Usain Bolt enters esports as co-owner of WYLDE

Usain Bolt, a global sports superstar and eight-time Olympic gold winner from Jamaica, became a co-owner of Irish esports organization WYLDE on Wednesday. The 35-year-old has been a lifetime gamer, and his esports team will participate in the competitive leagues of Valorant, FIFA, and Rocket League.

The 35 years old sports sensation, who won two gold medals in Beijing in 2008, three in London, and three in Rio de Janeiro before officially retiring in 2017 became a co-owner of Irish esports organization WYLDE on Wednesday.

The Jamaican sprinter expressed his passion for video games in a BBC interview. He used to skip practice to play video games and his passion for MarioCart, the popular racing game, encouraged him to pursue a career as a sprinter.

 

Although he has joined the esports group WYLDE as a co-owner, he will actively participate in activities dedicated to branding the organization and shaping the esports lineups. Bolt can assist the organization’s players in their development with his guidance, support, and competitive experience, and his popularity will help WYLDE as a brand.

“WYLDE is going to become one of the biggest brands in the fastest growing sport in the world. In esports, like in track & field, it’s critical to have that competitive, winning mentality. I look forward to working with the WYLDE leadership team to help our players to reach their potential, while also taking care of their physical and mental wellbeing”. – Usain Bolt

WYLDE was founded by Steve Daly, a former investment banker at JP Morgan, and David Cronin, former president and CEO of the American Ireland Funds two years ago. WYLDE has an academy to nurture gaming talent, as well as a number of WYLDE Boot Camps across Europe, with another one planned for Jamaica later this year. The Org has already entered four Major games including Valorant and FIFA and with Bolt as a co-owner, it won’t be surprising if they enter a few more this year.

WYLDE recently competed in the VLR France Revolution alongside OG and team Vitality, as well as in the EU RLCS with their Rocket League roster. Both of its founders come from the traditional business world, and Bolt’s presence as a Co-founder could lead to more venture and collaboration, as the organization is now in talks with a number of big brands about sponsorship.

Celebrity investments in esports have been on the rise in recent years. Snoop Dogg recently joined FaZe Clan, and now Usain Bolt is joining the Irish esports team. Celebrities’ passion for gaming has brought to some of the most craziest and surprising collaborations.