One of the graduates responsible for the rise of University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s esports program to the nation’s best is pursuing a career as a full-time esports commentator after working as an esports/gaming social media manager.
Robert “Ardy” Ross, a 2022 UH Mānoa communications alumnus, credits his experience at UH Esports with helping to launch his career.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunities that I had through UH Esports,” Ross said. “Having the opportunity to be a student leader gave me a whole new set of skills that have absolutely contributed to my success today.”
Ross started as the primary host/commentator for UH Esports Twitch broadcasts that were held online in summer 2020. Ross also helped to revive UH Esports’ social media channels during the pandemic, and began leading the content production for YouTube, Twitter and Twitch. When it was announced in 2021 that UH would become the first higher education institution to host Overwatch League events, Ross was part of a content production team that he took the lead in building for the program.
During the Overwatch League’s 2021 season, Ross was hired by Activision Blizzard (Overwatch’s parent company) to assist in its content production with both the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League, on top of his work at UH Esports. After the Overwatch League concluded its fall 2021 Hawaiʻi events, Ross was hired by Team Liquid, a professional esports organization, as an intern where he worked until summer 2022. Since then, he has gained experience as a social media manager for a few organizations while also pursuing a career as an esports shoutcaster/commentator. Beginning in February, Ross will freelance as a full-time commentator and host. Previous companies that he has hosted for include: Redbull, Team Liquid, College Valorant, BoomTV, AVGL and Nerd Street.
“As a commentator and host, I love that I’m able to share my passion for each game through every tournament I am a part of,” Ross said. “My platform as a ‘caster means that I get the really unique chance to talk to so many different teams and players, and I’m always so surprised at how many different things drive each person as an individual. The thing I’m looking forward to the most is being able to be recognized as someone that really is passionate about my craft.”
Sky Kauweloa, UH Esports program director, said, “From the start, Ardy stood out at UH Esports by kickstarting the content creation activities. He took on shoutcasting projects for our newly created Valorant team, provided students with weekly updates on various tournaments, and helped to get the program’s Twitch channel running. It’s clear that Ardy has been able to parlay the same energy, focus and attention around content creation that he brought to UH Esports into other successful projects in the broader industry in esports.”
Career advice for students
Ross’ advice for students wanting to enter the gaming industry after graduation is to network and gain connections.
“If you see someone in the industry that is doing the job you want, reach out and ask to chat,” Ross said. “I approached so many people in the industry by saying, ‘Hey, I’m a student, I have no experience, I wanna help,’ and, more often than not, this led to me actively working on a project that previously I wasn’t even connected with. I would also say to branch out. Maybe you aren’t sure what a specific role does, or maybe something else sounds like it would be fun even if it isn’t related. Ask as many people as you can to show you around, chances are you’ll meet the right person.”
Visit the UH Esports team’s Twitter and Discord pages. More stories on UH’s esports program.
