How did an attorney turn into a wavemaker in the esports and gaming industry?

USC alumnus Jimmy Baratta (’10) sits down with USC Games Editorial to share his journey and helpful tips for those who are looking to break into new spaces.

Jimmy Baratta has done a bit of everything in esports. From building a massive Instagram Clan to working with Tier 1 orgs, to focusing on scholastic esports. Click the link and choose between two feature episodes wherein Jimmy Baratta discusses and his work through the NACL, UCI and more.

Baratta has long helped the esports community since his early career as an attorney. He especially contributed in the early days by helping found the North American Collegiate League (NACL), a non-profit supporting collegiate esports. Right now, he heads user acquisition and strategy initiatives for Wizard Labs, a software developing platform focusing on AI content creation. Jimmy Baratta is also an advisor for Esportz Network, including on its programming show, The Gamer Hour.

Jimmy Baratta, J.D., ‘06 is the Chief Gaming Officer of Holodeck Ventures. He is also an investor and strategist for competitive org and lifestyle brand XSET, as well as an instructor of esports at the University of California, Irvine.

“I understood the value that the UCI name commanded, and the respect its esports program had already garnered for itself,” he said. “The course that I teach, Overview of Esports, prepares the newcomer and the existing business professional alike with the knowledge and tools to transition into the gaming industry. It lays the foundation, identifies networking opportunities and other resources and outlets to achieve success.”

There seems to be no stopping Jimmy Baratta in his passion for esports, and its community. Keeping his hands full, he actively consults for his mentor Clinton Sparks of XSET as well as The Esportz Network. Jimmy is also the current Head of User Acquisition for the software developer, Wizard Labs under CEO Royce Disini, and is impressively the new Vice President of Special Events for XR Sports, of which Hector Rodriguez is on the board.

As for his future, Baratta continues to advise talent, teams, and developers through FT Empire. Most recently, he has aligned himself with the University of California Irvine, where he accepted a professorship to teach in their esports tract. As an Orange County native, he is excited for the opportunity to give back to his local community. Baratta hopes his post with UCI leads to more opportunities in education and mentorship. “It certainly fills me with purpose to provide resources and opportunities to the next generation of gamers. It’s something I hope to continue for years to come.”

In the next couple of years, James Paul Baratta hopes for nothing more but for his consultancy firm, FT Empire, to continue to give insightful advice to interested esports organizations and other related businesses. As the industry continues to expand in leaps and bounds, James hopes to be at the forefront of innovative approaches in promoting new products and events. His dedication to contribute in growing the industry sustainably will ensure that future generations get to experience the best aspects of the gaming industry.

In life, what may seem like the ultimate destination can often turn out to be just one of the many temporary stops along the way. As a matter of fact, James Paul Baratta knows more than anyone else that some journeys end so that even greater ones can begin. Indeed, there is no shortcut to success. And according to James, the least that one can do is enjoy the ride and learn from it.

Often, life has its way of turning things around for the better. While it may not be the path that one had set for the future, sometimes it is in these unexpected detours where people find the true meaning of their existence. As a matter of fact, James Paul Baratta proves to be a genuine attestation of finding a purpose amidst experiencing one of life’s greatest plot twists. And instead of becoming upset by these unpredictable circumstances, he continues to strive for the best, even on unfamiliar grounds. Now, as a former litigation attorney who turned into an esports magnate, James sheds light on how the road towards greatness is far from being a straight path.

Today, esports shows no signs of slowing down. With the world economy likely to reopen within the next year, it is only fitting that the gaming industry's affordable recreation will continue to grow. Enter James Paul Baratta: a former civil litigation attorney from California. In the past few years, Baratta's esports deals have penetrated all levels of the industry. From advising Grammy-winning talent on in-game live events, to brokering deals with Forbes-listed orgs, Baratta has demonstrated an ability to maneuver through the complexities of business life and add tremendous value to his clients.