Let ’ s talk about the tournaments –– what kind of tournaments do you host and how big are they ? How integral are tournaments to your business model ?
While we ’ ve been open to hosting tournaments for a wide variety of games , we ’ ve really found the most success with Fighting Games such as Super Smash Bros . Ultimate and Guilty Gear -Strive- . In addition to our weekly tournaments , which are for our local players to refine their skills , we also host monthly and quarterly tournaments that attract the strongest competitors from not only the Daytona area but also from nearby hotspots such as Orlando , Jacksonville and beyond .
Each participant is competing for cash prizes and the pool is dependent on the number of entrants . The prize pool is split three ways : 60 %, 30 % and 10 % to 1st , 2nd and 3rd place respectively . The more entrants there are , the bigger the prize pool . These tournaments , while not the main driving force behind our finances , bring the core community aspect that is integral to a place of this nature . Bigger tournaments may generate bigger revenue , though it requires more involvement from multiple parties . The best part about this is the growth we have been experiencing is on an upwards tick , more new faces and more new talent .
What ’ s been your biggest challenge and how have you overcome it ?
One of our greatest challenges , and one that we can confidently say is a challenge faced by many of our contemporaries , is that there has always been a bit of a negative stigma associated with video games , often by parents or other family members who don ’ t see much further than the surface . At Vortex Esports Arena , we aim to foster an environment that exemplifies what is good about video games . We provide a fun , social meeting place for people to forge lifelong friendships steeped in shared hobbies and exhibit just how video games have the power to bring people together . What are your plans for the future ? Right now , our immediate plans involve expanding into education with technology workshops covering topics such as programming , graphic design , video editing , Microsoft Office and even basic computer literacy . We also are exploring the idea of an esports team which in turn would help represent the Vortex Esports Arena brand beyond our walls . Finally , and probably most importantly , we are looking to participate more in our immediate local area . Through hosting more community events such as The Vortex Showdown and collaborating with schools and school clubs to host events , our goal is to solidify Vortex Esports Arena as a staple destination in the Greater Daytona Area .
Elesha Mavrommatis is the managing editor of EVOLVE Magazine – Greater Daytona Region .
Vortex Esports Arena
NOVEMBER 2021 | 15 |