ASHLAND – As competitive video gaming becomes increasingly popular across the United States, an Ashland man is taking advantage of what he sees as an incredible opportunity.

Shane Baker started Edrenaline Esports in early 2017 with the intention to make the business into the leading provider of esport events in the region.

“We want to bring premier competitive video games events to north central Ohio, and be the primary provider of those,” said Baker, who works in IT.

Edrenaline Esports had its first event of 2018 on Saturday at the Caddy Shack in Ashland. Baker previously organized a “practice event” in October 2017, but Saturday’s show was the first in a series of Smash Circuit events and LAN (Local Area Network) parties that will be held monthly through October at the Caddy Shack, 1640 Claremont Ave.

A few dozen people gathered Saturday from Ashland, Cleveland and places as far as upstate New York.

“They are willing to travel for it, which alludes to the appeal,” Baker said. “Some guys chose ours over one in Pittsburgh.”

Leah Prezio came from Buffalo for the esports event with her boyfriend. She grew up in Mansfield and planned a trip home after noticing it on social media.

“One of my friends from around here shared it, and I was like, ‘Oh, a good excuse to go down for a weekend, have a mini vacation,’” she said.

Prezio attends weekly events in Buffalo with a similar turnout.

Baker believes the pot-bonus of $200 may have contributed to the event’s success. The money was added to entry fees as tournament winnings and other items were given away throughout the day.

“Hopefully, by the time October comes around, word will have gotten around. Instead of 33 people registering, we’ll have 66 or 75 or 100 people registering,” Baker said.

Before starting Edrenaline, Baker would often host gaming events in his basement. He had about 10 identical computers set up in a “one-of-a-kind PC gaming arena.” His children would bring friends over, and no one needed to bring extra equipment.

But sometimes people did anyway. Baker recalls one time where there were 19 PCs running at once.

“We always called it underground gaming because we did it in the basement,” he said. “Then, I decided I wanted to do something bigger and better with this.”

Moving forward, Baker hopes to find event sponsors. He’s interested in working with companies that want to reach millennials, a group he says are notably brand-loyal and difficult to reach.

“Right now, this isn’t a huge money maker. Our goal is to leverage our following with sponsors,” Baker said. “(Esports are) still in its infancy in the U.S., so I feel like we’re getting into it at a great time, and we’re building our brand at a great time.

“When the light bulb comes on, companies will come to us.”

Edrenaline’s next event at the Caddy Shack will be Saturday, May 12. Other dates will be announced soon.

The business is also able to bring smaller events to birthday and bachelor parties.