Taylor Fritz of the United States has made gaming a part of his personal and business life. (Photo … [+] by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) Getty Images
Taylor Fritz is known for his tennis. The 22-year-old California native serves as one of America’s brightest young tennis stars, reaching as high as No. 25 in the world in 2019. But Fritz has another outlet that keeps him engaged, both competitively and through business: esports.
Fritz, an avid gamer himself, recently became one of the biggest names in tennis to invest in esports with an investment into ReKTGlobal, a global esports business that also owns two esports organizations spanning multiple games.
“I think the dynamic is great with the company not being a specific team organization, actually a parent company that owns and oversees a lot of different things,” Fritz says. “I like that dynamic as far as investment goes, that it is more than just a team.”
Taylor Fritz at the official welcome ceremony prior to the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo in Geneva, … [+] Switzerland. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup) Getty Images for Laver Cup
Managing the business side of his tennis has intrigued Fritz, a husband and father of one young son. Already with millions earned in prize money on the tour and traditional sponsorship deals with the likes of Head, Nike and Rolex, the esports investment was his first outside-the-norm venture.
“I think it is important to make good investments and set yourself up after your career is over,” he says. “When I saw some of the money that athletes had been making through investments and through ventures into other companies, I saw the success athletes were having and I said I should do that too. This is my only real fun investment I have done.”
While he is still making the “safe” investments, working with a financial advisor to ensure his money grows, the esports effort offers a different route. It is also “something fun for me that I believe and can get involved in. I can become more connected to esports through this investment.”
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Taylor Fritz of Team World celebrates in his singles match … [+] against Dominic Thiem of Team Europe during Day Three of the Laver Cup 2019 at Palexpo on September 22, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Laver Cup will see six players from the rest of the World competing against their counterparts from Europe. Team World is captained by John McEnroe and Team Europe is captained by Bjorn Borg. The tournament runs from September 20-22. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup ) Getty Images for Laver Cup
“Taylor Fritz is a rising star, both in tennis and esports,” says Amish Shah, founder and chairman of ReKTGlobal. “In addition to his role as our latest investor, Taylor is an avid gamer who takes his PlayStation on the road so that when he has downtime or is in need of a release, he can jump on the sticks and play Fortnite and Call of Duty. He truly knows his stuff when it comes to the esports industry, teams and players so we’re very excited to welcome him to the ReKTGlobal family.”
Fritz says he’s been pretty into video games for years. “I always like to be competing against other people if it is not on the court in tennis or other sports,” he says. “I want to be competing, so the competitive aspect is always fun. I wouldn’t have the same interest in games if I wasn’t able to compete against other people.”
On the business side, he believes esports “is the future, it is going to blow up and be huge. It has taken me too long to get into this space.”
Fritz joins a few other athletes and celebrities in the investment of ReKTGlobal and says that the company’s position with their mix of owning Rogue, which has teams in a mix of titles, including League of Legends and Fortnite, and owning the London Royal Ravens, part of an ever-growing Call of Duty league, sets them up well.
Taylor Fritz during the Rolex Paris Masters at AccorHotels Arena in October in Paris, France. (Photo … [+] by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) Getty Images
“With the COD league coming up, I think it is going to be absolutely massive and owning the London World Ravens is a massive opportunity for that franchise to grow a lot,” Fritz says. “If you look at the value of franchises of the Overwatch league in the last three years, I think the same thing is going to happen in Call of Duty. Them owning that team got me into it and the timing and everything worked out.”
With Fritz locked into the business side of esports, it all started with his personal enjoyment. He uses video games as a way to relax and enjoy his spare time, mainly playing Call of Duty, Fortnite and FIFA, generally against friends, but sometimes against the online community. “It is something I can do that keeps me relaxed,” he says. “I am not going to be out walking around sightseeing (at tournaments). I really don’t want to walk around and be on my legs all day. It is something I can do if I’m not tired enough to take a nap. If I’m awake and if I’m in that mood to play, it is a good thing to keep me entertained and have fun when I need to relax.”
Fritz takes his love of gaming on the road with him, having perfected his travel routine so he’s set-up for gaming at every stop. “I’ve got a pretty good operation,” he says. “I have it locked up and perfected.” He travels with a lightweight 24-inch screen, which he places face down in his suitcase. He says with it weighing only a couple of pounds, he always has the room and has never had an issue with it. He brings his slim PlayStation in his backpack and throws all the wires and cables he needs in his tennis bag, which he checks and is never heavy enough anyway. He slides his laptop into his backpack too, just in case he wants to play a game on that device.
For the past three years Fritz has traveled both with and without his gaming set-up and never noticed a difference in his play. With tennis his top gaming priority at all times, he says he’s always responsible. “I make sure I am professional and stop playing at a decent time to make sure I get my sleep,” he says. “You have a lot of down time when you are at a tournament and you have to hang out and relax. It is really helpful. I keep it professional and it is fun.” And now it is also part of Fritz’ business plan.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was essentially unchanged Friday, while U.S. markets were mixed to end the week, with the Dow ekeing out a new record high.
The S&P/TSX composite index closed up 1.28 points at 23,867.55.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 38.17 points at 42,063.36. The S&P 500 index was down 11.09 points at 5,702.55, while the Nasdaq composite was down 65.66 points at 17,948.32.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.72 cents UScompared with 73.73 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was down 16 cents at US$71 per barrel and the November natural gas contract was up 12 cents at US$2.72 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$31.60 at US$2,646.20 an ounceand the December copper contract was down a penny at US$4.34 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 20, 2024.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
