YouTube streamer Ludwig has made a major announcement, confirming that he's not only joined the Moist Esports organization but that he's also now co-owner alongside Charles "Cr1TiKaL" White Jr. Some Ludwig fans may be surprised at the announcement given the YouTube content creator's past criticism of esports organizations. Ludwig touches on that in his announcement video, before committing to potentially "burning money" to make Moist Esports different from other organizations.
In 2021, YouTube content creator Ludwig confirmed that he had rejected a major offer from an esports organization, totaling $1 million for a year's partnership. He said at the time that he "probably never will" partner with an esports organization, saying that it just doesn't feel like a "me" thing to do. His disdain seemed to stem from the amount of work he'd have to do, at least compared to his other priorities.
Now Ludwig appears to have come around on esports organizations. In a short video shared online, Ludwig mocks esports organizations run by venture capitalist groups that are only going to get bored after 3-5 years without turning a profit. It's at this point that Moist Esports CEO Cr1TiKaL enters the room holding trophies from his organization's accomplishments. Ludwig asks if Cr1TiKaL has to "burn a lot of money to win that much," to which Cr1TiKaL responds by asking Ludwig, "Didn't Susan give you a lot of money to burn?" referring to YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki.
The video revealed that Moist Esports was officially partnering with Ludwig's own organization Mogul Moves. So while Ludwig is officially now a co-owner of Moist Esports alongside Cr1TiKaL, so is Ludwig's Mogul Moves president and COO Nick Allen. In other words, this is a much larger business move than may otherwise be apparent. Ludwig isn't simply joining an esports organization. He and Allen will be guiding hands for the company going forward.
What's next for Moist Esports isn't entirely clear. Cr1TiKaL has previously stated that he loses money on the organization, which he funds with his YouTube and Twitch resources. Ludwig's Moist Esports announcement video implies he may do the same, "burning money" for fun. This past week, however, Ludwig not-so-coincidentally made a post hinting at plans he had to make Moist profitable, including sponsorship packages, promoting products, and developing esports talent to sell to other organizations.
Ludwig and Cr1TiKaL partnering to elevate Moist Esports has the potential to lead to some exciting things in the future. Still, while Moist Esports may not be funded by venture capitalists or sponsored by cryptocurrencies, as Ludwig's joked in the past, running a profitable esports business is accurately no simple task. What direction Ludwig helps take Moist Esports, where he and Cr1TiKaL prioritize their time and money, and whether it's a success remains to be seen. It's an interesting choice from the YouTuber, to say the least.