Preserving Esports' Past, Shaping Its Future
How do you balance innovation with honoring tradition in esports?
We sat down with Cody Dragon, an esports pioneer with over $3.5M in prize winnings, to discuss his journey from grassroots gaming enthusiast to a leader in education and innovation. From co-founding Ghost Gaming to chairing the world’s first Esports History Museum, Cody offers a unique perspective on the evolution of competitive gaming and its future.
Q: Cody, your esports journey is remarkable. Can you share how it all began and what inspired you to dive into this industry?
My story starts well before esports was what it is today. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family of high achievers — musicians, business leaders — people who had made big names for themselves. That created a lot of pressure, but gaming was something I discovered on my own. It wasn’t passed down like sports or music; it was my thing.
Even though my parents weren’t fans of my gaming, I recognized early on how much it meant to me. My best memories were of organizing LAN parties with friends, routing Ethernet cables, and playing games like Halo 2 with the soundtrack blasting. Gaming gave me a sense of identity and connection, and I wanted to create that same feeling for others.
Q: What did esports look like when you started, and how has it changed?
Back then, it felt real and authentic. Esports wasn’t trying to mimic traditional sports like it often does now. You had iconic figures like Sundance DiGiovanni building MLG with Halo, and it brought people together. There were fewer games being labeled as esports, which created more unified communities.
Now, it feels like the industry has drifted. Franchise leagues like LCS brought in big money but also the wrong kind of investors and business models. It’s like we’ve lost some of that grassroots authenticity. MLG, for example, felt like it was built for gamers by gamers, whereas now many projects feel more artificial or “astroturfed.”
Q: You’ve mentioned the dangers of comparing esports to traditional sports. Why is that a flawed approach?
Sports are rooted in physicality — strength, speed, and genetics. They originated as ways to showcase survival skills, like hunting or settling disputes. Esports, on the other hand, is about intellect and adaptability.
We’re in the information age, where mental capability is becoming more valuable than physical strength. Esports has the potential to shine as a “thinking man’s game,” but we’ve struggled to present it that way. Unlike chess, which is revered for its intellectual rigor, esports games constantly change due to updates and patches. That volatility undermines the ability to showcase consistent skill and intelligence.
Q: What challenges do you see holding esports back today?
The biggest issue is that esports isn’t an open-source ecosystem like traditional sports. If I want to host a football tournament, I don’t need permission from the NFL or Wilson, the ball manufacturer. In esports, game publishers hold all the power. They dictate who can run tournaments, what the rules are, and even how much prize money is allowed.
This closed system stifles creativity and growth. Game publishers prioritize selling more copies and launching new titles, which often cannibalizes existing games and communities. For instance, Microsoft could have turned Halo 3 into a long-term esports platform but instead focused on releasing new versions that fractured the player base.
Q: If you could change one thing about esports, what would it be?
We need an open-source esport — a game that belongs to the community. Imagine a AAA-quality title built with Unreal Engine 5 that’s free for anyone to host tournaments, create mods, or develop new content. That would empower grassroots organizers and foster long-term sustainability.
I’ve even experimented with this idea by revamping Quake Live. I updated the graphics, changed the maps, and tried to build a pro scene around it. Unfortunately, logistical issues like server security challenges halted the project. But I still believe in the concept.
Q: What’s next for you in the world of esports?
Right now, I’m focused on education and innovation, creating programs that highlight the skills and creativity involved in esports. Whether it’s teaching technical skills or showcasing the strategic depth of competitive gaming, my goal is to use esports as a platform for learning and growth.
I’m also continuing my work with the Esports History Museum to preserve the stories that inspire me and countless others. Looking ahead, I want to keep building systems and projects that bridge the gap between esports culture and broader societal impact.
Wrapping It Up
Cody Dragon’s career exemplifies the intersection of passion, innovation, and competitive excellence. From organizing LAN parties as a kid to founding and leading a professional esports organization, Cody has played a pivotal role in shaping the esports landscape. His commitment to advancing the industry ensures its future is as impactful as its present.
To learn more about Cody’s work, visit his website at CodyDragon.com.
About Cody Dragon
Cody Dragon is an esports executive with over a decade of experience at the intersection of esports, education, and technology. His career is dedicated to enhancing the esports experience and creating transformative opportunities for players worldwide. Cody’s innovative approach has been instrumental in the growth of scholastic esports, providing students with pathways to turn their passion for gaming into life-changing possibilities.
As a human-centric techno-optimist, digital conservator, and play-to-learn advocate, Cody has collaborated with various organizations to advance the esports industry. His work has been recognized for its impact on students interested in coding, AI, esports, and game development. Through his initiatives, Cody continues to bridge connections across the globe, from Denmark to Denver, fostering a vibrant and inclusive esports community.
