In esports, chaos isn’t a bug—it’s a feature. Titles rocket to stardom, only to plummet into the void. A single patch can turn champions into underdogs overnight. Fans are insatiable. They want more. More action, more access, more authenticity. And in this storm of expectations, survival takes more than talent. It takes adaptability.

For Daniel Finkler, adaptability isn’t just a business strategy—it’s a way of life. From his early days as a gamer to leading one of Germany’s most prominent esports organisations, Daniel has learned to embrace uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for growth. “Nothing is certain,” he says, a mantra that resonates not just in esports, but in every corner of a world driven by transformation.

In an engaging conversation at the recent SiGMA Europe event in Malta, Daniel shared his insights on navigating esports’ ever-shifting landscape. His journey exemplifies resilience, creativity, and adaptation. He’s worked on mental health initiatives, witnessed the rise of mobile gaming, fostered communities, and explored the future of esports at events like SiGMA.

The leap into esports with passion and persistence

For Daniel Finkler, versatility isn’t just a business buzzword—it’s the foundation of everything he does. Long before he led one of Germany’s most prominent esports organisations, he was a young gamer captivated by competition and connection. From the moment he joined his first amateur Counter-Strike team in 2003, he discovered the thrill of teamwork and the drive to improve. Yet, like the games themselves, the road ahead was anything but predictable.

It’s easy to forget how risky Daniel’s leap into esports was. With a master’s degree in business administration and a family IT business waiting for him, the safer path was clear. But he had a realisation. “Even with great offers, I couldn’t picture myself happy in those roles. My passion was in gaming.”

So, he made a bold choice. He told his parents he wanted to give esports a shot, knowing full well the challenges ahead. Starting at Mousesports, Daniel wrote repeatedly to a former manager, offering to work for free. He even funded his own travel to events, showing up unannounced to pitch himself directly. “I said, ‘I’ll do anything—social media, marketing, whatever you need.’” His determination eventually won him a place in the organisation, where he started as a social media and marketing manager. Over time, he took on more responsibilities, including team management for top-tier players competing at the global level.

Among those players was Niko Kovac, now widely regarded as one of the best Counter-Strike players in the world and a star with G2. “Working with someone like Niko showed me what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Daniel says. “It’s about skill, yes, but also mindset and preparation.”

This willingness to take risks, adapt, and seize opportunities has been Daniel’s defining trait. Today, he leads Berlin International Gaming (BIG), in an industry where change is the only constant. His story shows how resilience and adaptability can lead to success in the ever-changing gaming world. He shows this through his work in evolving game trends, the rise of mobile gaming, and mental health advocacy.

How esports stays ahead in a world of change

For teams, players, and leaders in esports, standing still is not an option. The industry is in constant flux, with new games, shifting fan expectations, and publisher dominance reshaping the landscape at breakneck speed. For Daniel, the key to staying ahead is knowing what you can control—and making it count.

“Publishers have all the power,” Daniel explains. “They use teams as marketing tools, and while we’d love deeper collaboration, the dynamic is still very one-sided. The publishers dictate the ecosystem, leaving teams to react to their choices. A single update, a tweak to a game’s mechanics, or a new title can disrupt entire ecosystems.”

Despite this, Daniel sees opportunity in uncertainty. “You focus on what you can control,” he says. “For us, that means community, creativity, and building a sustainable business.” Our approach to adaptability is multifaceted. The organisation isn’t just a competitive team—it’s also a full-service esports agency. From consulting on campaigns to running bootcamps for aspiring players, BIG leverages its expertise in ways that extend far beyond the playing field.

In Berlin, BIG has transformed its headquarters into a hub for both professional teams and fans. “We’ve built a 1,200-square-metre space where gamers can come together,” Daniel says. “We started with bootcamps for teams, but now we’re expanding into fan experiences. It’s about making esports more accessible and personal.”

Another crucial strategic aspect is diversification. Esports teams, unlike traditional sports clubs, operate in a high-risk financial environment where consistent revenue streams are hard to guarantee. “We’ve diversified into merchandise production and even content creation,” Daniel explains. “We work with influencers to expand our reach and ensure we’re not relying on one source of income.”

This adaptability extends to how BIG engages with sponsors. Partnerships with global brands like L’Oréal and Movember highlight the organisation’s ability to align with meaningful causes while connecting with fans on a deeper level. “It’s about showing the world that esports isn’t just gaming,” Daniel says. “It’s a platform for impact.”

The unseen battle in esports

Behind the bright lights of esports tournaments and the roar of virtual crowds lies a reality many overlook: the mental health challenges faced by players, staff, and fans. For Daniel, this isn’t just a corporate concern—it’s personal. “Burnout is real,” he says. “We’ve seen it happen. The pressure on players and staff is immense, and it needs to be taken seriously.”

Unlike traditional sports, where top athletes often earn enough to retire comfortably, most professional esports players won’t be financially set for life. “In esports, unless you’re in the top, top tier, you need to plan for a career after gaming,” Daniel explains. “Every tournament matters, and if you don’t perform, someone else can take your place. It’s a pressure cooker, and it takes a toll.”

Daniel is addressing this directly by leading initiatives focused on player and staff well-being. “We’ve invested in sports psychologists and performance coaches,” he says. “They help players manage stress, build focus, and develop the mental resilience needed to compete at the highest level. But it’s not just about the game—it’s about creating balance. We encourage players to have lives outside of gaming, to avoid burnout.”

Daniel’s commitment to mental health goes beyond the BIG team. Their recent partnership with Movember and L’Oréal shines a light on men’s mental health, a topic that often remains in the shadows. The statistics are stark. “Seventy-five percent of suicides are male,” Daniel points out. “Men live five to six years less than women on average. These are realities we need to address.”

The Movember campaign focuses on raising awareness around three key areas: mental health, testicular cancer, and prostate cancer. “It’s not just about talking—it’s about action,” Daniel says. BIG has used its platform to create campaigns that resonate with its predominantly young, male audience, connecting them with resources and starting conversations that could save lives.

This focus on mental health isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a reflection of the wider pressures within esports. “The world is changing so fast,” Daniel observes. “Modern life and AI enormously pressure us to adapt. Nobody likes to leave their comfort zone, but in today’s world, it’s essential.”

For Daniel, addressing mental health isn’t just about surviving the present. It is about building a sustainable future. “Esports is an incredible platform,” he says. “We can connect with millions of young people and make a real difference. If we can use that to support mental health and well-being, then we’re doing more than winning games. We’re winning where it really matters.”

The road ahead

As esports evolves, so do the opportunities and challenges. For Daniel, the future is both exciting and uncertain. “In five years, the industry could look completely different,” he says. “Relevant games today might not exist in the future. But that’s part of what makes esports so thrilling. It’s always changing.”

One area where Daniel sees significant growth is mobile gaming. “It’s already huge,” he says, “but in five years, I think it will dominate even more. For teams, it’s about being in the right titles at the right time and making sure we’re reaching audiences where they are.”

But staying relevant isn’t just about picking the right games. It’s also about deepening connections with fans and fostering a sense of community. BIG’s commitment to its German roots is central to its identity, even as it competes on an international stage. “We represent Germany, and we want to be the best German team,” Daniel explains. “That means staying true to our values, even when it’s hard.”

For Daniel, the future of esports isn’t just about the games—it’s about the infrastructure that supports them. He hopes for more collaboration between publishers, teams, and tournament organisers to create a sustainable ecosystem. “Right now, teams are at the mercy of publishers,” he says. “With better partnerships, we could build something more stable and rewarding for everyone involved.”

Daniel is also passionate about incorporating esports into global events, such as the Olympics. While the Olympic Esports Series has been a step forward, Daniel believes the most popular esports titles, like Counter-Strike, deserve a place in the main Olympic Games. “Esports is sports,” he says firmly. “It’s about competition, dedication, and being the best. Excluding certain games because of stigma is a missed opportunity to truly embrace the community.”

We discuss a pointed comparison with traditional Olympic disciplines like shooting, boxing, and martial arts. These are celebrated sports, positively viewed for their skill and tradition and involve physical combat or weaponry. “If we can accept those as part of the Olympic ethos, why not esports?” Daniel asks. “Counter-Strike and other titles require the same level of focus, strategy, and discipline. They deserve a place on that stage.”

Daniel also highlighted the rise of AI and its impact on players and organisations. “AI is changing everything,” he notes. “From strategy in games to tools for player improvement, it’s something we need to adapt to constantly.” AI isn’t just a tool for player improvement. It is reshaping how teams analyse opponents, optimise strategies, and engage with fans in real time.

Yet, for all his optimism, Daniel acknowledges the challenges. While esports is on an upward trajectory, the financial realities are sobering. Even high-profile organisations like Guild Esports, backed by celebrities like David Beckham, have struggled to stay afloat. “Teams are at the mercy of razor-thin margins,” Daniel says. “You need more than success on the screen. You need diversification and sustainability off it.”

Networking at events like SiGMA might seem second nature to someone in Daniel’s position, but he approaches it differently. “I’m not a natural extrovert,” Daniel says. “I prefer to plan my meetings in advance. It’s about making meaningful connections, not just being seen. At events like SiGMA, that focus helps me achieve clear goals.”

Looking ahead, Daniel envisions BIG as a global representative of , rooted in its community but reaching audiences worldwide. “I want us to be the bridge between Germany and the world, showing what our players and fans can achieve,” he says. “But more than that, I want us to be a force for good—using esports to inspire, connect, and make a difference.” As esports evolves, one thing is certain: those who adapt will define its future. With leaders like Daniel Finkler at the helm, the industry isn’t just poised for growth—it’s ready to inspire a new generation of fans, players, and visionaries. The game, as always, evolves—but for those willing to adapt, the future is limitless.

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