World Champion Fantasy

World Champion Fantasy (WCF), established in 2020 and headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, is an entertainment software company that has developed a fantasy esports platform. The company was founded by Mike Vela, an IT business consulting technologist with extensive experience in software integration, who envisioned a more immersive and engaging fantasy sports experience. Having been a fantasy sports competitor for 17 years and a Purdue University technology graduate, Vela sought to merge the dynamics of a video game with traditional fantasy sports, moving beyond what he saw as a static, spreadsheet-like user experience.

The company has successfully raised a total of $1.51 million in funding over three rounds, with its latest angel round in October 2022 led by professional football player JuJu Smith-Schuster. Other investors include Visionary Private Equity Group. This funding has supported the development of its flagship product, PlayerX, a non-gambling, family-friendly platform designed to be accessible globally without extensive regulatory hurdles. Notably, PitchBook data from June 2025 indicates the company is now "Out of Business".

PlayerX allows users to create fantasy teams of professional esports athletes and watch live-streamed games with integrated real-time data and in-game analytics. The platform distinguishes itself by syncing live streaming video with player statistics, such as kills and headshots, which are automatically tagged and cataloged as searchable video clips. This enables users to share highlights as they happen. To enhance user engagement, PlayerX incorporates features like customizable avatars, in-game chats, video conferencing for watch parties, and AI-powered analytics to help users make more informed decisions. Revenue was projected to be generated through a premium subscription model, supplemented by in-app microtransactions for items like custom avatars, advertising, and retail merchandise.

Strategic partnerships were a key component of WCF's strategy. The company secured a multi-year deal with Verizon to integrate its 5G and tech stack into the PlayerX platform, aiming to deliver a seamless streaming experience. Additionally, a partnership with content delivery service Edgio was established to utilize its Uplynk platform, enabling WCF to scale its operations efficiently. WCF also held exclusive worldwide data and video rights for major esports tournaments from publishers like Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, and Valve, covering popular titles such as Valorant, CS:GO, League of Legends, and Call of Duty. Keywords: fantasy esports, PlayerX, esports analytics, live streaming esports, esports data, Mike Vela, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Verizon partnership, Edgio Uplynk, fantasy sports platform, real-time stats, video game technology, interactive gaming, non-gambling fantasy, esports tournaments, customizable avatars, social gaming, esports investment, Visionary Private Equity Group, out of business