NYC'S CULTURAL
CONNECTOR FOR
GAMING.
Video Game Amateurs is a NYC-based digital games agency that designs and operates esports leagues, live events, and educational programs connecting communities to competition, creative careers, and real-world opportunity.
THE STORY
What started as a crew of friends streaming tournaments from a living room became something bigger than anyone planned. Video Game Amateurs was born in 2019 with a simple belief: gaming culture in New York City deserved better than corporate afterthoughts and basement setups.
We built from zero. No investors. No playbook. Just community, controllers, and a conviction that the city that never sleeps should never stop playing. From 200-person tournaments to partnering with the Mayor's Office and producing NYC's first-ever Video Game Festival, every step has been earned.
Power Up! Festival is the culmination of that journey. NYC's only annual gaming and music festival that treats gaming not as niche entertainment, but as culture. Real culture. The kind you feel when you turn the corner onto 135th Street and the bass hits before you even see the venue.
LEVEL PROGRESSION
FOUNDATION
Started as an events team focused on streaming and in-person tournaments with 200+ attendees.
CLIMBING THE RANKS
Partnered with 5 Chicago high schools for Twitch tournaments.
THE CULTURAL SHIFT
Produced 15 digital events impacting communities and nonprofits, raising over $25K.
SELECT START BEER LAUNCH
Partnered with Bronx Brewery for the first 'gamer-centric' draft beer. 100% sell-through on launch day, 350+ attendees.
EDUCATION MATTERS
Launched the Amateurs League Academy with NYC Department of Education -- gaming-focused curriculum for career pathways.
POWER UP FEST!
Founded NYC's first annual Gaming/Music festival. 1,200+ attendees, $50K revenue.
NYC VIDEO GAME FESTIVAL
Partnered with the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. Produced the inaugural NYC Game Festival with 3,000+ attendees.
THE CIRCUIT BEGINS
Launching NYC's first Collegiate and Community eSports circuits across 20+ NY colleges and universities.
OUR MISSION
To build New York City's digital gaming ecosystem from the ground up — connecting players, creators, and communities through competition, culture, and opportunity.