April 16, 2019 (Press Release) – Rumble Gaming, an esports talent agency and media platform, launched by sports and media executive Michael Cotton, has acquired MKM Esports, a major talent agency formed by lawyers Josh Marcus and Evan Kubes. Rumble Gaming now features over 300 professional esports teams, players, venues, streamers, and content creators that collectively reach hundreds of millions of esports fans and consumers through their followers and subscribers.

Michael Cotton will maintain his role as Chief Executive Officer of Rumble Gaming. Cotton is also Managing Director of Zone Startups Sports + Media — Canada’s largest sports and media technology accelerator, and former Chief Operating Officer of Toronto Esports, the prior official partner of Boston Uprising, which competes in Overwatch League and is owned by the Kraft Group. “As a fully integrated media company, we’ll have the capacity to produce top-tier esports content, build a centralized platform, and create additional distribution channels for our clients and partners,” said Cotton.

Rumble Gaming wasted no time making its presence felt in the esports and content creation industries by acquiring and merging client rosters with MKM Esports — a premier esports talent agency. With clients that range from the top esports teams worldwide to internationally renowned content creators and influencers, MKM Esports brings a unique and authentic understanding of esports to the management team at Rumble Gaming.

Rumble Gaming is backed by Sygnus Corp., the investment vehicle of media entrepreneur Len Asper, who is also majority owner and Chief Executive Officer of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, a media company that includes global content businesses Fight Network, Impact Wrestling, Game+, Game TV, and the Pursuit Channel. Anthem Sports & Entertainment currently produces esports programming for its Game+ channel, programs its Impact Wrestling shows on Twitch, and produces other content serving the gaming and entertainment industries.

Asper, whose media experience spans over 25 years, will serve in an advisory role as Chairman of the Board and look to leverage his reach and relationships with consumers, advertisers, and platforms to augment partnership opportunities for Rumble Gaming.

“The esports industry has expanded to mirror the business models in traditional sports industries, including franchising rights, event management, player representation, and audience monetization through advertising. However, a market gap exists in media offerings at the intersection of digital and linear media and clients’ desire to reach their preferred target,” says Josh Marcus co-founder of MKM and new Chief Operating Officer of Rumble Gaming.

“This merger gives us the resources necessary to scale and compete with any agency and media arm in the world,” says Evan Kubes co-founder of MKM Esports and new President of Rumble Gaming.

“With the video game industry exceeding $100 billion in global revenue, sponsors, organizations, and investors are increasingly shifting their attention and budgets toward the world of esports and content creation,” says Cotton.