ABOUT US

BRETT PAYNE

Brett Payne is the founder and CEO of Contender Esports, a global franchise providing cutting-edge gaming centers for communities worldwide. Under his leadership, the brand has become a key player in the esports industry, delivering high-quality gaming experiences for both casual and competitive players. With a strong background in franchise development and international expansion, Brett’s expertise drives Contender Esports’ ongoing growth and market presence.

BRIAN BRUCKEN

Brian Brucken is an Operating Partner with more than 25 years of sales leadership experience. Brian is responsible for all revenue generation and Go-To-Market globally. Prior to Contender Gaming Group, Brian has held leadership roles with industry leaders such as BMC Software where he was Vice President of Worldwide Sales for BMC’s Digital Service Management business and oversaw the company’s SaaS expansion efforts and aggressive growth strategy. Prior to BMC, Brian held a variety of leadership roles for 17 years at Hewlett Packard Enterprise including Vice President Americas Sales. During his career, he has delivered exceptional revenue performance by demonstrating the ability to focus on customer success and desired outcomes.

MIKE CHAPMAN

Mike Chapman serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Contender Esports, where he oversees the cutting-edge technology that powers the company's global network of gaming centers. With over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry, Mike has worked with game developers, professional esports teams, and live production environments. His expertise ensures seamless operations and delivers innovative gaming experiences to customers worldwide.

DAN WIRTZ

Dan Wirtz is the Lead Independent Director at Contender Esports, where he provides strategic advisory support in corporate partnerships and real estate development. With over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate, Dan brings unmatched expertise in managing large-scale real estate initiatives. As the founder of Windsor Realty, established in 1996, Dan has successfully led projects for clients across more than 350 cities throughout North America. His deep knowledge of the real estate market and his strategic vision play a key role in Contender Esports' expansion efforts and long-term success.