. The program was produced and assisted by Holodeck Media and The Business of Esports.  In total, the group streamed 500 hours of Camp Knut content over the 30 days, garnering 9 million hours watched. Mizkif’s content generated the highest viewership, with 3.7 million hours watched. 

Saudi Esports Federation: NXTWRLD Forum

The Saudi Esports Federation (الاتحاد السعودي للرياضات الإلكترونية) is the national body for esports in Saudi Arabia. It was established in October 2017 as part of Saudi Vision 2030. In this episode of the Business of Esports, our special guest His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Sultan Al Saud (President of the Saudi Esports Federation) discusses the Saudi Esports Federation, the success of the Next World Forum, and the rise of gaming and esports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Comic Con: Los Angeles

Connect with other like-minded fans at LA’s home for Comics, Gaming, Cosplay, Anime, and Pop Culture! As a fan, you have the ability to explore new worlds, view distant Cons, strut your Cosplay, prowl the archives for missed gems, and experience everything you love about pop culture. From 24/7 play-to-earn gaming to hosting monthly Cosplay contests and conventions from all over the globe, we are bringing Super fans together like never before!

XSET Closes Series A

Six NFL athletes including Ezekiel Elliot – who invested in eFuse in the past – and Kyle Van Noy – who has been with XSET since August 2020 – also invested in the funding round. XSET has also opened a west coast office in California within LightWorks. The office will host XSET’s cooperate operations, esports training facilities and content creation studio.

Assouline Book: Metaverse Dream

From the team that brought you The Business of Esports. Everyone is curious about the metaverse. It’s a concept born from games, but one that transcends art, entertainment, fashion, and so much more. Metaverse Dream is your window into this exciting metaverse future - a future that is coming faster than you might think.

Esports Trade Association

The ESTA provides forward-thinking professional development programs, networking opportunities, relevant industry research, and valuable tools and resources to the membership. The association focuses on promoting business expertise and sustainable growth of the esports industry by growing the number of participants, sponsors, products, and services, procuring industry research, and executing industry events.

Up on Game Network: On iHeart and FOX Sports

Former NFL players LaVar Arrington, TJ Houshmandzadeh and Plaxico Burress take on the latest hard-hitting sports topics for athletes, while welcoming guests from the world of sports and entertainment.  Utilizing their vast knowledge of football, the hosts aim to educate, inspire and entertain listeners and athletes of all ages, sharing their real-life experiences and stories, teachable moments and candid discussions that will help players improve their game and perform at the highest level. 

Crypto Bahamas

An exclusive gathering of the leading investors and builders in the blockchain, digital assets and web3 space. With keynote speakers including Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady, Former President Bill Clinton, Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary and more! In 2022 Holodeck Media was invited to produce the Gaming and Web3 segments at Crypto Bahamas!

PAX East 2022

In this episode, we come to you live from the PAX East 2022 conference in Boston, Massachusetts where The Business of Esports hosted the most stacked esports industry panel with special guests Steven Blickensderfer (Lead Privacy Counsel for Krafton), Julien Benichou (Senior Director, Partnerships Strategy, and Execution for Gen.G), Thomas Hajduk (Director of Marketing at OTK Media), and Greg Selkoe (Co-Founder of XSET), not to mention our very own Jimmy Baratta and Lindsay “The Boss” Poss!

Arslanian Media Group

Gaming Content Firm Holodeck Merges With Crypto Specialist Arslanian Media. Holodeck Media creates the “Business of Esports” podcast among other properties announced under the META TV umbrella. Arslanian Media is behind the “Future of Money" and "Crypto Capsule."


Coolman's Universe NFT

Spesh is looking for his best friend throughout Coolman's Universe. To travel through this universe, Spesh uses a surfboard and a compass. This compass is no ordinary compass, however. Not only does it point Spesh in the right direction to find his mysterious friend, but it also tracks the path that Spesh's friend has already taken...finding clues along the way. As Spesh surfs throughout space, he finds himself exploring worlds that he's never experienced...and meeting creatures he would’ve never thought possible.

Stoned Ape Crew NFT

4,142 Stoned Apes Conquered the Cannabis Industry as the #1 Herb-Related NFT project. Building a weed lifestyle brand and a next level web3 tech platform, an ecosystem was built around a “green” deflationary token $PUFF, utilized for herb, apparel, rescuing Nuked Apes, Evolutionary Retreats, and other perks.

Esports Entertainment Group

Esports Entertainment Group is a full-stack esports and online gambling company fueled by the growth of video-gaming and the ascendance of esports with new generations. Our mission is to help connect the world at large with the future of sports entertainment in unique and enriching ways that bring fans and gamers together.


Fallen Media Ad Agency

FALLEN MEDIA IS ONE OF THE LARGEST SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS ON THE PLANET. Our Gen-Z first brands live with their fans, on their phones, everywhere, all day, every day. We tell funny, engaging, and shareable digital stories constantly, and our content team has worked with some of the world’s largest brands to build unique campaigns that speak to our unique audience.

TGR Foundation: A Tiger Woods Charity

Founded in 1996, TGR Foundation equips young people with the tools and support they need to discover their interests, enhance their knowledge and build their own path to personal and professional success.

SMU Esports

Jimmy Baratta of Holodeck Media partners with SMU Esports for Fall of 2022. Earn your Business Management Certificate now!

U.C. Irvine Esports

Go on a journey through the history of Esports and gain vantage points from developers, athletes, fans, sponsors and media. Examine relationships in the Esports communities and understand how their different roles affect each other. Explore Esports from behind the scenes and learn what it means to be involved in Esports. Learn the structures of what an Esports organizations might look like and build the groundwork for an understanding of the Esports industry.

Esports Strategist Jimmy Baratta Joins XSET Gaming

“We are thrilled for Jimmy to #reptheset,” said XSET CEO Greg Selkoe. “His addition to our growing list of contributors and partners adds another layer of strength, creativity, and legitimacy to our organization. Jimmy shares our vision and core philosophy, and we’re honored to have him on the team.” 

ICEBRKRSCLAN: Where gamers become friends

A gaming social ad network with content creators, live streams, discussions, and co-operative / competitive games. What are you waiting for? Join our gaming community.

The North American Collegiate League

The North American Collegiate League- is an America-based non-profit esports and entertainment organization that hosts video game tournaments and league play for universities and colleges with scholarship prizes. The NACL has a multitude of revenue streams and is entering a relatively unexplored niche in the esports market.

Luudofest, by VY Esports and the NACL

A promised appearance of known esport superstars such as Sweet Anita, a Twitch streamer who will also be hosting the event, JustAMinx, and xQc, will be a member of the panel. The event will also be brought to life by a musical performance from Shawn Wasabi, a world-renowned YouTuber. To make it more eventful, professional gamer Trihex will be attempting to create a world record for the speedrun of Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time, along with tons of surprises and prizes to be won.

FORTNITE AND TRAVIS SCOTT PRESENT: ASTRONOMICAL

From April 23-25, blast off into a one of a kind musical journey featuring Travis Scott and the world premiere of a brand new track. Astronomical is an other-worldly experience inspired by Cactus Jack’s creations, built from the ground up in Fortnite To make sure everyone has a chance to experience Astronomical, we’re setting up multiple tour dates with showtimes for players around the globe. Jump in to whichever time fits your schedule best, or catch an encore with your friends if they missed it.

Wizard: Epic Videos Daily

Wizard boasts epic videos, music, and voice chat. Users can create, edit and share videos, chat with friends and the community and check out their awesome profiles, skins and GIFs. Now available on iOS. 

FaZe Clan : Series A

The new round of funding will be used to support the expansion of FaZe, one of the world’s most-followed gaming organizations.  Jimmy Iovine’s NTWRK led the round of funding.  Other investors in this round include Pitbull, Troy Carter, Ray J, Nyjah Huston, Swae Lee, Yo Gotti, Sylvia Rhone, Chris O’Donnell, Big Boy, DJ Paul, Meyers Leonard, Gregory Van Der Wiel, Guy Oseary, Josh Hart, Disco Fries, Offset, and Jamal Murray.

Global Talks: Esports at the University of Peru

The Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas is a private university in Lima, Peru, founded on January 5, 1994. Currently, it offers 46 career programs categorized in 13 schools.


Ultimate Gaming League

The Ultimate Gaming League is here to build the most innovative and engaging content creation and gaming teams. The UGL is led by current and former National Football League (NFL) players, inviting fans of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities to join their team, opening up the broad possibilities gaming has to offer.

VY Esports: Creative Ad Agency

VY is a global gaming and esports company specializing in authentic experiences and creative content for the gaming generations

EDGE by VY Esports

Partnering with GameStop, UPROXX, and presenting sponsor American Eagle, the premiere event for the platform will debut July 25 at 12 p.m. PST on GameStop’s and UPROXX’s Twitch channels. The virtual event will feature myriad groups including those from the Los Angeles gaming community. Industry influencers, players, pro players and others will offer insights, guidance, and lessons on how to get into the gaming and esports space, according to the announcement. EDGE will also feature a live Madden NFL 20 gaming event in partnership with the North American Collegiate League.

XR Sports Group

XR Sports Group is building a modern esports technology stack and introducing the global gaming community to platform based business models to monetize their fan communities.

Wind and Rain Clan

Est. 2017 | Leading Esports in the U.K. & Nordics 🇬🇧🇸🇪 | Europe’s BEST upcoming talent in CSGO, Dota 2, LoL, R6, Fortnite & Rocket League! 

Sharebert: Fortnite Royale Rumble Tournament

From esports tournaments in stadiums featuring Twitch's top talent for millions of fans, to STEM-driven competitive educational experiences, to virtual software designed to train employees for anything from heavy machinery operation to guest interaction, Sharebert blurs the lines between virtual and reality.