Seattle, WA — August Interactive, in collaboration with the Military Esports League (the MEL), today announced the appointment of HipHopGamer (Gerard Williams) and Montel Williams as the organizations' newest global ambassadors. The duo will help accelerate the MEL's mission to support active-duty service members, veterans, and military families through gaming while expanding August Interactive's creator and community initiatives across culture, education, and technology.
Montel Williams is an Emmy Award–winning television personality, decorated former Naval officer and Marine, and the longtime host of "Military Makeover with Montel" on Lifetime, a series dedicated to renovating the homes of U.S. military families. He also co-hosts "The Balancing Act" on Lifetime, hosts two podcasts—"Let's Be Blunt with Montel" and "Free Thinking with Montel"—and is the author of The Sailing of the Intrepid (Hanover Square Press, May 20, 2025), a WWII nonfiction history. Williams serves on the boards of Fisher House Foundation, The Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, and The Research & Recognition Project, among others.
"As a veteran, I've seen the power of purpose and teamwork," said Williams. "The Military Esports League gives our military community a modern arena to connect, compete, and heal. I'm honored to join August Interactive and the MEL to expand access, build resilience, and celebrate the extraordinary service of our armed forces."
- Montel Williams
HipHopGamer is a pioneering media personality and cultural bridge-builder at the intersection of hip‑hop, gaming, and social impact. He is recognized for being the first gamer to serve as official on‑air talent at Hot 97 and for nationally syndicating gaming content via the American Urban Radio Networks (AURN). His portfolio also includes high‑profile education and community partnerships, including work with Denzel Washington's Mount Vernon school community, and innovative programs that use gaming to uplift students and returning citizens; he has also pioneered a first‑of‑its‑kind New York Stock Exchange collaboration to "bring gaming to Wall Street."
"This is about service, community, and opportunity," said HipHopGamer. "Gaming changed my life. Now I'm focused on helping drive the best—creating pathways in education, wellness, and careers for service members, veterans, and their families. With August Interactive and the MEL, we'll build programs that inspire and unite."
- HipHopGamer (Gerard Williams)
"HipHopGamer and Montel embody the heart and momentum of this movement," said Kristin Wood, Co-Founder & CEO of August Interactive. "Together with the MEL, we're meeting the military community where they are and where they're going."
- Kristin Wood, Co-Founder & CEO of August Interactive
"This partnership is a force multiplier," said Chris Jones, Director of the Military Esports League. "Montel's lifelong advocacy for service members and HipHopGamer's proven track record of community impact will help us deliver programming that is competitive, supportive, and future‑ready."
- Chris Jones, Director of the Military Esports League
As ambassadors, HipHopGamer and Montel Williams will support:
Montel Williams earned his media reputation as an Emmy Award–winning television personality whom Americans welcomed into their homes for more than 17 years. A decorated former Naval officer and Marine, he currently hosts "Military Makeover with Montel" on Lifetime and co-hosts "The Balancing Act." He is the author of The Sailing of the Intrepid (May 20, 2025), and hosts two podcasts—"Let's Be Blunt with Montel" and "Free Thinking with Montel." Williams is a longtime advocate for service members, veterans, and their families, and serves on multiple national boards focused on health and veteran support.
HipHopGamer is a New York–based media personality known for uniting hip‑hop and gaming through broadcast, live events, and social impact. He is the first gamer to serve as official on‑air talent for Hot 97 and to syndicate gaming content nationally via AURN; his education and re‑entry initiatives include partnerships in Mount Vernon (NY) and pioneering gaming‑for‑impact programs. He has also self‑reported collaborations spanning finance and technology, including a New York Stock Exchange activation to "bring gaming to Wall Street."
Led by public service veterans and gaming industry pioneers, August Interactive is developing titles that combine AAA quality with meaningful player experiences. The company's focus on military and veteran communities demonstrates their commitment to creating games and experiences that serve both entertainment and social impact purposes.
The Military Esports League (the MEL) is a competitive platform for active‑duty service members, veterans, and military families, supporting connection and community through gaming.
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