From Player to Pioneer: Michael Rüsz's Two-Decade Esports Journey
Over the past five seasons of The Gamers Change Lives Podcast, we’ve shared the stories of over 100 guests from across the globe, each one showcasing how esports is transforming lives by creating new jobs and opportunities. From entrepreneurs to players, to industry leaders, we've seen firsthand how gaming is more than just a pastime, it’s a powerful force for change.
In Season 6, we’re doing something exciting: we’re handing over the mic to a diverse group of guest hosts. Each of these hosts will bring their own unique perspective and tell stories from their personal worlds, offering fresh insights into how esports is creating jobs, changing lives, and shaping the future of work in ways we might not have imagined.
This season is all about exploring new angles, broadening our reach, and bringing more voices into the conversation. Get ready for stories that are different, yet aligned with our core message: Play Games, Create Jobs, Change Lives!
Guest host: Calino Calebson, CEO of Ace Gamers Esports in Ghana.
Meet Caleb Agbenyega, he is our first guest host of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, who also goes by his media personality name ‘Calino Calebson’, and is from Ghana. He is the CEO and founder of Ace Gamers Esports and the president of the Africa Champions League.
We were fortunate to have him as a guest in Season 5, and soon realized he has more stories to tell. We are very excited to have him on board.
Season 6, Episode 8
Summary
In this episode, Michael Rüsz shares his extensive journey in esports, spanning over two decades. He discusses his transition from a professional player to various roles in management, education, and event organization. Michael emphasizes the importance of passion, sacrifices, and community building in the esports industry. He also highlights the challenges and successes of monetizing esports education and organizing events, while sharing memorable experiences from major esports events. The conversation concludes with personal insights on balancing family life with a demanding career in esports.
Takeaways
- Michael has been in esports for 23 years, starting as a player.
- Passion is the key to recognizing a professional journey in esports.
Sacrifices are necessary to achieve success in esports.
- Transitioning from player to management requires setting new goals.
- Esports education has grown significantly, with many schools involved.
- Monetizing esports education can be achieved through government support.
- Building communities is essential for the growth of esports.
- Event organizations present challenges but can ignite interest in esports.
- Navigating the esports business requires understanding player dynamics.
- Memorable experiences at LAN events shape the esports culture.
* * *
Featured in this episode:
Michael Rüsz
Former Danish national team captain in COD2 from 2005 until 2008, professional esports athlete (2004-2008).
Former owner of eXplicit Gaming (2004-2010), Former chairman for Viborg eSport(2008-2011). Former chairman for TPNG(2017-2018). Former CEO at Esport Service IVS(2016-2019) Former Head of esport for AGF Esport(2018), Former Chief Gaming Officer Prosapia Esport(2022-2023), Former Academy Director NASR Esports(2023-2024) Former Partner at Esport Service IVS(2015-2025). CEO LGND Talent Agency 2024-?.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-rusz-esports/
Website: https://lgnd.ae/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/DjangoESPORT
* * *
Please subscribe to our podcast wherever you are listening to this episode.
Leave us a rating and a review if you like our content for others to discover what we are doing.
And tell your friends!
CONNECT WITH US ELSEWHERE:
Visit our website at https://www.gamerschangelivespodcast.com/ to learn more about our program, our blog, and sign up for our emails to be notified of upcoming episodes.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GamersChangeLives
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegclpodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gamerschangelives/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8TRl42z9cbMyZMhcpNo0cw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamerschangelives
PRODUCTION:
Creator and host: Tom Leonard (USA) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomeleonard/
Executive Producer: Reginald Nsowah (Ghana) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-nsowah-09352929/
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Play Games. Create Jobs. Change Lives.
This is a show about how to build an esports business from literally anywhere in the world where each week we showcase the journey of esports entrepreneurs and others to learn how they solved a particular problem that everyone will ultimately face.
Thanks for listening to The Gamers Change Lives Podcast!
