Exploring the future of Esports

Rory Daniels

Chair and Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, techUK

Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.

During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.

Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.

Today, he is techUK's Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies, covering dozens of technologies including metaverse, drones, semiconductors, future materials, robotics, blockchain, space technologies, nanotechnology, gaming tech and Web3.0.

: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

Dennis Horn

Senior Esports Manager, Tencent Games

Dennis brings over two decades of expertise in the dynamic world of esports and gaming to his role as Senior Esports Manager at Tencent Games. With a focus on Broadcast and Creative execution for PUBG MOBILE Global Events, he orchestrates captivating experiences for players and spectators alike. Prior to his tenure at Tencent, Dennis made significant contributions at Activision Blizzard, shaping the landscape of Overwatch Esports. His extensive background underscores his commitment to pushing boundaries and driving innovation in the esports arena.

Prakash Kerai (PK)

Partner, Shoosmiths

Prakash Kerai (PK) co-heads the fintech service line at Shoosmiths and has been advising on technology, outsourcing, and FinTech arrangements for nearly two decades. His ‘in-house’ experience includes acting as the General Counsel of a FinTech organisation (a digital challenger bank).  As a member of the Shoosmiths’ Technology Sector Executive team, PK also helps lead on the Blockchain & Digital Assets sub sector. In 2023, PK was appointed as a member of techUK’s Financial Services Council.

 

: https://www.shoosmiths.com/people/cvdetails/prakash-kerai

India Alanis Browne

Pro Esports Athlete,

India Alanis Browne, a British esports athlete, has captivated the attention of a global audience with her inspiring story. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia and spent her early years in Anguilla, British West Indies, where she developed an interest in the digital realm. When she was 7 years old, her family moved to the UK, which laid the foundation for her remarkable journey into the gaming and esports world. Her passion and perseverance helped her excel in the field.

A significant turning point in Alanis's journey came when she was 15 years old and joined Circuitry Gaming, a US-based organisation, to compete in the Radiant Rocket League tournament. Her exceptional performance placed her among the top 10 players overall, marking the beginning of her professional gaming career. In 2022, she secured a spot-on Team England's female roster for the inaugural Esports Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Alanis not only became the youngest player to represent her country in any esports game but also made history as the first woman to win an esports gold medal in the Rocket League.

After winning the Commonwealth Games, she was signed by Team EndPoint CeX, a UK-based esports organisation, representing them in various tournaments such as DreamHack Dallas, Women Carball, Insomnia SKY Boost Championship and Radiant Star Chaser over the past year. Alanis's influence extends beyond her gaming skills. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry, using her platform to inspire young gamers, break down barriers and challenge stereotypes.

Her collaborations with brands like Nike, Microsoft and the BBC highlight Alanis's role in shaping the esports landscape. As a keynote speaker at the BETT 2023 educational technology conference, she shared insights on the fusion of gaming and education, emphasising the broader impact of digital engagement. Alanis has also been nominated for the 2024 GamerHers Rising Star Award and Black in Tech Gaming Award.

Along with her gaming pursuits, Alanis has managed to balance her esports career with A-level studies in Law and Hospitality Management. She is scheduled to begin university in 2024 on an esports scholarship. She has also dedicated time to building computers since the age of 14 and honing her musical talents, particularly playing the piano. India Alanis Browne continues to redefine the esports narrative, illustrating that passion, dedication and a commitment to breaking barriers can pave the way to success.

Imogen Glen

Manager, PwC

Imogen is a strategy consultant with Strategy& (part of the PwC network) and is based in London. She has experience supporting M&A and strategy for UK and international public, corporate, and private equity clients. Imogen broadly supports clients in consumer markets, with a special focus on video games and adjacent markets, including Esports.

Sam Cooke

Co-Founder and Managing Director, Esports Insider

Sam is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Esports Insider, the global B2B esports industry news platform, agency, events and media company.

Sam is also Co-Founder of the WFH League, and an advisor to other companies in the space. He has spoken at events including the World Gaming Executive Summit, the Asia Licensing Conference, Samsung KX, PGC and more.