Semper Fortis Esports PLC (AQSE:SEMP) has hired professional FIFA player and coach Jamie Ridgen, who goes by the moniker ‘Jamboo’ in the esports circuit.
The company said its esports team, SMPR, signed Ridgen to compete and coach the SMPR FIFA team for the upcoming 2021/22 esports season.
He signed a ten-month contract as Head Coach and player, with an option to renew for an additional ten months. He will receive an annual salary and performance-based incentives.
Semper Fortis said he was “one of the UK's finest players and coaches”, having reached the 2020 ePremier League finals and previously been a representative for West Ham United in the ePremier League.
He brings around 79,000 followers across social media channels.
The appointment follows the recruitment of Mitchell Hayward and Jaskarn Singh Kang, aka 'Mitch' and 'Jas', in September. The company said its FIFA team is now complete.
Jassem Osseiran, chief operating officer of Semper Fortis Esports, said: “With Jamie at the helm of SMPR's competitive FIFA division, the company is now well positioned to achieve high rankings across all competitions and develop further strategy for FIFA related content.
“We hire strategic leaders and players because we want to not only participate at an elevated level but win.
“Jamie's record is one of the best in the UK FIFA community and his role as coach and content creator will bring a level of further professionalism and experience to the SMPR Esports organisation.”
As of November 2021, Ridgen entered a partnership with a new gaming vertical, which Semper Fortis said its SMPR brand will be able to access for increased audience exposure and brand partnerships.