If you’ve been paying attention to the North American League of Legends scene the past year, then it’s likely you’ve seen Matt Akhavan at one point or another. Starting as a volunteer for LA Renegades, Akhavan worked his way up.

As teams shuffled and Team Envy’s League of Legends squad was created, Akhavan became General Manager for the team that surprised everyone with a dominant performance in Week 1 of NA LCS. Akhavan is someone you can see has the loyalty of players he has worked with past and present when you watch their interactions. We got to know a little bit more about this growing leader and what his vision for the team and his future are.

How did you first get started in esports? Was it your goal to rise to the position that you’re in now?

I got started in esports when I was taken on as a volunteer for Renegades. I proved myself while volunteering and ended up becoming the assistant manager of all Renegades teams and the LoL manager.

I always wanted to be in a position where I had more control of how the team was run, and instill my methodology and way of managing 100%. So I am very lucky that I have the opportunity to do it with Envy. I wouldn't say it was my goal -- it's more of a stepping strong in the right direction. Eventually I want to ascend to become a director of games for a big organization. I have a long way to go before that day and a ton of hard work, but I am very pleased with my progress.

What is the biggest challenge that people who work in esports, like yourself, face currently?

There aren’t enough smart and talented staff members I think. There is no way to train staff because it’s so closed off to the 10 LCS team. The CS infrastructure is non existent in some cases and there just aren’t that many jobs in my opinion -- and there are too many stupid jobs.  Laughs.

Are you hoping you can use your position in Envy to start carving out a new structure for teams to look to in the future?

I have ideas of how I could create something to carve out infrastructure for the future but I don’t know how realistic it would be to implement them at this time. But we will see…

They are too broad right now. Needs work before I even mention anything about it.

What do you believe is the best management style and what has contributed to how you formed it?

I don't know what is best, but my style is to treat my players and staff like family. I am very close to every player and that allows them to feel comfortable to confide in me. It's important that they can talk to me about problems so we can resolve them. Situations arise where a player's decision might not be what the brand wants, so they would be reluctant to ask staff about it.

In the past and currently, my players all know that I want what is best for them and they trust me to do right by them. Every player I have ever managed is a dear friend to me and I watch out for them whether they are on my team or on an opposing team.

What would you say is your main goal for Envy this split?

I have a couple goals. One, I want my players to be as happy as possible. I want them to become a family and enjoy every day they are a part of the organization. Two, I want them to be healthy both mentally and physically so they can compete and practice to the best of their ability. Three, I want to go to Worlds.

What are some of the main ways that you work toward these goals day to day? What's been the most challenging about it so far?

I talk to my players all the time and am very close friends with them. This helps me make sure they are happy and creates a strong relationship. To keep them healthy, I make sure we eat well and take them the gym minimum 3-4 times a week. It's not really challenging to achieve these goals, we just all need to work hard.

What do you feel would be the most important change(s) that could happen for competitive play and the community?

Opt-in voice comms I think would be cool. It has the potential to help a lot but also potential to fail.

How do you and the team feel about the Bo3 formatting versus the Bo1 that's been the standard over the last three years?

Eveyone feels like the best-of-3 format is better by far. It’s just rough for our time right now since we live far from the studio. Friday we didn’t leave until 12 and didn’t get home until 1 am. Then, they woke up early and shuttled back for an early game. It could have been worse, but it’s not the absolute best for our team.

Envy was able to make an impressive entry into the LCS in Week 1. Do you have any teams that you’re looking forward to facing most or feel might be defining matches for the team?

I look forward to facing all of the top teams. We take every match as an important match so there no defining team really. Each and every series means a lot to us and we will put our best foot forward vs every team.

Do you have any last words or messages for fans?

To our fans, I want to say thank you for your support and we will do our best to make you Envy fans for life. I really want to encourage you all to come talk to us, take pictures, say hi, whenever you see us because we love you all! If they maybe are having a bad day sometimes meeting a fan or taking a picture can change their mood so please interact with us. They don’t bite! But I do... So... Thank you again #EoD