Ep. 38: Live From The Birthplace of Zwift Cycling Esports with Brian Duffy

For Episode 38 of the Virtual Velo Podcast, Chris and Si journeyed over 8,000 miles to Long Beach, CA, the birthplace of Zwift Cycling Esports, to record live together for the first time. They had the opportunity to interview Brian Duffy, the 2024 USA Cycling Esports National Champion from NeXT eSports pb Enshored, and share a ride and insightful conversation with Jacob Fraser.

Jacob, who has served as Zwift’s Senior Manager of Brand Experience for over three years, was the first Director of Esports at MyWhoosh and currently holds the position of Esports Coordinator for the UCI. With his unique perspective on the origin and evolution of cycling esports, Jacob led the guys on a ride through Palos Verdes, including the climb that inspired the Zwift KOM.

Brian shared his journey from champion triathlete to indoor cycling esports specialist and discussed the unique training and riding style that has contributed to his success. He also delved into the philosophy behind Zwift Team NeXT eSports pb Enshored and the team strategy that put him in the Stars and Stripes.

The 2024 USA Cycling Esports National Champion offered his insights on the challenges within the racing community regarding self-policing, his plans to explore other platforms like MyWhoosh, and much more.

Zwift Games Overall Champion or UCI Cycling Esports World Championships? What would he choose?

Brian provides his answer, and Chris and Si head to a coffee shop outside Zwift HQ to reflect on his insightful and unique perspective until rain cuts their conversation and time together short.

Check out the articles cited in the episode for an even deeper dive.

• Elite Esports Racer Brian Duffy Tells All it Takes to be Great! [Zommunique, Nov. 11, 2021]
• Inaugural Zwift Games 2024: A Complete Guide to the Largest Virtual Racing Event Ever! [Zommunique, Feb. 21, 2024]
• Virtual Platform MyWhoosh is Changing the Cycling Esports Game [Zommunique, Nov. 5, 2022]

Clip in and take a conversational ride with us as we lend a voice to the digital athlete and bridge the gap between athlete and avatar!