Steven Salz

Steven Salz is the co-founder and CEO of Rivalry, esports-first betting platform. Known for his innovative approach to targeting younger audiences, Salz has played a pivotal role in shaping Rivalry into a globally recognized brand in the gaming and betting industry.

Bio

Education and Early Career

Steven Salz earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from The University of Western Ontario. His academic background gave him a strong foundation for a career in finance and entrepreneurship.

He began his professional path in equity research but soon transitioned into gaming. His early career shows a steady shift from traditional finance to emerging tech and esports:

  • Portfolio Advisory Group (2012–2014): Salz started as an Associate, focusing on Canadian and U.S. equity research. This role gave him deep insights into financial markets and investment strategies.
  • M Partners Inc (2014–2016): He worked as an Equity Research Analyst, where he specialized in “special situations.” This position sharpened his analytical skills and expanded his understanding of industries like technology.
  • Loot Market (2017): Salz became a Director at Loot Market, a marketplace for in-game items from titles like Dota 2 and CS:GO. The platform also introduced free-to-play esports betting through Loot League.
  • PlayVIG (2017): He also served as a Director at PlayVIG, a software company that gamified video games with quests and achievements. This role helped him further understand user engagement in gaming.

Building Rivalry

In 2016, Salz co-founded Rivalry with Ryan White and Kevin Wimer. The platform focuses primarily on esports betting, but it also includes traditional sports and casino games. Salz took on the role of CEO from day one and has led Rivalry’s growth since then.

To target younger users, he shaped Rivalry’s strategy around Millennial and Gen Z audiences. For example, the company introduced retro-style casino games through Casino.exe, which boosted handle by 30% and diversified revenue streams. It also launched Rivalry Academy, which helps educate new bettors. In 2021, Rivalry went public through a direct listing – marking a key milestone.

Leadership Philosophy

Salz consistently focuses on product experiences that speak directly to younger generations. To reach these users, he relies on influencer marketing and content creation. This strategy has paid off, 97–98% of Rivalry’s audience falls within the Millennial and Gen Z age groups.

He stands out as one of the few operators who truly understand this niche audience. Salz has reduced friction in the user experience while still meeting regulatory demands. Under his leadership, Rivalry has proven that creativity and entertainment can thrive – even in markets dominated by traditional sportsbooks.

Steven Salz’s journey from equity research to becoming the CEO of Rivalry highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of emerging markets like esports betting. His ability to innovate and target younger audiences has positioned Rivalry as a force in the gaming industry while earning him recognition as one of its most influential figures.