Wildcard Gaming and Amouranth: A Strategic Partnership in NA Esports
Wildcard Gaming’s Steady Growth
Wildcard Gaming, an esports organization based in the United States, has been on a gradual rise since its founding in 2017. Although it may not be as well-known as some of its North American counterparts, Wildcard has steadily scaled up over the years. The organization recently underwent a significant rebranding in June and welcomed Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa as its co-owner. This partnership aims to further elevate Wildcard’s presence in the esports scene.
Amouranth’s Role in Wildcard Gaming
Kaitlyn “Amouranth” Siragusa, a prominent content creator, joined Wildcard Gaming as a co-owner to help the organization grow. Ben Merritt, COO and Co-founder of Wildcard Gaming, explained that the company was searching for an influencer to organically expand the brand. Amouranth, based in Houston, Texas, where Wildcard’s headquarters are located, emerged as the perfect fit.
Merritt highlighted the importance of building a local presence in Houston, adding, “One of our main starting points was to look at the Houston area. Kaitlyn came to mind first, and then we had great conversations with her and her team, which made the process easy.”
Investment Approach and Business Strategy
Amouranth’s investment in Wildcard Gaming aligns with her cautious approach to business ventures. She has a history of investing in various projects outside of gaming and content creation, including gas stations and an orchard. Her investment philosophy emphasizes patience, simplicity, and sustainability.
Amouranth stated, “You should look at businesses that have proven themselves to withstand the initial startup phase. We saw a lot of esports companies fizzle out spending too much sponsor money, so it is important to look out for that.”
Her decision to invest in Wildcard was influenced by the organization’s financially conservative approach and focus on sustainable growth. This partnership aims to avoid risky “Hail Mary” decisions and instead focus on engaging with new communities and opportunities.
Impact of Amouranth’s Involvement
Since Amouranth joined Wildcard as co-owner, Merritt noticed a shift in the types of inquiries and activations the organization receives. The partnership has put a spotlight on Wildcard, attracting more inbound interest and support from businesses and fans in Houston.
Merritt explained, “The focus with Amouranth here is definitely speeding up the process on how we generate revenue streams and getting businesses involved in the city of Houston, really building up that esports story in the city.”
The collaboration has helped Wildcard transition from a niche organization to one with the potential for global reach. Merritt likened Wildcard’s previous position to that of Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays—present in the scene but not widely recognized.
Wildcard Gaming’s Rebranding and Future Plans
Coinciding with the partnership with Amouranth, Wildcard Gaming underwent a rebranding to return to its roots. The original jester-inspired skull logo was reinstated, replacing the more corporate logo adopted in 2018. The new logo also features colors reminiscent of the Houston Oilers, paying homage to local sports and the city of Houston.
Despite her busy schedule as a content creator, Amouranth remains actively involved in Wildcard’s leadership team, particularly in promoting the brand and raising awareness.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Wildcard Gaming faces the challenge of expanding into new markets, especially given the high costs associated with entering new games in the United States. The organization and its new co-owner are carefully evaluating expansion opportunities to ensure financial viability.
Merritt’s primary challenge is balancing the need for expansion with financial prudence. With Amouranth’s support, Wildcard aims to grow into a significant player in the NA esports industry. The organization’s slow and steady approach, combined with strategic partnerships, positions it for long-term success.
Conclusion
The partnership between Wildcard Gaming and Amouranth exemplifies a strategic approach to growth in the esports industry. By focusing on sustainability, local engagement, and cautious expansion, Wildcard aims to build a lasting presence in the competitive landscape. With Amouranth’s influence and the organization’s steady progress, Wildcard Gaming is poised for a promising future in NA esports.
