Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra has made a surprising career move by stepping into the world of daily fantasy sports apps. Ybarra, who left Blizzard Entertainment in 2019 after a long and successful career with the gaming giant, has been appointed as the new CEO of a popular daily fantasy sports app that is technically-not-gambling.
The app, which allows users to create fantasy teams using real-life player statistics and compete against each other for cash prizes, has been making waves in the sports community for its innovative approach to fantasy sports. Despite some controversy surrounding the app’s legality in certain states, Ybarra has stated that he is excited to take on the challenge of leading the company to new heights.
In a statement about his new role, Ybarra said, “I am thrilled to be joining the team at this exciting and innovative company. Daily fantasy sports is a rapidly growing industry, and I believe that this app has the potential to become a major player in the market. I look forward to working with the talented team here to continue building on their success and delivering a top-notch experience for our users.”
Ybarra’s appointment as CEO comes at a time when daily fantasy sports apps are facing increased scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. Some states have deemed these apps to be a form of illegal gambling, while others have embraced them as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition.
Ybarra’s experience in the gaming industry, particularly his time at Blizzard Entertainment, will likely serve him well in his new role. During his tenure at Blizzard, Ybarra was instrumental in the development of multiple successful games, including Overwatch and World of Warcraft. His expertise in player engagement and community building will undoubtedly be valuable assets as he navigates the unique challenges of the daily fantasy sports industry.
It remains to be seen how Ybarra’s leadership will impact the future of the company and the daily fantasy sports industry as a whole. However, one thing is certain: with Ybarra at the helm, this technically-not-gambling daily fantasy sports app is sure to continue making waves in the world of sports and entertainment.
