Your role at GRID brings together experience in gaming, user research, and data monetization. What made GRID feel like the right next step for you, and how did your background prepare you for this role?

My career path has been a bit of a journey. I worked across different industries, from industrial equipment manufacturing to user research. Over time, I realized I was looking for a place where I could truly make an impact and feel like I was building something meaningful.

When I learned about GRID, it immediately felt like a strong fit. I had worked with data and game developers before, and it’s rare to find a company operating at such an interesting intersection of games and data. On top of that, the interview process really stood out to me — people were open, positive, and clearly cared about what they were building. Joining was a very easy choice

Your role sits at the heart of GRID’s relationship with game developers. For anyone who doesn’t work directly with partners, how would you describe what you do day to day, and how your work helps developers get real value from GRID’s data?

The role has changed a lot since I joined. In the beginning, my main focus was making sure data integration projects between GRID and game developers ran smoothly. That meant coordinating between teams and ensuring everything worked as expected in the end. Over time, my responsibilities expanded to include working with tournament organizers as well, and helping to improve the day-to-day processes in our partnerships team. The end result of this is very tangible, as this helps our partners receive revenue from their game / tournament data, while GRID customers benefit from reliable, non-delayed data.

Before GRID, you worked closely with game user researchers and advised companies on monetizing data. How does that perspective influence the way you support developers now, especially when balancing product needs, data integrity, and long-term partnerships?

One thing I learned early on is that people are happy to invest in data when it is accurate (!) and reliable. In many industries, getting that level of data takes a huge amount of effort, needing to run research on actual people or develop … risky data collection systems. 

In esports, the data is already there and incredibly rich, but a lot of its potential is still waiting to be used. There are so many out-of-the-box possibilities, such as creating more engaging fan experiences or making competitive achievements easier to grasp, like celebrating a player’s 100,000th kill in CS2 during the game. It’s exciting to work on making this more of a reality.

Your career blends gaming, research, and data strategy. For someone who’s early in their career and trying to find their own intersection of interests, what advice would you give about building a path that feels both intentional and flexible?

What helped me was to try not to be scared to try things that feel unfamiliar. Many interesting careers and industries only reveal themselves once you step into them! When I finished my psychology degree, I had no idea how big gaming and esports really were, and I did not even consider myself a gamer at the time. Stepping into this world completely changed my perspective, and it is now hard to imagine going back.

You are very creative, you run your own jewelry store, and you enjoy doing professional nail art. What’s one hobby or skill you have that almost never comes up at work but’s a big part of who you are?

I indeed really enjoy creating things with my hands. Since my professional work is often quite abstract, it feels really satisfying to work on something tangible and see a clear end result. One thing almost no one at work knows is that I played the piano for eight years. Lately, I have also been having fun experimenting with new instruments, like the kalimba (a type of African metallic finger harp).

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

If you are interested in learning more about GRID or current job openings, head to our career page.
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The post Meet The Team – Carolina Koplimets, Partnerships Manager appeared first on grid.gg.

1. You’ve worked in different sectors of gaming before joining GRID. What first drew you to GRID and the world of esports data?

When I started in gaming, there was virtually no concept of in-game data monetization. It’s funny because by no means would I call myself a veteran, but it also shows how dynamic our industry is. I was fascinated by the variety of tools necessary at each stage and how many elements must align for a game to provide a seamless experience and succeed commercially.  From my early days at game developer and publisher studios to the time when I led Huawei’s AppGallery go-to-market strategy across Central and Eastern Europe, I’ve become increasingly hooked on the technology behind the games. So, when I jumped back into the startup world and came across GRID, I mainly joined because of my curiosity. GRID was only three years old at the time, but it was rapidly scaling, and building a new category around esports data monetization felt like the perfect challenge for me.

2. You’ve grown from Delivery Manager to VP of Growth in under four years – what do you think has been key to that progression?

Curiosity and drive. I’ve always aimed to understand how each part of GRID connects and how our work impacts partners. I think it’s essential at a startup that you know your product inside and out while also understanding what commercial success looks like. Startups can’t afford for these areas to be disconnected and need to perform with precision and complete alignment across the whole team. I’ve always asked questions, I tried things – some succeeded, some failed, but I always made sure not to stay passive. 

3. What are your top priorities now that you’ve stepped into the VP of Growth role at GRID?

My role involves identifying new commercial opportunities, optimizing and scaling existing partnerships, and expanding our partner network. I also continue to oversee the marketing department at GRID. I view marketing, go-to-market strategies, and communications as strategic functions integral to a company’s overall growth, rather than just late-stage tools, aligning well with the scope of growth initiatives.

4. What advice would you give to someone trying to build a career that blends creativity, strategy, and technology like yours?

It will take time and effort, so make sure you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing; that’s the best protection against burnout. Don’t optimize only for output or professional performance in your life. Make sure to talk to people, read, travel, and let inspiration come from unexpected places. Stay curious and keep learning, not just about your own field, but also about adjacent industries that may impact it. And above all, value people and relationships, trust and respect still open more doors than anything else.

5. Between working, business travels, and podcasting – how do you unwind or stay inspired outside of work?

Despite being on the road a lot with GRID, traveling still keeps me inspired. I try to spend time in Southeast Asia at least once a year, soaking up the strong sense of community, respect, and collaboration that exists in that region.  But I also love short weekend getaways closer to home. 

I make it a priority to see my family and friends regularly, and I stay active through kickboxing, Pilates, running, surfing, and hiking – anything that gets me moving, ideally outdoors. I never say no to a good music festival, but also to a night at the opera. I also love trying new things. Recently, I joined a Lovable’s hackathon for women to learn more about their vibe coding tools. The engineering team at GRID must love what that glimpse into the world of creation has done for me . I also write a lot of fiction. It’s my way to reset and stay creative.

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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The post Meet The Team – Dominika Szot, VP of Growth appeared first on grid.gg.

1. You’ve spent over 15 years in the betting industry, from SkyBet to Genius Sports. What’s the biggest lesson you’re bringing from traditional sports betting into esports?

The biggest lesson I’m bringing is that the dynamics and fundamentals – market coverage, risk, and uptime – work the same in both arenas. The difference is that in esports, there’s a lot more opportunity to improve them with superior data quality. 

For good or bad, people will bet on anything. Innovation always travels well across both sports and esports because punters are constantly looking to craft narratives to which they can attach their money.

2. As someone who helped shape GRID from the ground up, how has GRID changed you personally?

It’s been quite a long time now since we embarked on this journey, and over that time, I’ve changed mainly from being a disruptor to becoming more of a peacemaker. 

You learn the value of patience and calmness, and the importance of the values the team instills through fairness and an open approach. 

It’s not always easy to maintain, but trying and showing frequently that you are is often enough.

3. GRID Bet marks a big step forward for GRID. What excites you most about leading this new vertical?

I think like many, this has been an expectation from GRID for a while now, the ability to convert our efforts capturing the leading rights for esports betting across the globe into a full end-to-end solution. 

It’s always been our belief that esports data and its availability through the game server can elevate and set the standard for modern betting via the capabilities it provides. 

Trying to work this into our product to carve out market share in a competitive space will be challenging, but it’s also something we’re very accustomed to at GRID. 

That’s a pretty exciting prospect.

4. What’s a piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

I talked earlier about being calmer and more patient. I work with many people now, and I try to instill the importance of self-awareness and the impact of one’s actions on others. 

I think this is probably more relevant in the workplace than anywhere else and when I look back to my earlier days I would have probably been easier and better understanding this sooner. Nobody is perfect though

5. When you’re not immersed in esports, data, or betting, how do you like to spend your free time? Does your passion for football play a big role in that?

I do love football and sport in general. I’ve not played for a long while now, but I love to watch it, bet on it, talk about it, and analyse it. 

I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to sports, and I still spend weekends looking through National League statistics, often to carve out betting opportunities for my childhood team, Halifax Town. It’s good, honest work.

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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The post Meet The Team – Thomas Warburton, Chief Business Officer appeared first on grid.gg.

1. You grew up on the coast of Sardinia, what inspired you to leave your hometown and pursue a career in finance?

I’ve always been curious and fascinated by the world beyond my hometown. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of traveling and experiencing different cultures. Sardinia is a beautiful place, but as an island, it offers limited opportunities. Especially when it comes to work, so I was always eager to explore other places.

My career in finance began at university, where I first earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Management, followed by a Master’s in Managerial Economics. During this time, I had the opportunity to travel even more, taking part in two Erasmus programs and experiencing the challenges of living abroad. These experiences helped me become more adaptable and deepened my understanding of various areas of finance, exposing me to both local and international accounting standards.

After spending a year in Varna and three years in Budapest, I eventually moved to Berlin in 2021. Here I found my comfort zone and began a new chapter of my life.

2. You’ve worked across different finance roles in Budapest and Berlin, what skills did you learn from that journey that helped you succeed at GRID?

I believe my experience is a strong blend of both corporate and startup environments, allowing me to take the best of both worlds. Over the years, I’ve held a variety of roles across the accounting spectrum, including Accounts Receivable and Credit Collection, VAT Specialist, Financial Accountant, and more.

This diverse background has given me a good understanding of how a company operates from the inside. I’ve developed the ability to interpret financial statements and assess the financial health of a business with clarity. Working in different types of companies has also helped me grasp the nuances between various business models and industries.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that while numbers are crucial and financial stability can determine the success of any company, genuine communication and meaningful connections with people are just as valuable, sometimes even as important as cash flow.

3. Esports is very different from traditional sectors, what excites you about working at GRID compared to other industries?

That’s exactly what fascinated me about GRID from the very beginning! Who wouldn’t want to work in such an exciting and dynamic industry?

Esports still has huge potential in terms of reaching a broader audience and gaining wider recognition. What I find truly compelling is the unique blend between the passion for gaming and the drive to achieve strong business results in a sector that still feels relatively untapped.

Video games have always been an important part of my life, like for many of us who grew up in the ’90s. While I have a soft spot for retro games, I’m also inspired by how esports can now connect people across the globe in real time. The ability to play, compete, and communicate with others from anywhere in the world reflects the enormous potential of this space.

That’s why I chose and was fortunate enough to join GRID and become part of the esports industry. I believe there’s still so much more to be achieved, and that ongoing potential is what continues to motivate and inspire me every day.

4. You love cooking, what’s your signature dish that never fails to impress friends?

I love cooking! Especially when it brings people together and puts a smile on their faces! I was lucky  to grow up in a country where food is a central part of the culture and plays a big role in creating a sense of community.

I wouldn’t say I have a specific “signature dish,” as I enjoy experimenting with all kinds of recipes, both Italian and international. One thing I do know, though, is that I’m not a big fan of sweets, so baking cakes isn’t really my strong suit!

5. Outside of spreadsheets and numbers, what’s one passion or hobby that keeps you balanced?

My cultural background definitely plays a big role here

Football and sports have always held a special place in my heart, but I also really enjoy traveling and, as I mentioned earlier, cooking.

One of my favorite pastimes, though, is being in touch with nature. Outdoor activities are a must in my life. Whether it’s tending to vineyards, fishing, beekeeping, farming, or simply taking a walk along the beach or through the countryside, these are the moments I enjoy the most.

Despite my affection for old-school games, I also love playing PUBG and jumping online with friends whenever I can!

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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The post Meet The Team – Edoardo Marongiu, Senior Accountant appeared first on grid.gg.

1. You’ve been a part of the Portuguese esports scene from early on –  what first got you into tournament operations, and how has that journey shaped your role at GRID?

Honestly, I got into Tournament Operations by accident. When I transitioned from CS 1.6 to CS:GO, I joined the K1CK Academy, on a low-tier Portuguese academy project. Because our team and others at the same level weren’t progressing in the main qualifiers, we decided to run our academy tournaments to get more competitive experience and keep that drive alive.

Over time, especially when external teams started reaching out to participate. I realized I genuinely enjoyed running events. With time, I started doing more and higher events, leading to noticing a potential career.

My journey since then has been pretty extensive – I’ve worn many different hats, not all directly tied to tournament operations. But that variety taught me how to build the best possible events. The biggest takeaway for me, and what shapes my role at GRID the most, is the personal care on team experience, as that’s what I wanted at the time. At the end of the day, everything I do is about making sure teams have the smoothest and most professional environment to compete in.

2. Walk us through a “day in the life” of a Senior Tournament Operations Manager at GRID. What’s one part of your work most people don’t realize is crucial?

Events, esports, or otherwise, don’t really allow for a “template” day. The structure is there, but every day brings something new, which is exactly what keeps it exciting. That said, I always start with the same ritual: a coffee and a quick solo moment to go through emails, messages, tasks, and any urgent topics. Recently, I’ve added running into my routine as well. It gives me an offline moment to mentally reset and approach the next day with a clearer mind.

One of the most crucial but often overlooked parts of my work is gathering player and community feedback. Maintaining strong relationships with teams and staying tuned to what the community is saying has a direct impact on how we improve our tournaments. A good example is CCT Season 3 South America: The first two series didn’t have open qualifiers, and the community made it very clear they wanted them. We listened, and by the third series, they were in. Just because we don’t reply publicly doesn’t mean we’re not paying attention. At the end of the day, the players are the ones competing – it’s our job to make sure the environment fits their needs.

3. GRID works with data from the biggest titles in esports. As a gamer yourself, how does your passion for games influence your approach to tournament operations?

When something is driven by passion, the outcome is always different – and I’m no exception. Counter-Strike has always been my “home,” but I’ve followed a wide range of esports titles for years. That mix of competitive drive and a wider understanding of different games gives me a bigger toolbox when it comes to problem-solving and designing better tournaments.

Working at GRID is a massive bonus because it connects me directly to many of my favorite esports titles. But even beyond that, it makes me proud: I never imagined I’d get such a close-up view of so many innovations and moments of growth in the industry. It’s a constant reminder of why I love what I do.

4. You’re a movie buff, football fan, and traveler – what’s a favorite destination you’ve explored, and what would be your dream esports event location?

I wouldn’t say I’ve traveled an insane amount, but I’ve enjoyed every destination I’ve been to. If I had to pick a favorite, it’s actually my own country: Portugal – it really is our little piece of heaven.

When it comes to dream esports event locations, places like South Korea, Brazil, and the Cathedral of Cologne all stand out. But for me, nothing beats the idea of taking a location and making it ours – turning it into the benchmark for what an event should look and feel like. That’s what excites me most and the upcoming Thunderpick World Championship 2025 Finals, in Malta, this October, is definitely a bucket list item!

5. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the esports scene?

My biggest advice is to enjoy it. Whether you’re a player, on the operations side, or in a creative role, working in esports is more than just a career – it’s a passion. It’s still a young industry compared to traditional sports, and not everyone gets the opportunity to be part of it.

One thing I always tell people is this: mistakes can be fixed, but a lack of integrity can’t. Don’t take the easy path. Put in the work and make sure your values aren’t being compromised. In this space, bad decisions always catch up with you eventually.

6. What’s the most surprising non-esports thing you’re passionate about?

I’d probably say LEGO and building IKEA furniture. There’s something about the process of organized chaos that I really enjoy. Maybe it’s the step-by-step problem-solving or seeing something take shape from a pile of pieces. Funny enough, I think both are very similar, to a different scale.

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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The post Meet The Team – Pedro Farinha, Senior Tournament Operations Manager appeared first on grid.gg.

1. Looking back at your career path, how did you get into technical delivery, and what keeps you energized in your role?

It was a long and interesting journey. Previously, I was working as a developer, but then over time I decided to try something different and joined GRID as a support agent. Then GRID noticed that it wasn’t the right place for me and I was offered to join the delivery team. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed being part of the team. I like helping people integrate our APIs and solve various issues.

2. Walk us through the responsibilities that fill your daily and weekly calendar. What is your main focus as a technical delivery manager?

As a technical delivery manager, I work closely with customers and help them integrate our product. I’m sort of a bridge between GRID and customers. I advocate for customers every day, helping them achieve the full potential of our products.

3. As esports technology evolves rapidly, what’s one future challenge or opportunity you are most excited to tackle?

I’m excited about seeing GRID bring more new game titles. Working with new titles always excites me and keeps me energized.

4. What’s something about your personal way of working or problem-solving in technical delivery that might not be immediately obvious to others?

Having worked as a developer in the past enables me to see the bigger picture and better understand how customers integrate our products, as well as anticipate potential challenges before they even arise.

5. Beyond the world of GRID and esports, what’s a personal hobby or interest that excites you?

I still enjoy coding in my free time and often work on small side projects just for fun or to try out new technologies. I also like to unwind by playing video games with friends. Lately, we’ve been really into R.E.P.O. (it’s a fun indie game where you and your friends team up to recover stolen items in a sci-fi setting). When I’m away from the computer, I love singing and often go to karaoke bars with friends. It’s a great way to spend time outside of the tech world and do something completely different.

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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The post Meet The Team – Vadim Lavrentev, Technical Delivery Manager appeared first on grid.gg.

1. What led you to the role of Chief People Officer, and what motivated you along the way?

I studied psychology as an undergrad because I’ve always been fascinated by people. What drives them, how they work together, and how the right environment can bring out their best. I went on to work in operations, sales, and talent acquisition roles, all of which had one thing in common: working closely with people. That naturally pulled me into the people space, where I discovered how much I enjoy navigating the unexpected twists and opportunities that come with building teams and shaping culture. I joined GRID over 6 years ago now, and what’s kept me motivated ever since is the variety this role offers, the constant problem-solving, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on both the business and the people behind it.

2. What does a typical day look like for you and what’s the most rewarding part of your job?

No day is ever the same (perhaps cliché but it’s true!), which is one of the things I love most about my role. Being in a startup environment means there’s always something new to take on. Whether it’s refining our people processes, navigating compliance curveballs, or supporting the team through change. The most rewarding part is tackling situations without clear answers and finding ways that make a real, tangible impact. I appreciate the flexibility we have at GRID to test new ideas, see what resonates, and shape a culture that truly works for us.

3. Was there a turning point in your career that changed how you approach people leadership?

Yes The turning point was moving from being a specialist, focused mostly on recruitment and operations, into a broader people leadership role. Suddenly, I wasn’t just responsible for processes or hiring targets, but had a seat at the table to help shape decisions, influence leadership, and be a part of the solution. I quickly realized that good people leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about listening, helping create clarity in uncertainty, and being willing to make hard calls with empathy. That shift in mindset changed how I show up as a leader.

4. What do you consider the biggest challenge facing people operations today, and what advice would you give someone looking to grow into a leadership role in people operations?

One of the biggest challenges today is staying genuinely connected to what people need, especially in fast-moving, remote/ hybrid environments. It’s easy to get caught up in processes, tools, and trends, but at the core of any good people strategy is understanding your people. What motivates them, what frustrates them, and what helps them thrive. A piece of advice that may seem obvious but is often taken for granted is listening to your people. Make time for real, unfiltered conversations at every level of the business. The insights you’ll gain from those chats are often more valuable than any engagement survey. People will tell you what’s working and what’s not if you create the space for it. Stay approachable, stay curious, and build trust.

5. What’s something your colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?

Colleagues might be surprised to learn how much I value solo time. Because my role is very people-oriented, it’s easy to assume social settings always energize me, but I also enjoy recharging with quiet moments, a good yoga class, or time out in nature. It’s what helps me reset and stay balanced. Oh, and some may not know that I spent the first 14 years of my life growing up in Hong Kong and Beijing, which might explain my lifelong obsession with authentic Chinese food.

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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The post Meet The Team – Brittany Patton, Chief People Officer appeared first on grid.gg.

1. What drew you to product ownership, and how has your career evolved to focus on the intersection of tech and esports?

I have been coding and hacking ever since university and as a developer I have always focused on delivering usable software. At the same time, I’ve been playing Counter Strike, Starcraft and videogames in general a lot and spent my free time concocting strats and trying to convince my team to adopt them. The evolution to the Product Owner role just came naturally once I decided to move from the Developer world to a new set of challenges.

2. If you could describe your product philosophy in three words, what would they be and why?

Keep it simple. We work in a complex business, and oftentimes we risk building complex solutions and get lost in the weeds. The best products are the simplest solutions to real life problems, and that’s what I strive towards.

3. Esports and data solutions sound like a match made in heaven. What’s your favorite way GRID makes esports better?

With my team we focus on building APIs but when I see what visualisations can come out of the JSON results we expose, I am always delighted. The fact that we invest a lot of time in title-agnostic solutions means that our internal teams can build a visualization once and have it work for all our Titles. And that’s true for our customers, too!

4. As a Senior Technical Product Owner, how do you ensure GRID’s products remain innovative and valuable in the fast-evolving esports industry?

Not only do I personally play and follow the esports scene, but I’m surrounded by friends and colleagues who have similar interests. And of course, there’s talking with our customers directly, understanding their vision and what they want to build next.

5. Outside of work, what’s a hobby or passion that shapes the way you think as a product owner?

It’s surely games! I play everything, from board games to card games to video games, and I’m into game design and what makes games fun and compelling.

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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The post Meet The Team – Tomas Campagni, Senior Technical Product Owner appeared first on grid.gg.

1. What led you to specialize in partnership operations, and what excites you most about working with GRID’s partners in the esports ecosystem?

When it comes to partnership operations, you need to be passionate, patient, and clearly understand your partner’s needs to maximize a win-win situation for both parties. As Head of Partnerships Operations, I’m excited to ensure our collaborations are executed seamlessly. Ultimately, what drives me is the chance to contribute to the professionalization of esports data. By aligning GRID’s cutting-edge tools with our partners’ visions, we can collectively elevate the ecosystem, making it more engaging for fans and more sustainable for stakeholders. It’s about shaping the future of an industry I’m passionate about, one partnership at a time.

2. If you had to explain your role in Partnership Operations to someone outside the industry, how would you describe it in just three sentences?

The GRID partnership team acts as a bridge between GRID and our partners, ensuring smooth collaborations from day one. Our role is about turning great opportunities into reality so fans get better experiences and partners grow together in esports. From building up the collaboration to maintaining long-term mutually beneficial partnerships, our goal is to ensure our partners get the most value from GRID technology and our expertise in esports data. 

3. Esports is an ever-evolving space—what’s the biggest challenge in ensuring smooth and successful partnerships in the fast-paced world of gaming and data?

The biggest challenge lies in balancing speed with precision. Esports moves at lightning speed—new games, formats, and fan expectations emerge constantly—and partners often want to capitalize on trends now. But successful partnerships require aligning GRID’s data infrastructure with each partner’s unique needs, which demands careful planning, technical integration, and clear communication. Our role is to act as both accelerator and stabilizer, enabling agility without cutting corners so partners can innovate confidently while ensuring every collaboration delivers measurable, long-term value.

4. Partnerships often require both strategic vision and operational execution. How do you balance long-term goals with the day-to-day needs of managing partnerships?

It starts with embedding the ‘why’ into the ‘how.’ We anchor every operational task — whether it’s resolving a partner’s technical issue or negotiating a contract — to GRID’s broader mission of revolutionizing esports through data. For example, a routine integration of GRID’s API isn’t just a checkbox; it’s a step toward empowering a league to deliver hyper-personalized fan experiences that align with our vision. Meanwhile, we prioritize flexibility as well. In esports, trends shift overnight — a new game launch or regulation change can upend priorities. By maintaining a ‘modular’ roadmap with clear KPIs, my team can pivot operations swiftly while keeping long-term goals intact. It’s about being a gardener: tending to daily needs while nurturing the seeds of tomorrow’s growth.

5. If you could teleport anywhere for a 24-hour break from work, where would you go and what would you do?

I might choose to teleport to a South Pacific island, lay in a recliner from morning until night, put my phone on airplane mode, prepare a cup of herbal tea, and read all day until sundown. Like traditional sports, esports have off-seasons and off-periods. In addition, GRID promotes flexibility and work-life balance. We don’t really need to be on our toes all year round throughout the year. There is plenty of time for rest and family time. 

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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The post Meet The Team – Yufei Tong, Head of Partnership Operations appeared first on grid.gg.

1. What motivated you to become a software engineer, and what excites you most about being part of the Data Platform Core team at GRID?

My journey to becoming a software engineer had a few unexpected plot twists. 

As a child, I spent countless hours in front of a computer – mostly gaming – but my first exposure to programming in primary school sparked a deep curiosity about how it all worked. I experimented with coding, though without spectacular results at first.

For years, I saw myself as a doctor, drawn by my desire to help others. I pursued studies at the Medical University of Warsaw and became a radiographer, working with diagnostic imaging technologies like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. But then, one conversation changed everything. A friend studying computer science shared his experiences as a software engineer, and suddenly, my childhood curiosity reignited. The very next day, I Googled, “What is Java?” – and that was the beginning of a whole new chapter. After months of self-learning, I decided to pursue a second degree in software engineering (in parallel with my master’s degree at a medical university). I haven’t looked back since.

If I had to sum up what motivated me in one word, it would be curiosity – and it’s still what drives me today.

As for what excites me about being part of the Data Platform Core team at GRID? The opportunity to tackle complex challenges every day, surrounded by an incredible team of supportive and highly skilled professionals. It’s a place where I can grow, contribute, and be continuously inspired.

2. If you could explain your work on the DP Core team to a non-technical friend, how would you describe it?

“We’re the nerdy geeks working behind the scenes at the heart of GRID’s ecosystem” – that’s the first thing that comes to my mind! But let me break it down.

The Data Platform Core team is responsible for a wide range of tasks, from integrating static esports data about tournaments, teams, and players to ensuring the security of our products. We also build programmatic tools for data analysis and support our data scientists in creating pre-game predictions.

In simple terms, we collect esports data from various game titles, standardize it in a title-agnostic way, and make it easily accessible. This allows our internal teams to create stunning visualizations and enables our customers to consume the data efficiently through our APIs (which, in non-tech terms, are interfaces that let different systems communicate with each other).

3. In your experience, what’s the biggest technical challenge in building robust and scalable systems for esports data?

The biggest challenge in building scalable esports data systems is handling the diversity of data formats across different game titles. Each game has unique APIs, schemas, and event types, requiring a flexible architecture to normalize and process data consistently. Scalability is another major hurdle – especially during high-stakes tournaments – where real-time processing, consistency, and reliability are critical.

To address this, we build a title-agnostic system with modular pipelines, standardized data models, and robust validation mechanisms. This not only ensures performance at scale but also unlocks deeper insights and enhances fan engagement.

4. How do you stay on top of the latest advancements in software engineering, and how have you applied them to your work at GRID?

Being a software engineer is a lifelong journey. The deeper you dive, the more you realize how much there is still to learn – especially in an industry that evolves at lightning speed. Whether tackling a new challenge at work or exploring the latest breakthrough technology, continuous learning is the key to staying ahead.

For me, staying up to date means regularly reading industry articles, following thought leaders, and taking online courses that allow me to learn at my own pace. This constant pursuit of knowledge has helped me become a valuable contributor to the Data Platform Core team, enabling me to bring fresh perspectives and informed solutions to the challenges we face every day.

5. When you’re not immersed in code, what’s a hobby or interest that helps you unplug and recharge?

As a tech enthusiast, I love immersing myself in all things technology-related – but when it’s time to unplug, I turn to sports. Whether running through the streets of Warsaw, carving down the sunlit slopes of the Dolomites, or swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, staying active keeps me energized. Running is my go-to, and I’m proud to have completed a few half-marathons. The full marathon? It’s still a mental challenge I haven’t tackled – yet! 

Look out for the next edition of Meet the Team!

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