CouRageJD and Nadeshot discuss what happened with 100 Thieves

Lately, me and my gaming buddies, CouRageJD and Nadeshot, sat down on the Colin and Samir podcast to chat about all things 100 Thieves – from the good, the bad, and everything in between that we might have handled differently.

100 Thieves’ CEO Nadeshot and partner CouRageJD, a co-owner of the company, candidly shared their raw feelings and unvarnished opinions about the organization, revealing the emotional ups and downs they’ve experienced along the way.

CouRageJD and Nadeshot talk esports and how money is ruining the industry

Two well-known innovators and entrepreneurs recently appeared on the Colin and Samir podcast, discussing their team, 100 Thieves. The conversation, roughly two hours in length, delved deeply into why these individuals would not enter the world of esports again if given a second chance.

As an avid gaming enthusiast, I kicked things off by delving into the exciting world of The Fortnite World Cup. It’s fascinating to note that a significant sum of $100 million was poured into esports for this event.

According to CouRageJD, each week they held online tournaments for Fortnite. In the initial weekend alone, a player snatched first place and pocketed a quarter of a million dollars. Remarkably, this winner never participated in another online tournament thereafter. It was, as CouRage put it, like the Wild West.

Previously, CouRageJD served as a commentator for multiple competitions, such as the Fortnite World Cup.

In the world of esports, as earnings and spectator numbers skyrocketed, it seemed like these events were taking over everywhere. The size of these tournaments just kept growing. Eventually, people would ask, “So, what happened after that massive event?” And the answer was often disheartening, “We ended up losing around $3 million.”

As a passionate fan, I’d like to echo CourageJD’s thoughts: It’s not just about racking up viewers; even with hefty prize pools in the millions, esports can face challenges at times due to its unique nature.

According to CourageJD, esports was expected to follow a certain path, but then a large number of billionaires and external investors realized its worth as a lucrative opportunity.

Nadeshot talks 100 Thieves and how he is transitioning away from CEO

100 Thieves, a brand I deeply admire, has experienced its fair share of highs and lows, moments where the creators behind it have felt the weight of creator fatigue. The topic of how this dynamic organization keeps thriving has sparked curiosity among many, especially considering past layoffs.

Nadeshot, as head of 100 Thieves, once considered stepping down from his role, but also shared insights into what kept the organization going for such a prolonged period.

Nadeshot advised, “You tend to think things through carefully. Avoid setting high hopes.” He clarified, “Our investment isn’t about scaling up anymore or reaching greater heights. Instead, we’re simply going along with the flow, enjoying the ride.”

As a gaming enthusiast, I can attest that the race for supremacy among teams is fierce. However, Nadeshot’s insights offer a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on why some of these powerhouses eventually burn out.

“By earning enough, you avoid financial ruin and continue participating. You persist with your performances on the stage. This keeps you on the path that esports had been expected to follow, before many wealthy individuals and external investors recognized its lucrative possibilities.”

The creator then talked about how it is getting close to time for him to step away as CEO.

In response to being asked about relinquishing his role as CEO, Nadeshot stated that he isn’t suited for the daily operational management. He is indeed moving away from this position, and the decision could happen this year or the next. The difficulty in finding a replacement from outside the company has made the conversation challenging.

As a dedicated gamer, I’m on the edge of my seat, speculating about who might step up as the new leader now that Nadeshot is stepping down from 100 Thieves. The suspense is palpable!

Watch the full interview below.

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