- Oregon State University
1994-1998
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
During Ybarra’s time with the company, PrizePicks has launched a new ad campaign called “Run Your Game” for football season.
The commercial will feature media personality and broadcaster Joe Budden, Drew "Druski" Desbordes, Suga' Sean O'Malley, Kyle Foregard and Trent Attyah.
The ad highlights “the unique thrill of connecting with friends around the biggest moments in sports and culture,” PrizePicks said.
Under Ybarra’s leadership, the company has also recently signed an agreement with actor and comedian Drew ‘Druski ‘Desbordes, who is set to join the company as a brand ambassador.
As per the terms of the deal, PrizePicks and Druski will work together to develop co-branded specialty merchandise, original online content, national ad campaigns and various engagement opportunities for the DFS community.
EMPLOYMENT
During his lengthy career, Ybarra has held several key roles for notable companies that include Microsoft and Blizzard Entertainment. He served as President at Blizzard and oversaw numerous growth achievements – as well as the company’s profit and loss portfolio.
He began his career at Hewlett-Packard, where he worked as Software Development Engineer from 1997 to 1999.
Following on from this, Ybarra spent just under two decades at Microsoft and held Corporate VP leadership positions for the Xbox and Windows divisions.
Next, Ybarra moved on to his role as Executive VP & GM, Platform and Technology at Blizzard Entertainment. The organisation develops several well-known video games that include Call of Duty, Candy Crush, Diablo and World of Warcraft. In August 2021, Ybarra was promoted to company President.
Activision Blizzard faced public scrutiny after a sexual harassment lawsuit was filed in 2021 by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
The sexual harassment suit was filed following a two-year investigation into the company’s workplace environment. The suit alleged that the atmosphere fosters a “frat boy” culture and encourages gender discrimination and ill treatment of female employees.
Though these events took place during Ybarra’s time at Blizzard, he was never charged with any wrongdoing.
Regarding his appointment as PrizePicks CEO, Ybarra said:
“PrizePicks is the most exciting company in sports entertainment today, and it's an honor to join as CEO. I have tremendous respect for the foundation that Adam has built and look forward to working with him and the team.
"I am impressed with the passion, positive energy and incredible team at PrizePicks and want to thank Adam and the board for this opportunity.”
PRODUCTS LAUNCHED
In recent years, PrizePicks has expanded its presence in North America and is now operational in 35 regional markets. Under Ybarra’s leadership, the company will look to further establish its standing within the North American continent.
PrizePicks recently gained approval for an operating license in the state of New Hampshire.
Its peer-to-peer fantasy sports title, PrizePicks Arena, has reached two million lineups since its initial launch. More than 100,000 players contributed to Arena surpassing this milestone since the game’s debut.
Arena gives players an opportunity to show off their skills by competing directly against other players and “builds on PrizePicks' existing game and extends the second screen sports entertainment experience within the PrizePicks community.”
PrizePicks Arena is currently available in the US in Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
