Raphael's journey is grounded in deep academic expertise. He holds degrees in International Sports Management and a second Master’s earned in Barcelona. Now, he’s pursuing a PhD that dives deep into how esports and gaming impact society. But beyond the books, his passion lies in giving students real-world tools to succeed.
In Raphael’s classroom, learning goes far beyond the screen. His students build tournaments, analyze sponsorships, produce content, and explore how esports fits into the broader world of media and entertainment. Raphael believes that success in esports depends on learning the entire ecosystem, not just the gameplay. His goal is to develop well-rounded professionals who can thrive as coaches, content creators, analysts, event planners, and more.
This hands-on approach is especially powerful because it mirrors how sports evolved over time. Just like athletes have coaches, managers, and trainers, esports needs structured roles and systems. And Raphael is working hard to bring those into the classroom.
Across Europe, many universities are just beginning to integrate esports into their programs. Raphael’s school, however, is leading the way. His classes feature expert guest speakers, real partnerships with industry leaders, and even research collaborations that directly influence how companies operate.
His research reveals valuable insights. He’s found that esports organizations thrive when they use data to make smart decisions and engage fans beyond matches through strong digital storytelling. He also highlights how essential game publishers are in shaping sustainable ecosystems, since they control access to the games themselves.
For educational institutions looking to grow their esports programs, Raphael offers thoughtful advice. First, schools need to clearly define what success looks like. Is it student engagement? Academic performance? Competitive wins? Once the goal is clear, it’s easier to build a solid foundation.
He also stresses the importance of structure. Programs that rely solely on student leadership often lose momentum when those students graduate. Having professional staff ensures continuity and growth. Diversifying income beyond sponsorships through merchandise, events, or streaming can also provide long-term stability. Perhaps most importantly, Raphael advocates for investment in coaching and leadership development. A good coach doesn’t just teach skills, they create a positive, disciplined, and growth-oriented environment for players.
Finally, storytelling is key. When universities highlight the journeys of their esports students both struggles and successes, they connect with wider audiences. That kind of engagement attracts sponsors, alumni support, and new students eager to join a thriving program.
Through all of this, Raphael’s message is clear: esports is still young, and now is the time to shape it with care. By blending research, teaching, and industry collaboration, he’s helping students build futures.