Together with Xantaro, we have launched the Xantaro IT Trials. But what is it all about? 5 talents are given the opportunity to start a career in the IT sector and are supported at the same time. It’s all about creating dual career paths in esports. Together with our Director of Development, Christian Lenz, we talk about the developments to date and the importance of such offers for talents.
epf: Christian, with what motivation did you approach the Xantaro IT Trials back then?
Christian Lenz: As epf, we always set ourselves the goal of creating added value for the community and our talents. Thanks to Xantaro, 5 talents can build a secure future for themselves while continuing to pursue esports as their passion.
epf: Can you give a brief summary of what has already happened?
Christian Lenz: We launched a call for applications in the community on 01.04.2023. After a multi-stage selection process, we then selected the best 5 talents in July. I am particularly proud that we were able to recruit 2 women for the IT trials. The talents have already been working for several months and regularly experience highlights thanks to Xantaro. The boot camp with all 5 talents in Austria in November was certainly a special event.
epf: How are the talents supported as part of the Xantaro IT Trials?
Christian Lenz: In addition to weekly in-game coaching and a scholarship, we support the players with sports psychologists, nutritional advice, weekly fitness sessions as well as tax and legal advice and hardware support. But even more important than these elements is the support provided by Xantaro. Each talent is looked after by personal mentors and has round-the-clock access to contact persons who support them with valuable advice. This form of mentoring is invaluable, especially for up-and-coming talent.
epf: How have the IT Trials talents developed since the start of the promotion?
Christian Lenz: Basically, a positive development can be seen in all talents, even if this is not always reflected in the SoloQ results. Aria51, for example, remains at Master level despite his move, as does Crxpe, who has returned to Master level after a long break. Jana also managed to finish last season as a Master. Nugget and Vanpire are also developing positively; Nugget is currently taking a break from LoL proplay, while Vanpire continues to fight with great commitment for a better position in the ranking.
epf: How exactly do programs like the Xantaro IT Trials play a role in the collaboration between EPF and companies like Xantaro?
Christian Lenz: Working with companies like Xantaro is very important to us. Programs like the Xantaro IT Trials provide a unique opportunity for esports talent to develop their skills in IT while pursuing their passion for esports. Through these partnerships, we can offer players a wide range of opportunities, both in their Esports career and in their professional development. It’s initiatives like these that help to further professionalize the esports space and put it on a healthier footing.
epf: What are the specific benefits of working with companies like Xantaro for esports professionals, especially in terms of their career development?
Christian Lenz: Xantaro attaches great importance to ensuring that the talents have sufficient time for their esports activities, which offers a unique opportunity to pursue their passion as well as gain valuable professional experience. Through their work at Xantaro, the talents gain new insights every day that can also be useful in esports, for example in dealing with complex problems.
In addition, esports professionals should never underestimate the importance of mentoring and building their own network. At Xantaro, talents have the opportunity to make valuable contacts and learn from the experiences of their mentors. This plays a key role in helping them to develop both professionally and in esports.