Contender Esports: Shaping the Future of Competitive Gaming

Founded in 2018, Contender Esports is an American franchise dedicated to creating dynamic esports gaming centers. With its headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, the brand delivers cutting-edge gaming stations, retail merchandise, and an energetic space designed for gaming enthusiasts.

Since its launch into franchising in 2018, Contender Esports has offered aspiring entrepreneurs a pathway into the booming esports market. The company stands out by providing several franchise options, such as Mobile Gaming Venues, Elite Centers, and Premier Centers, allowing it to meet various customer demands.

Today, Contender Esports operates multiple locations worldwide, with a strong footprint in the United States. The franchise remains focused on expanding its global reach, positioning itself as a major player in the competitive gaming industry.

Training

Contender Esports provides a structured training system to prepare franchisees and their teams for successful operations. Here’s a numbered summary of the training programs:

1. Initial Training Program
   Before opening, the Managing Owner and a designated manager must attend and complete the franchisor’s initial training program, which can include classroom, on-the-job, or online instruction.
2. Supplemental Training
   Franchisees may be required to participate in additional on-site or online training if a new Operating Manager is hired or if operational standards are not being met, with costs paid by the franchisee.
3. System-Wide Training Program
   The franchisor can require attendance at system-wide training events, including webinars and printed materials with testing, to ensure consistency across all locations.
4. Ongoing Employee Training
   After the initial program, the franchisee is responsible for continuously training employees to meet franchisor standards and ensure smooth daily operations.
5. Refresher and Additional Training
   Franchisees and their managers must attend refresher courses or specialized seminars as designated by the franchisor, covering updates and improvements to the system.

Territory Protection

Contender Esports grants franchisees a designated territory, typically around two miles from the gaming center, though this may vary depending on population density, demographics, or location type. While franchisees operate within this defined territory, they do not receive exclusive territory rights, meaning they may face competition from other franchisees or outlets owned by the franchisor.

Additionally, the franchisor retains the right to use other distribution channels, like online sales or catalog marketing, within the franchisee’s area. The franchisor can also license others to operate gaming centers in captive markets such as airports or colleges, even within a franchisee’s designated territory.

Franchisees are expected to target marketing efforts only within their designated area and are not compensated if the franchisor or other franchisees solicit customers from inside their territory. The agreement also defines a “restricted territory” extending 25 miles beyond the designated area, setting competitive boundaries for the franchisee after the relationship ends.