Usain Bolt joins the esports scene as Wylde’s new co‑owner
When you’re known for breaking 100‑meter records, it’s a big deal to get involved in the next shiny craze—esports. Eight‑time Olympic champion Usain Bolt has officially joined the Dublin‑based esports collective Wylde, turning the world record holder into a brand‑building mogul.
What’s the game plan?
- Brand elevation: Bolt will bring his superstar status and laser‑focused mindset to broaden Wylde’s footprint in the gaming arena.
- Wylde already fields teams in Rocket League and FIFA, and the premium partnerships are coming fast.
- “We’re on the road to becoming one of the biggest names in the fastest‑growing sport on the planet,” Bolt says.
Who runs Wylde?
The company was born two years ago, founded by Steve Daly, a former JP Morgan investment banker, and David Cronin, ex-president and CEO of the American Irish Funds.
From surf‑elite to gamer‑pro
After a triumphant sprint career that ended at the 2017 World Championships in London, Bolt retired due to a hamstring injury. But he’s never been a stranger to gaming. In 2021, the sprinter confessed he’d skipped training to play video games—a habit that, oddly enough, helped him stay competitive on the track.
“It’s the same mentality,” he explains. “You sit there, ready to win—whether it’s a race or a digital match.”
And the future?
With Bolt on board, Wylde’s strategy is simple: leverage the speedster’s global appeal to snag high‑profile sponsors and dominate the esports leaderboard—just like he once dominated the running track.
So whether it’s sprinting the 100m or blazing through a match in FIFA, Usain’s got the speed, the swag, and now the game chip—both literally and figuratively.
