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Event Schedule

Where Innovation Unfolds

The EsportsNext 2025 agenda is designed to maximize networking and provide actionable insights. With high-impact keynotes and targeted breakout sessions, each moment is crafted to help you advance your business goals.

Explore the 2025 EsportsNext agenda below.
Please note the agenda is subject to change.

May 22

  5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Trinity Foyer

Kick off EsportsNext 2025 with an exclusive evening that sets the tone for tomorrow's opportunities. Join industry leaders for revealing insights into esports' current trajectory, market analysis, and emerging opportunities. Network with C-suite executives, brand innovators, and decision-makers

 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Trinity Foyer

State of the Industry
Join us for revealing insigths into esports' current trajectory, market analysis and emerging opportunities.

Jason Allsop
Senior VP & Managing Director,
Research Services West
Angus Reid Group

May 23

 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Trinity Ballroom 5 & 6

Kickstart your EsportsNext experience with Coffee Connections! Join us for a fresh cup of coffee and delicious breakfast bites. It’s the perfect opportunity to make new connections and energize your morning before we dive into a day packed with insightful sessions and engaging discussions. Don’t miss the chance to network with industry leaders and peers in an informal, welcoming setting. Let’s brew success together!

Transform your vision into action during our power-packed main conference day. Each carefully curated session brings together industry pioneers who aren't just discussing the future – they're actively shaping it. From breakthrough monetization strategies to emerging tech innovations, our discussions cut through the noise to deliver actionable insights you won't find anywhere else.

9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

Championship Mindset: Finding the Leaders of Tomorrow
The transition from gaming excellence to professional leadership isn't coincidental—it's systematic. Our distinguished panel will unpack the core competencies that drive success in both arenas: strategic thinking under pressure, rapid decision-making with incomplete information, team coordination across diverse skill sets, and the mental resilience required to perform when stakes are highest.

Erik Anderson
President
Faze Esports

Robert Dahlström
Director of Counter-Strike
Faze Clan

Danny Engles
Corporate Director, Global Operations
Team Vitality

 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

Future Proof: How AI & Technology are Reshaping the Game

From AI coaches to predictive analytics, technology is revolutionizing how we compete, create, and connect in esports. Get ready for a mind-bending journey into the tools and tech reshaping every corner of competitive gaming.

Moderator
Brett Diamond
Adjunct Instructor
University of Minnesota 

Shaun Meredith
Founder and CTO
Omnic.AI

KT Moore
VP, Corporate Marketing
Cadence

Alec Guthrie
Senior Partnerships Manager
100 Thieves

 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Trinity Foyer

Networking Break

Refuel with a fresh cup of coffee, network with fellow enthusiasts, and rejuvenate during this lively break before we plunge back into our thrilling EsportsNext sessions!

 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

OK Zoomer: Gen Alpha Takes Over

Move over Millennials and Zoomers - Gen Alpha is rewriting the rulebook! Dive into how gaming's first truly digital-native audience is forcing us to rethink everything from content creation to community building.

Moderator
Danielle Johnson
Executive Director
Texas Scholastic Esports Federation

Dani Mariano
President
Razorfish

Richard Goldsmith
Senior Manager
Deloitte Consulting

Megan Insco
Esports Director
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

Caleb Wilmoth
Director of Mobile Y
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Trinity Ballroom 5 & 6

Lunch

 1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

Competitive Blueprints: Building Tomorrow's Esports Ecosystem

This session explores how leagues and tournament organizers serve as the critical infrastructure for sustainable esports ecosystems. Drawing on their extensive experience, panelists will discuss the evolving relationship between TOs, publishers, and teams, examining both successful models and lessons learned from challenges in the industry.

The discussion will be enriched by multi-faceted perspectives spanning competitive play, organizational leadership, and game development—offering unique insights on creating inclusive esports frameworks.

Moderator
Jordan Trabue
Director of Partnerships
Anthros

Sean Charles
Director of Partnerships
Fissure

Nicolas Estrup
SVP Product Development
ESL FACEIT Group

Stephanie Harvey
Chief Culture Officer and RED Director
FlyQuest

Tahir Hasangjekaj
Director, Competitive Engagement
Halo Studios, Microsoft

 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

Creators Rule Everything Around Me: The New Power Players

The line between pros, creators, and teams has blurred forever. Dive into how multi-game influencers, creator collectives, and player-led brands are reshaping the power dynamics of esports. From content strategies to revenue splits, learn how the creator economy is flipping the traditional esports model on its head.

Moderator
Megan Van Petten
Founder
Esports Trade Association

Sean Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Tribe Gaming

Britanni Johnson
Director of Influencer Relations
Dexerto

Justin Stefanovic
SVP Global Partnerships
Misfits Gaming Group

Cody Bland
Senior Operations Manager
Dude Perfect

 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

Fireside Chat with FaZe Apex

Don't miss this rare opportunity to gain insights from a visionary who has helped shape one of the most recognized names in gaming and esports culture.

Moderator
Erik Anderson
President
Faze Esports

Faze Apex

 3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

Forging Tomorrow's Leaders: Key Insights from the Next Gen Esports Leadership Lab Powered by SHI

The Next Gen Esports Leadership Lab powered by SHI united key stakeholders across education and industry to address ecosystem disconnects. This session will explore emerging insights from our collaborative discussions and outline potential pathways toward a more integrated esports ecosystem that benefits all participants. Join us as we share preliminary findings and invite your input on shaping our collective path forward.

Snow White
Director of Education Sales Strategy

Intel

 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

Building the Future: The Evolving Landscape of Collegiate Esports

This panel brings together leaders from various sectors of collegiate esports to explore the current state and future trajectory of esports in higher education. From establishing competitive programs to integrating esports into academic curricula, panelists will share practical insights on building sustainable esports initiatives and preparing students for careers in the gaming industry. Drawing from their diverse experiences, speakers will discuss best practices, challenges, and opportunities in this rapidly evolving space.

Moderator
Justin M. Jacobson
Adjunct Professor
University of North Carolina - Wilmington

Jacob VanRyn
Commissioner / CEO
NECC

Wil Fisackerly, Ph.D
Lecturer of Sports Business
University of Oklahoma

Tom Screech
Instructor, Esports Management
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

The Texas Esports Phenomenon: Building a Digital Sports Capital

This one-hour session explores how Dallas-Fort Worth and the broader Texas region has emerged as one of North America's premier esports ecosystems. From purpose-built facilities and major organizational headquarters to sold-out arenas and educational integration, we'll examine the unique elements that have positioned Texas at the forefront of competitive gaming's cultural and commercial revolution.

Moderator
John Davidson
Founder
DLC

Ginger Lively Cade
Sr. Director of Sales
Dallas Sports Commission

Corey Dunn
Director, Publisher Operations
ESL FACEIT Group

Mike Rufail
Founder and Chief Gaming Officer
Envy Gaming

 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Trinity Foyer & Trinity Ballroom 4 & 8

Join us for Legends and Libations, the premier reception at the ESTA Industry Awards. As we prepare to unveil and celebrate this year’s honorees, enjoy an evening filled with fine drinks, elegant appetizers, and the company of esteemed industry leaders. This is your chance to mingle with the legends of esports, make lasting connections, and get inspired by the achievements that have shaped our industry. Don’t miss out on this exclusive celebration!

 

SPONSORS

May 23-25

DreamHack, the world's largest digital festival, transforms Dallas into a gaming industry powerhouse. While EsportsNext drives the business conversations, DreamHack delivers unparalleled access to gaming culture, consumer behavior, and emerging trends in action. Experience firsthand how brands engage with fans through esports tournaments, creator content, interactive experiences, and direct-to-consumer retail – all under one roof.

Past Attendees

Register Early to Save

Members, be sure to log in to receive your discount.

Regular
Register by May 21

$500

Member

$750

Non-Member

On-Site
Register by May 23

$750

Member

$1,000

Non-Member

Press Pass
Conference Ticket

Press members can click the button below to apply for credentials to attend the conference portion of EsportsNext.

207 E. Ohio St. #430
Chicago, IL 60611 USA

info@esportsta.org
(708) 680-7133‬

Mon – Fri, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm CST

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