UK-based esports organisation SMPR Esports has signed three players and let one go.
Semper Fortis Esports PLC, the group behind the SMPR Esports team brand, made the announcement yesterday.
Firstly, the organisation has signed UK FIFA player Jack ‘GoalPoacher’ Wignall on a one-year deal to represent SMPR FIFA team.
The 17-year-old recently won the 2021/22 ePremier League, representing Norwich Football Club.
He replaces SMPR FIFA player Jaskarn (aka Jas) Singh, whose contract has been terminated. Esports News UK has reached out to Jas for further context but has not received comment at the time of publication.
In addition, SMPR has made some FGC (fighting game community) signings.
Ayaan ‘Asura’ Ahmed from London has signed a one-month trial contract to represent SMPR as a content creator and commentator across Smash Bros and other games. Upon completion, an option to extend his contract by 11 months will be activated.
“SMPR continues to grow its roster and offering across UK esports, securing amazing talents and openings to new audience types that will contribute to SMPRs brand growth. We are delighted with the new signings and look forward to bringing on further talent to represent the brand.”
Jassem Osseiran, Semper Fortis Esports
Thirdly, Kim-Philippe Ruddy Badiabio, also from London, has signed a one-month trial contract to represent SMPR as a content creator across Tekken and other fight-based games. Like Asura, he has the option to extend his contract by 11 months.
SMPR said in a statement: “Kim is a well-known and experienced fighter across the niche fighter game Tekken, amongst a number of other fighting games. His experience in the pro Tekken scene will be significant in promoting SMPR across this category and gaining exposure to its audiences.
“Ayaan is an experienced gamer and professional commentator across a number of games, mainly Smash Bros. His signing will prove pivotal in creating a voice which SMPR can use across broadcasting efforts moving forward.”
Jassem Osseiran, COO of Semper Fortis Esports, added: “SMPR continues to grow its roster and offering across UK esports, securing amazing talents and openings to new audience types that will contribute to SMPRs brand growth. We are delighted with the new signings and look forward to bringing on further talent to represent the brand.”
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
