Alex · @synygy_
9th Aug 2021 from TwitLonger
Joining LDN UTD, leaving UKLC and what this means for the UKEL
I wanted to write this as a follow-up to the recent announcement that I’ve joined LDN UTD as their Esports Manager, and to address what I envisage to be the main questions/concerns that people might have.
Previously I have mentioned that my contract with DreamHack had come to an end and so would no longer be working on the UKLC/NLC. I ensured that I had made my colleagues (Tobias and Magnus) aware that I would be working with a team in the promotion series and had received the all clear from them regarding the move. This means I no longer have any hand in league operations or access to sensitive information, removing what could have been a conflict-of-interest situation.
Now comes the trickier part regarding my plans with the UKEL. There are two outcomes here, one in which LDN UTD qualify for UKLC and the other where we do not.
1) If LDN UTD qualify then the situation is straightforward and I can continue to work on the UKEL pretty much as I currently do, though with significantly reduced hours owing to the fact I have a full-time job now.
2) If LDN UTD do not qualify for UKLC then things become a bit more complex as it would be a direct conflict for me to oversee tournament operations while also working for one of the teams competing.
The proposed solution to this would be for myself, Marc (UKEL Managing Director) and Olly (LDN UTD CEO) to all sign and make publicly available an NDA-type agreement. While I currently don’t have an exact draft, the idea would be that I recuse myself from any of the tournament administration of the UKEL and day to day running of the League of Legends tournament. In this capacity I could continue to assist in the development of the league in other titles, as well as from a brand perspective, while also being able to fulfill my managerial duties for LDN UTD.
I want to take the time to say that I am still committed to the UKEL and the platform that it provides to the many players, staff and broadcast talent that have been with us over the last 2 years. While I will have to take a step back in some capacity, I am still intent upon my original goal of developing a thriving grassroots scene in UK esports, something which I will also be able to do with my new position at LDN UTD!
I hope that clears up any immediate concerns regarding the announcement. As always, I’m very open to chatting to people or responding to comments so do let me know if you have anything you’d like to ask or discuss!
-Alex