Singapore’s first full-fledged professional Overwatch esports team, Chaos Theory , was announced at the weekend.
Offering full salaried contracts of employment for players competing at the top of their disciplines, Chaos Theory members will benefit from pension fund contributions, attractive private medical healthcare, and a keen focus on specialist game and strategy coaching, alongside other perks from partners and sponsors.
With Razer's former Head of Global Esports, Drew Holt-Kentwell at the helm, the organization is confident that their organizational setup will bring unprecedented benefits to professional esport gamers in Singapore and beyond. As a founder of Chaos Theory, here’s what he had to say about the announcement:
”The esports industry is exploding, and there is a huge talent pool here with untapped potential. Chaos Theory was set up to establish new professional standards for the industry, and change the way esports teams in South-east Asia are seen and run. We want to equip esports professionals with the experience and skills that they need, to cultivate world-class players and show that a career in esports is viable.”
We reached out to Chaos Theory's General Manager, Zanthel "Vampyrette" Tan to learn more about the new organisation, their Overwatch team and plans for Singapore esports.
Hello Vampyrette, could you introduce yourself to the readers?
Vampyrette: I'm Vampyrette, Co-Founder and General Manager of Chaos Theory. I specialize in managing professional teams and am overseeing operations in the organization. It has been my dream for a long time to be working for an esports organization to help players achieve their esports dreams. I've managed teams in the past; helping, resolving, nagging and even reprimanding the players, watching them grow into professional athletes.
How do you feel about being the first Singapore-based professional esports organization?
V: I'm extremely excited being a part of this step for the local esports scene, paving the way for these competitive players and behind-the-scenes management. With our support structure for these passionate people involved (or looking to get involved) in the scene, I believe we can grow esports in South-East Asia by cultivating world-class players and showing that a career in esports is viable. I look forward to lead the management and equip these players with experience, discipline and skills.
What are some of the goals of the organization?
V: Chaos Theory has been established with the goal of pioneering truly professional team esports in the region, championing the best practices in commitment to play, sportsmanship, brand marketing, social media, partner relations, and the development of esports in South-East Asia as a whole. Our mission is to groom these talents into professionals, with the best attitude for what they do.
How was the team formed?
V: The team was formed when a group of friends from different competitive background came together to compete in Overwatch since its release. They all make up a complete puzzle with different characteristics and background. Through attitude and play style match up, the team settled on a roster and has been working on improving both individual and team play.
How has the team been so far?
V: Like every team, we had our struggles with rosters but the players have learned to manage these issues and push forward. We have our share of victories and defeat, from losing a couple of qualifiers, playing in the semifinals of some tournaments, then winning the Jom Main Online Tournament in August. We are in a stable form but it's never enough. We'll keep improving or we'll fall behind, that's how competition works. All the members of the team are committed and motivated so we are confident in reaching the top spot locally and regionally with the support they need.
Are there any future plans for the organization?
V: Currently, we're looking to expand into other games like PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, Mobile Legends and Dota 2 as well as into countries in the region.
Is there anything else that you would like to say?
V: I personally like to thank everyone I have met along the way, the good and the bad who have advised and taught me great lessons in the esports industry. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for this opportunity to do great works for the scene! I will keep fighting for local esports' recognition and professionalism, together as Chaos Theory, groom our talents and open up opportunities to many.
The Chaos Theory Overwatch roster comprises of some familiar and notable names in the local scene. AJEN and Cup represented Singapore in the World Cup 2017 qualifiers, returning to their team with valuable overseas LAN experience against western powerhouses. Patootie has also proven himself as a highly flexible player who is adept at many heroes. Chaos Theory will be participating in the Open Division Season 2 for South-East Asia, so keep a look out for them.
Chaos Theory is represented by:
- Jian Sheng "Sindrax" Ng (DPS)
- Keith "Patootie" Yeo (DPS)
- Muhammad "AJEN" Nazryn (Tank)
- Alston "Jervissss" How (Tank)
- Vikash "v1k" Singh (Support)
- Haikael "Cup" Ong (Support)
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