Look Sports Media – In late 2024, Kieran Holmes-Darby was appointed General Manager of Los Ratones, the League of Legends powerhouse spearheaded by streaming sensation Caedrel. Their partnership isn’t new; Caedrel joined Holmes-Darby’s Excel Esports back in 2018. This exclusive looksports.media interview delves into their reunion, Holmes-Darby’s return to League of Legends, and the future of Los Ratones.
Dom Sacco: Kieran, what’s it been like leading Los Ratones?
Kieran Holmes-Darby: It’s a blast from the past, reminiscent of Excel’s early days – a whirlwind of tasks, where no job is too small. But it’s also vastly different. Excel started with a small community; Los Ratones launched with a massive built-in audience thanks to Caedrel’s influence and the star players we attracted. The core feeling, though, is pure enjoyment. It’s fantastic to be back in the esports scene with this project.
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Sacco: You’ve worked in sim racing and with Ear to the Ground. Is it a homecoming to be back in League of Legends?
Holmes-Darby: I took a detour into "the real world," (laughs) but both of us helped build this industry, especially in the UK. It always feels like home. Even when I wasn’t directly involved, I kept tabs on things. But being out of the loop made it hard to maintain expert status. Now I’m re-establishing myself, reconnecting with familiar faces and building relationships with newcomers. It’s great to be back.
Sacco: For Los Ratones fans unfamiliar with your story, tell us about your background.
Holmes-Darby: I’ve been involved in esports since my Xbox 360 days, competing in FPS games. I realized I loved the competitive scene but lacked the skills to be a pro player. So, my brother and I founded Excel Esports in 2014. It started as a passion project, but our backgrounds – he’s a management consultant, I was studying law – gave us a solid foundation. We built Excel, which unexpectedly became a major player.
Sacco: Excel’s entry into the inaugural LEC season was huge. How did you manage that?
Holmes-Darby: We were the top UK League of Legends team, having won the UK circuit. We felt confident in our application, believing it was the strongest. While we were the leading UK org, we were smaller than many European teams. Riot surprisingly accepted our application, and we scaled from three to 30 employees practically overnight. That’s when things went truly tier-one.
Sacco: You later stepped away from Excel. What happened?
Holmes-Darby: Esports commercialized rapidly, attracting significant investment and big brands. It was still a scrappy startup trying to become corporate. Bad decisions were made, and I lost control of the direction. I felt I had a vision, even if I lacked the experience. Ultimately, I left. The merger with Giants followed. I felt burnt out, but still loved esports. I took roles loosely connected to the industry to broaden my experience.
Sacco: You signed Caedrel for Excel in 2018. What was that like?
Holmes-Darby: We wanted to maintain a British identity, and Caedrel was a key part of that. He became our poster boy. We became close friends, even though he was my player. I even acted as his agent for a while, negotiating his first Riot deal as a caster.
Sacco: How did you get involved with Los Ratones?
Holmes-Darby: Caedrel needed someone experienced and trustworthy. He reached out, and after several conversations, I realized this was a fantastic project where I could contribute significantly.
Sacco: What’s your day-to-day like at Los Ratones?
Holmes-Darby: I’m not full-time yet. It’s a mix of advisory and hands-on work, from managing finances to player logistics and liaising with leagues and partners. In esports, you’re never too senior to help out!
Sacco: Los Ratones’ NLC and EMEA Masters wins were huge. You missed the Nottingham finals, but Synygy stepped up. Would you have done the same?
Holmes-Darby: Absolutely. I filled a similar role at Red Bull League of its Own. I enjoy the hands-on player management aspect. We’ll likely add a dedicated player manager/coordinator for future events.
Sacco: Los Ratones bootcamped at GiantX HQ. That must have been strange.
Holmes-Darby: I’m still a GiantX shareholder, so I maintain relationships there. They were happy to collaborate, and I facilitated it. It was surreal walking back into the old office, but it was positive.
Sacco: What’s the fan interaction like?
Holmes-Darby: Amazingly supportive. I’m not aiming for the spotlight; I’m here to support Caedrel. It’s important for the community to know who I am and that Los Ratones is in good hands.
Sacco: Caedrel’s been open about Los Ratones’ future, even suggesting it might not exist by year’s end. What are your thoughts?
Holmes-Darby: Marc’s honesty is refreshing. We’re exploring options, including the LEC. The truth is, we don’t know what the future holds. But I won’t let Los Ratones disappear; it’s too good. We have a solid business model, but flexibility is key.
Sacco: Finally, how are Los Ratones merch sales doing?
Holmes-Darby: Very well. We have a profit-sharing model with the players, ensuring everyone benefits from success. We’re also exploring other revenue streams.
Sacco: Anything else to add?
Holmes-Darby: Please consider donating to SpecialEffect (link provided).
Sacco: Thank you, Kieran. Good luck to you and Los Ratones!
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