Written in partnership with Maria Watson
In the fast-paced world of digital media, transitions aren’t uncommon, but few are as intriguing as Zak Longo’s journey from the realms of gaming to the flourishing world of Padel. As the founder of the gaming media powerhouse @Gamelancer and the rapidly growing travel company @Travly, Longo’s latest venture, @Padel, marks yet another milestone in his entrepreneurial career.
Longo’s foray into the world of Padel is more than just a business venture; it’s a passion project driven by his love for sports and media. Reflecting on his transition, Longo shares, “I’ve always been fascinated by the power of media to connect people and communities. While gaming and travel were incredible experiences, Padel presented a new opportunity to combine my passion for sports with my expertise in media.”
Since its inception in January 2022, @Padel has made significant waves in the sports media landscape, leveraging its ownership of premium domain names across Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to carve out a niche for itself. Longo remarks, “We recognized the potential of Padel as a rapidly growing sport with a global appeal. Our goal with @Padel is to not only provide informative content but also to cultivate a vibrant community around the sport.”
Indeed, @Padel’s impact has been nothing short of impressive. With over 500 million impressions on its social media pages, the company has emerged as a prominent player in the Padel media sphere. Longo attributes this success to the team’s relentless dedication and strategic partnerships. He states, “Building @Padel wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible team behind it. We’ve also been fortunate to collaborate with professional players who share our vision for promoting Padel.”
Looking ahead, @Padel has ambitious plans for expansion. Longo reveals, “We’re excited to announce the launch of our clothing brand inspired by vintage racquet sports, set to debut in July. Additionally, we’re exploring the possibility of establishing Padel clubs in various cities, including discussions for a potential club in Toronto.” Zak is also launching the first @Padel clothing brand called @LePadel in 2024.
As @Padel continues to thrive, Longo remains committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive community around the sport. He concludes, “Our journey from gaming to Padel has been nothing short of exhilarating. With @Padel, we aim to inspire and engage fans worldwide, uniting them through our shared passion for sports and media.”
In a world where boundaries between industries blur and innovation reigns supreme, Zak Longo’s transition from gaming to Padel stands as a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and unwavering passion.
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