WePlay Esports, the flagship company of WePlay Holding, stands out for its unparalleled approach to events. Each tournament is unique and unlike any other. Its reputation as an innovator wins the fans’ hearts, who eagerly await each new twist from WePlay Esports.
WePlay Esports, the flagship company of WePlay Holding, stands out for its unparalleled approach to events. Each tournament is unique and unlike any other. Its reputation as an innovator wins the fans’ hearts, who eagerly await each new twist from WePlay Esports.
It takes thousands of hours of specialists’ efforts to make one such show, and it is difficult to overestimate the contribution of anyone. However, it’s impossible to imagine a massive modern-day show without an event producer. So what’s so special about this profession, and how can one master it?
What do esports event producers do?
An event producer is responsible for the entire production of the event, which makes them a person with a grand goal — to make a show succeed and please the end consumer: both the attendee who came to the show and the viewer on the other side of the screen. Oleg Kapelson, an event producer at WePlay Esports, has been working in the event industry for more than 15 years, making music festivals and concerts, international sports events, tournaments, fairs, and exhibitions. As a producer at WePlay Esports, Oleg contributes to the success of many esports events and knows how to create an esports show that won’t leave anyone indifferent.
Oleg Kapelson, event producer at WePlay Esports. Photo: WePlay Holding
“I should mention that within an esports event production, there are two types of producers: event producer and broadcast producer. Both of them are responsible for the quality and level of the whole event. Filming, live broadcasts, and the high-quality image viewers see on their screens are the work of a broadcast producer. As an event producer, I focus on the organizational part of the show. My responsibilities include developing the event concept, searching for the most suitable location (studio or an entire stadium), selecting and supervising technical and administrative contractors, communicating with authorities, organizing the show part of the event, and project budgeting,” tells Oleg about his work.
What skills are needed?
Managing the flow of events as a key objective for event producers demands a full set of skills, hands-on experience, and a creative approach.
“One of the main skills is communication. The more a producer works on their interpersonal skills, the better the result they get. You need to be able to convey your thoughts clearly, and make sure that your interlocutor understands exactly what is expected of them,” thinks Oleg.
There can’t be two identical events. First, an event’s success declines if the viewer is not surprised. Predictability is not the best tool for creating a show. Second, each section of the entertainment industry is unique. You would be wrong to think that the same event can be a fit for a music gig, a football match, and an esports tournament all at once.
“Definitely, an event producer should know all the ins and out of esports if they want to work in this area, like in any other. Madonna’s concert shouldn’t be like a football match, should it? Every sphere has its own specifics, but for me, experience in each of the specific areas/directions that make up a large event is a must.
There is a big difference between esports and traditional sports for me as for event producer. Classic sports are more dynamic: people are running, screaming, and so on. In esports, the dynamics are manifested in a different way: most of the time, players just sit, often expressionless, providing a static picture. But the in-game dynamics are sometimes several times more intense than in traditional sports. All things considered, we need to spice up esports tournaments and avoid overwhelming action in sports matches,” shares his opinion Oleg.
The Ultimate Boxing Night held at the WePlay Esports Arena Kyiv has erased the line between sports and esports. Photo: WePlay Holding Х USYK-17 PROMOTIONS
How to start your career
“I started practicing at local humor shows and stage performances. There, I began communicating with different people from various areas of show business and creative and technical solutions industry, learning everything step-by-step, and working as a master of ceremonies. Then I learned to write scripts, work with contractors, and so on. Script writing helped me start developing my imagination and creativity. And working onstage with a mike in front of a full house gives one added confidence and helps identify what emotions the audience/viewer seeks. These are all small steps leading to a big goal. When a producer accumulates years of such experience, then they can be invited to make the opening of a stadium or an even bigger event,” recalls his experience Oleg.
For example, someone might have a bachelor’s degree in meeting and event management or take management courses. Business management, marketing, public relations, communications, or hospitality management may also be relevant.
“As for education, it is important to understand that no one can teach creativity. And since creativity is an integral part of the work of an event producer, what you need is self-education. Read more, watch movies, learn new things, find out about art, and don’t be afraid to try your hand at different roles. For 15 years, I have been a technician, a team leader, and whoever I could. You can be looking from the outside, not understanding how everything works, so you need to try,” comments Oleg.
Each event should serve as a development step for the event producer and not just go into your portfolio. Perfection has no limit. After each event, even if the audience liked it, you need to work on the shortcomings, find the errors, and think about how to fix them in the future.
The work of an event producer is fascinating and, at the same time, highly intensive. Irregular work hours and hundreds of things to do before the event are just the tip of the iceberg. However, seeing the result of your work and the audience’s reaction may be worth a lot more for many.