Chris Gonsalves — Chief Executive Officer, Community Gaming
Executive Overview
Chris Gonsalves is the Chief Executive Officer at Community Gaming, an innovative esports tournament and questing platform based in New York, United States, employing between 51-200 staff. Community Gaming is distinguished by its platform that merges social gaming, automated match infrastructure, and blockchain payment technology to streamline the organization and monetization of esports tournaments. Under Gonsalves's leadership since 2018, Community Gaming has positioned itself as a key player in the intersection of web3 technology and esports, building a strong New York City footprint and establishing partnerships with prominent organizations and developers, such as WeWork and Blizzard.
Professional Background and Expertise
Chris Gonsalves brings a multidisciplinary background combining financial services, blockchain technology, and esports entrepreneurship:
- Financial Industry Experience:
- 2012: Financial Advisor Intern, Lincoln Financial Group
- Financial Analyst at The Rockwell Financial Group and MassMutual Financial Group (2012–2013)
- Blockchain and Crypto:
- 2014: Business Development, Bitcoin Center NYC
- 2017: Investment Analyst, ConsenSys — specialized in blockchain gaming strategy
- Entrepreneurship in Esports:
- 2015: Co-founder, Esports Hero Inc. (esports tournament and peer-to-peer match platform)
- 2018–present: CEO, Community Gaming — oversaw growth into NYC’s largest esports events firm, focusing on monthly tournaments and strategic partnerships
- Investment Leadership:
- Angel Investor in leading gaming organizations (Evil Geniuses, Horizon Blockchain Games Inc., BRAVO READY)
Gonsalves is also listed as Cofounder @ForkastGG, reflecting immersion in gaming media and blockchain-related business development.
Education and Credentials
- B.A. in Economics, Purchase College, SUNY (2010)
- Mamaroneck High School (2005–2009)
- Coursera Private Equity and Venture Capital Certificate (2017)
- Series 63 License, North American Securities Administrators Association (2019)
Industry Influence and Public Engagement
Gonsalves is an active thought leader in the esports and blockchain gaming communities:
- Over 5,900 followers on X (Twitter) [@CryptoGamr](https://x.com/cryptogamr?) and a significant public presence, leveraging the platform for industry thought leadership and event promotion.
- Speaker at global industry events (e.g., Pocket Gamer Connects Hong Kong, 2019), discussing topics such as future trends in esports and blockchain-enabled gaming ecosystems.
- Advocate for innovative monetization models in gaming, specifically blockchain solutions that reward players and foster sustainable in-game economies.
Strategic Direction at Community Gaming
As CEO, Gonsalves has driven Community Gaming to:
- Integrate blockchain payment systems, enabling transparent, rapid, and gamified payout processes for tournament participants
- Automate esports tournament logistics for organizers and players through proprietary technology
- Expand partnerships with venues and game publishers, growing both the user base and industry footprint in the US and internationally
- Explore adjacent opportunities in player engagement through questing platforms and layered web3 experiences, increasing platform retention and value for sponsors
Notable Achievements and Investments
- Oversaw Community Gaming’s rapid growth in the competitive New York esports landscape
- Angel investor in highly visible gaming and blockchain startups (Evil Geniuses, Horizon Blockchain Games Inc., BRAVO READY)
- Prior founder of Esports Hero Inc, demonstrating early recognition of peer-to-peer and grassroots tournament value
Team Structure
Community Gaming leadership under Gonsalves includes:
- Evany Chang, Chief Operating Officer
- Sasa Pesic, PhD, Chief Technology Officer
- Scott Brady, Event Manager
- Dũng Nguyễn, Content Manager
- Lydia Oh, Head of People
- Evan F., Board Member
Location
- Headquarters: New York, United States
Summary
Chris Gonsalves’s unique background at the intersection of finance, blockchain, and esports enables Community Gaming to capitalize on emerging trends in web3 and competitive gaming. His proven track record in startup leadership, strategic investment, and relationship building with global partners positions him and Community Gaming at the forefront of the evolving gaming and esports ecosystem.
