After Russian esports operator Paragon Events signed a long-term cooperation agreement with PGL, Paragon CEO Aleksandrs Zavoloks gave an exclusive interview to Russian esports media. Here is a translation of some of the content:
Q: Hello, nice to see you again. It’s been about a year, hasn’t it? What changes have you and Paragon undergone during this time?
A: Hello! It has been a busy year for me and my company. We organized and showcased the Eastern European DPC League to audiences and reached cooperation agreements with ESL and PGL. Acquiring the rights to the 2023 Riyadh Masters was a milestone event for us, as the real-time viewership set records, thanks to the efforts of the entire team.
Personally, it has been a year of growth, both personally and professionally, which hasn’t been easy, but so far, it has been the best year of my life.
Q: When did you hear that Valve wouldn’t be hosting DPC leagues?
A: We heard this rumor early on, but no one was sure until Valve officially announced it. Esports itself is a rapidly changing industry, and if your company can’t adapt to these changes, it will be left behind. We quickly responded and continued our work.
Q: PGL and Paragon have now reached a long-term cooperation agreement. Tell us how you achieved this. How important is this milestone event for you?
A: ESL and PGL are benchmarks in the esports industry, and partnering with them is an important achievement for our company. These two deals are the result of a lot of work by our company and our partner Winline. Personally, this is also a very important outcome for me. A year and a half ago, no one knew about Paragon Esports, and now we have taken a leading position in the industry and will not stop here.
Q: The issue of tournament rights is often discussed now. How much money did you spend to buy the rights to ESL and PGL?
Note: Well-known Eastern European commentator NS claimed that Paragon Events spent $50 million to buy exclusive broadcasting rights from ESL.
A: Specific details cannot be disclosed, but I can tell you that we spent a lot of money.
Q: Paragon Events now holds the rights of two major operators, ESL and PGL. Some people (like commentator Maelstorm) mention the word “monopoly.” What do you think?
A: We see some people using this word in a negative way. On the one hand, yes, if a monopolist becomes “stagnant,” monopoly can lead to industry stagnation, but when resources are reinvested in the field, the opposite may happen, which benefits everyone. I don’t think we have created a monopoly because there are many other games and tournaments.
In 2024, we can foresee an increase in the number of DOTA2 tournaments, allowing us to provide more content for the audience. Furthermore, Paragon Events will not stand still. We will continue to look for new ideas and improve our work. Some of these processes take time, and this is just a small part of what we are actively working on now.
Q: Looking globally, how will your company’s current position in the esports market affect the industry’s future?
A: We now have a great opportunity for long-term planning. I believe we provide the best career development opportunities for talent because we plan to work with them long-term. A lot of work done by our company is still behind the scenes. These are not temporary changes and improvements, but in my opinion, with each upcoming game, our broadcasts will get better.
Q: Some people think that Paragon currently lacks excellent official commentators. Do you plan to expand your staff or invite commentators from other studios and some former professional players?
A: Of course, we are always happy to work with newcomers. I would take this opportunity to advise anyone interested to send us an email, remember to attach your resume and work experience.
Q: Okay, if you could choose a skill from DOTA2 to use in real life, what would it be?
A: Chen’s Hand of God, because no matter how much money you have, you can’t buy health.
Q: Thank you very much. Any final words?
A: Thank you for the interview and to everyone reading all this content. I want to wish everyone more kindness and love in their lives. Love yourself, love the people you love, and try to choose good over evil every day.