The full-time esports division at SPIRE Academy, designed to equip students with the experience, knowledge and skill set needed to pursue collegiate esports or a career in a related field, is among the most progressive and forward-thinking programs of its kind. is. To provide young players with the best possible support, this unique program provides in-game training, professional instruction from industry leaders, personal training, nutrition, and mental wellness support within a progressive, accredited high school program.

We have recently added two exciting additions to our team of professional esports instructors: Justin M. Jacobson, Esq. and Mr. Tommy Knapp, 

Justin Jacobson

An esports specialist and adjunct lecturer on business structures, contract negotiation, and other business and legal matters pertaining to esports, Mr. Jacobson is an entertainment and esports attorney based in New York. He has positioned himself as a top esports business professional working with talent in a variety of franchise leagues including the Overwatch League, Overwatch Contenders, and Call of Duty Pro League, popular competitive titles like Fortnite, Valorant, CS:GO, Gears of War, Halo, Super Smash Brothers, Rainbow 6, PUBG, Madden, NBA 2K, Warzone and FIFA and mobile games such as Brawlhalla, Clash of Clans, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty mobile. Mr. Jacobson is currently an Adjunct Professor of Esports at University of North Carolina Wilmington and has authored “The Essential Guide to the Business & Law of Esports & Professional Video Gaming.”

“Justin has seen many of the growing pains of the esports space firsthand,” said SPIRE’s Director of Esports Robert Skinnion, “And he shares SPIRE’s goal of developing the next generation of industry professionals. His outlook, experience and knowledge will create a terrific atmosphere for our students, and we look forward to expanding the curriculum for our students in conjunction with Justin and other experts.”

Tommy Knapp

Tommy Knapp has also joined our esports program as an adjunct lecturer on the topics of leadership, relationship building and content creation within SPIRE’s esports program. Mr. Knapp currently serves as a Director at Ultimate Gamer Management Group, hosts the “All About the Game” Podcast, is a founder at Next Level Gaming, and has helped the City of Fort Lauderdale effectively engage esports in the local community. Prior to his start in esports, Mr. Knapp worked for more than a decade in the NFL and MLB with the Miami Dolphins and Miami Marlins. He is a recognized leader in business connecting through sport, leveraging relationship capital, retention modeling and revenue conversion.

“Tommy has a unique ability to make great things happen,” said Skinnion. “From the first Ultimate Gamer event in Miami in 2019, he has been able to put people and interests together effectively and build experiences that are player centric. This course will introduce our students to some of the top minds in the industry, while teaching students how to be effective leaders and giving them a head start with insight and mentorship from a diverse range of perspectives.”.

Career burn out, long term injuries, and health problems can be rooted in the many hours gamers put in without formal structure around their training early in their careers. At SPIRE, students will receive  complete support every step of the way, resulting in a healthier gamer with better student outcomes.