“I’ve played an insane amount of video games,” says Randall Kapuno. In fact, years ago, Kapuno even competed in tournaments at Luxor’s HyperX Esports Arena. And now, almost serendipitously, he’s the general manager there.
“I realized I had a good formula for success: work hard, keep my head low, push, be passionate and be nice to people,” Capuno says. “I took that and turned it into a career I could see myself doing long term, and that was esports.”
But before he joined HyperX, Capuno was using that formula to excel at other careers. Out of high school, he was the youngest employee to work for Apple at The Forum Shops at Caesars, and he’s owned and operated a successful Vegas boba truck. “But then I kind of got burned out with that and decided to change careers again,” he says. “So I did a complete 180 and went from owning a boba truck to an entry level position at HyperX, but I loved it. I remember being onstage was such a privilege when I would compete, and now I get to walk on that stage every single day.”
He joined the esports arena a couple of years ago and through grinding (a very gamer word for working hard) moved up the ladder quickly. “I think being efficient at what you do, working really hard and being a really good human being—all those things and tackling all the challenges that come with business, you can tell who is capable and ready for the next level, and I feel I presented myself properly when there was opportunity,” he says.
As general manager, Capuno helps run operations and helps put together tournaments. “But what I really love is supporting my team, and I love providing a really good experience for guests. I understand what it’s like to be a true gamer, seeing people compete and whether they’re cheering or crap-talking—it’s such a powerful energy, and I love celebrating that. It’s what brings out life in me.”
Libation: Mega Man
For those 21 and over, HyperX Esports Arena offers two full bars and a menu of specialty cocktails with clever names inspired by popular video games. The Mega Man is a nod to the classic Capcom video game series and is mixed with Bacardi pineapple rum, Malibu rum, Red Bull Coconut Edition, Giffard orgeat syrup, fresh lime juice and blue Curaçao. “Without a doubt HyperX is one of the top spots and destinations for gamers and esports,” Kapuno says.
Benefit: Ask the bartender for an Easter Egg and you’ll be treated to a custom specialty cocktail of the day.
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