By Sagar V. Mankar Wildcard Gaming, an esports organization based in the United States, might not have the same level of recognition as some of its North American competitors, but it has steadily grown since its establishment in 2017. In June, the company underwent a significant rebranding and shortly after, welcomed popular content creator Kaitlyn ‘Amouranth’ Siragusa as its co-owner. This partnership aims to propel Wildcard into a more prominent position in the esports landscape.
Careful Approach to Esports Investment
Ben Merritt, COO and Co-founder of Wildcard Gaming, and Amouranth recently spoke with Esports Insider about their collaboration. Amouranth explained that she had been considering esports investments for some time but waited for the right opportunity.
Amouranth emphasized that geography played a big role in her decision, allowing her to expand into a new industry while staying close to home. Known for her cautious approach to business, she owns several successful ventures outside content creation, including gas stations and an orchard.
“You should look at businesses that have proven they can withstand the initial startup phase,” Amouranth explained. She pointed out that many esports organizations failed due to overspending and unsustainable business models.
This conservative mindset aligns well with Wildcard’s approach to growth. Amouranth praised the organization’s focus on a smaller selection of games, ensuring careful financial planning and avoiding risky expansions.
The Impact of Amouranth’s Involvement
Since Amouranth joined Wildcard as Co-Owner, Merritt has noticed increased interest from potential partners and sponsors. “The focus with Amouranth is definitely on accelerating revenue generation and building stronger ties with businesses in Houston,” he said.
Houston, being one of the largest yet most affordable cities in North America, provides a fertile ground for Wildcard’s growth. Merritt compared Wildcard’s position in the esports scene to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays—a strong contender, but not yet in the global spotlight. However, with Amouranth’s influence, Wildcard now has the potential for worldwide recognition.
A Return to Wildcard’s Roots
Interestingly, Wildcard’s partnership with Amouranth coincided with its rebranding effort. The organization returned to its original jester-inspired logo, a nod to its roots and local Houston sports culture. The updated design also carries the same colors as the iconic Houston Oilers.
Despite her busy streaming and content creation schedule, Amouranth remains actively involved in Wildcard’s operations. Her focus lies in leveraging her expertise in branding and audience engagement to grow the organization’s visibility.
Looking Ahead: Slow but Steady Growth
Wildcard’s biggest challenge remains expanding into new games, as entering competitive esports titles in the United States is an expensive endeavor. Both Merritt and Amouranth agree that careful planning is key.
Rather than rushing into new ventures, Wildcard is focusing on identifying sustainable opportunities. Merritt emphasized the importance of balancing growth with financial responsibility, a philosophy shared by Amouranth.
While Wildcard might not experience rapid overnight success, its calculated approach—combined with Amouranth’s influence—sets the stage for long-term sustainability. With this partnership, Wildcard Gaming aims to become a key player in the North American esports scene.
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