April 20, 2021 – Los Angeles — Esports and gaming enabler, aXiomatic Gaming announced today that former Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Mark Vela will become the company’s chief executive officer, effective April 30. Bruce Stein, a co-founder who has served as the company’s CEO since 2015, will continue as an investor.

As vice president of strategy and then CSO, Vela has been instrumental in landing several of aXiomatic’s marquee investments including Niantic (Pokémon GO) and blockchain technology company Dapper Labs (NBA Top Shot). As chief executive officer, he will lead investments, lend strategic support and provide oversight across the entire portfolio, which also includes Epic Games (Fortnite) and premier esports organization Team Liquid, of which aXiomatic holds majority ownership.

“I am thrilled to lead the next chapter for aXiomatic and further build upon an incredible foundation that includes market disruptors like Team Liquid, Epic, Niantic, Dapper and others,” said Vela. “We aim to not only continue elevating this unparalleled portfolio of companies that’s driving innovation across competitive, social and blockchain gaming communities, but also identify, partner with, and invest in the next wave of industry-defining companies and platforms, and new audiences.”

Vela has worked in gaming for nearly ten years, during which time he developed an expertise within global gaming platforms, mobile games and esports. Before joining aXiomatic, Vela led games merchandising strategy at Google Play where he helped lead the games business to record-breaking growth. Prior to that, he served as Activision’s director of strategy, operations and product management. There, he designed, built out and led a profitable mobile gaming division for leading gaming brands including Call of Duty, Skylanders and Guitar Hero.

In recent months, aXiomatic’s innovative portfolio has gone from strength to strength as partner companies such as Epic Games, Niantic, Dapper Labs and Team Liquid continue to blaze trails at the forefront of gaming, entertainment and technology.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Bruce for his leadership and significant contributions since helping found aXiomatic,” said aXiomatic Co-Executive Chairman Ted Leonsis, who is also Chairman, CEO and Majority Owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “We expect great things from Mark and the rest of our dynamic team in the chapter ahead, as they continue to elevate our partners and impact the gaming industry for years to come.”

In addition to Leonsis, aXiomatic’s board includes Chairman and CEO of Mandalay Entertainment and Co-Owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers and MLS’ Los Angeles Football Club Peter Guber, Oaktree Capital Co-Founder and Co-Chairman Bruce Karsh and Tampa Bay Lightning Owner and Chairman Jeff Vinik.

ABOUT AXIOMATIC GAMING

Founded in 2015, aXiomatic Gaming is an esports and gaming enabler that provides financial resources and industry expertise to rising companies creating new experiences for fans and players alike. We seek out passionate industry leaders who share our vision and excitement for the future of the gaming ecosystem.

For more information on aXiomatic and its growing partner portfolio, please visit axiomaticgaming.com.