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In the summer of 2018, the esports broadcasting studio Maincast was founded. Since then, the organization, led by Vitaliy «v1lat» Volochai, has gone through numerous trials that have shaped it into one of the industry’s leaders.
This was written by Gadgetnews.
This story began with the idea of creating something new and independent, and today Maincast remains true to its principles and actively responds to the challenges of modern times.
The birth of Maincast
The founders of Maincast, Vitaliy Volochai and Andriy Hryhoriev, started their journey on the RuHub platform, where they gained significant experience in esports broadcasting. However, after RuHub’s management decided to move production to another country, they chose to leave the company by selling their shares. Soon, Oleksandr Smagliuk and Oleksiy Voronov joined them, and together they founded the new studio — Maincast.
From the moment of its founding, Maincast aimed to become a leader in the esports broadcasting market. Despite strong competition from established studios, Maincast managed to gather key commentators and ensure high-quality content production. The year 2019 was particularly significant when, during the qualifiers for The International (TI), Maincast managed to capture 58% of views on the Twitch platform, which was a major achievement for the new studio.
Strengthening market positions
In early 2020, Maincast signed a three-year contract for exclusive broadcasting rights with a holding company that owns ESL and Dream League tournaments. This made the studio almost a monopolist in the esports broadcasting field in the post-Soviet space. Talented streamers joined the company, which helped strengthen its market position. By 2022, Maincast had firmly established itself as a giant in the esports coverage market.
Market loss and new realities
On February 24, 2022, the studio faced new challenges. The start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine drastically changed the situation. Maincast took a clear pro-Ukrainian stance, leading to a wave of hatred from Russian viewers. The studio severed sponsorship contracts with Russian companies, while Ukrainian advertisers suspended their spending due to the uncertainty of the situation. As a result, the company was left with almost no income.
However, Maincast did not stop there. The company actively organizes fundraisers for the needs of civilians and the military, sends vehicles to the front lines, and conducts charity broadcasts. Abandoning Russian-language content, the studio launched Ukrainian-language streaming platforms, striving to adapt to new realities and support Ukrainian society.
Maincast continues its work, remaining true to its principles, even in the most challenging times. The company has demonstrated that even in periods of the greatest trials, it is possible not only to maintain but also to strengthen its position while actively participating in helping the country during times of crisis.