Rudy Gobert is the latest Utah Jazz alum to take a vested interest in the world of eSports, joining the ownership group of a major competitive gaming organization.
Without a doubt, Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert is a Renaissance man. Perhaps not on the same level as fellow Frenchman and former Jazz teammate Boris Diaw, but Gobert’s interests are nonetheless varied.
On any given day, you might see him waxing philosophical about DragonBallZ on Twitter, rocking a killer burgundy smoking jacket or leopard-print pants on the bench or hyping his pugilistic prowess as a former boxer.
For his latest trick, Gobert is stepping into the proverbial owner’s box of a major eSports organization.
The Stifle Tower is officially joining ReKTGlobal, parent company of the pro eSports organization Rogue, as an investor. Other ReKTGlobal investors/owners include the likes of Imagine Dragons and Steve Aoki.
Rogue is a burgeoning eSports power with over a dozen championship wins in multiple games and is active in everything from Fortnite, FIFA and League of Legends to Overwatch, Rainbow Six: Siege and more.
Anybody who has been following Gobert’s exploits throughout his Jazz career knows that gaming is a big part of his life. He spoke to that effect in the official release this past week —
"“My passion for gaming is well-known among both the Utah Jazz and my team in France, I’ve wanted to invest in and get more involved in esports for a while, and I’m really excited to make history with the ReKTGlobal family,” said Gobert. “For years now, I’ve used gaming to unwind and relax during the season. It’s also how I manage to keep up with my friends when I’m on the road. I’m especially looking forward to playing with the new Call of Duty franchise team before they begin competing next year.”"
ReKTGlobal co-founder Amish Shah says that Gobert brings “a strong business acumen and fresh ideas” to the table.
Of course, Gobert isn’t the first Jazz alum to put his money into an eSports organization. Former Jazzman Jonas Jerebko acquired Team Renegades in 2016.
Gordon Hayward’s gaming exploits are well-known as well; the Boston Celtics forward and Utah’s last All-Star reps HyperX and is a noted Twitch streamer.