Esports
Agent

Become an esports Agent

Some professional gamers, hosts or other talent in esports will utilise to agents to help get them work, maybe handle their branding, or enter into contract negotiations and sponsorship deals.

We spoke to Alexander Davis, agent at Evolved Talent Agency, for some insight into this role.

What skills do you need?

Agents will need to have strong negotiation, networking and communication skills. Like sales people and recruiters, they will need to have a knack for building relationships with key stakeholders.

Agents must be skilled at selling the players/talent they represent, and showing to teams and partners why the player deserves a good deal or a contract.

They will also often be well versed in contract law and other legal areas of employment. Because of this, some legal firms will have agencies and offer player representation.

Of course, agents will also need a good reputation and understanding of the esports industry, along with a solid contacts book.

A degree of outside-the-box thinking and the ability to come up with fresh solutions is also required. For example, if an agent believes their talent is worth more than an employer is willing to pay, they may negotiate other incentives such as optional extras and individual performance-based bonuses over a certain time.

Alexander Davis from Evolved Talent Agency says it’s not an easy role.

“It’s more difficult than you think, players aren’t always happy (for example if they’re being sold), and this can throw the entire deal up in the air. You never know what they want, they may change their mind and you may have to deal with egos. You need to be able to help advise and guide them.

“The role involves building relationships and team building. I sit down with team managers and understand what they’re trying to do, then I know what’s happening in a certain esports scene in the next year and I can negotiate for players and help them correctly. I regularly reach out to players and DM them saying they did well in a tournament for example. I stay in touch with them, it’s good practice and you never know what’s going to happen in the future.”

He continues: “Most people at Evolve are attorneys. You need a special agency license to be an agent in North America (it depends on the territory), so it’s hard to get into this area.”