Mike Sepso

Mike Sepso is an American video game, media, and technology entrepreneur recognized for his role in the development of the global esports industry. Along with co-founder Sundance DiGiovanni, Sepso launched Major League Gaming (MLG), introducing professional competitive gaming at a time when the concept was largely dismissed. Starting a circuit with no investment, no established fan base, and no prior experience in building such a competition, Sepso and DiGiovanni navigated skepticism and financial challenges to establish MLG as a significant force in esports.

Prior to founding MLG, Sepso was co-founder and co-CEO of Gotham Broadband, an early innovator in broadband content and delivery. Under Sepso's leadership, MLG achieved several industry milestones, including establishing the first professional esports league system, securing the first televised esports series with NBC Sports, and launching the first OTT broadcast platform for premier esports content. Sepso played a key role in bringing major non-endemic sponsors into esports, such as Dr. Pepper, Old Spice, and Boost Mobile. MLG became the largest independent esports league globally and contributed to the evolution of the esports ecosystem. The company's streaming platform, MLG.tv, was a significant driver of growth, and MLG was ultimately acquired by Activision Blizzard.

After the acquisition, Sepso joined Activision Blizzard, where he launched the company's first esports division and helped design the blueprint for the first global franchised esports league, initially realized through Overwatch League. He served as senior vice president alongside Steve Bornstein, who chaired the division. Following his tenure at Activision Blizzard, Sepso joined New York Excelsior as a strategic partner, one of the founding franchises of Overwatch League and the first professional esports franchise to represent New York City.

Sepso later co-founded Vindex with DiGiovanni, a provider of technology and infrastructure to esports companies. Through its Esports Engine and Next Generation Esports divisions, Vindex facilitates major esports events, offering services in program design, management, event production, and broadcasting. Sepso has also served as chief strategy officer for ESL FACEIT Group, a leading competitive gaming organization. In recognition of his contributions to the growth of esports, Sepso received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Esports Awards. He is frequently referred to as a prominent voice on the business, culture, and future of competitive gaming.