Kieran Holmes-Darby, prominent for co-founding EXCEL Esports and his ongoing work in the competitive gaming industry, is stepping onto a new stage with his appearance on Love is Blind UK. Season 2 of this popular Netflix dating show premieres on August 13th, 2025, placing Holmes-Darby in the mainstream spotlight well beyond his League of Legends and esports roots. His reality TV debut not only highlights the evolving crossover between esports and entertainment, but also signals a shift in how professional gamers build their public profile and personal brand.
From EXCEL Esports to Netflix: Holmes-Darby’s bold move
Kieran Holmes-Darby’s career has always been one to watch. As co-founder of EXCEL Esports—an organization that emerged in December 2014 and earned its best competitive result in 2022—he became a key figure in the League of Legends European Championship (LEC) scene. Following EXCEL’s merger into GIANTX in 2023, Holmes-Darby shifted his focus and currently serves as General Manager for Los Ratones, a rising League of Legends team. Now, by appearing on Love is Blind UK, Holmes-Darby is embracing the reality TV limelight, joining other esports professionals like Sam Klein in seeking broader audience engagement through mainstream media.
Expanding the esports crossover phenomenon
The presence of Kieran Holmes-Darby in Love is Blind UK exemplifies a growing esports crossover trend, where professional players and industry leaders break into reality TV and entertainment. With over 40 million viewers tuning in during the first week of the previous season, Love is Blind UK offers unmatched exposure for Holmes-Darby and, by extension, for the esports community. His participation reflects how esports professionals can use mainstream platforms like Netflix to enhance their public profile and open new opportunities beyond competitive gaming.
Love is Blind UK: The dating show that captured the UK’s attention
Love is Blind UK has become a cultural phenomenon since its debut, reshaping perceptions of dating shows with its unique premise: participants form deep connections without seeing one another until an engagement is proposed. Its widespread popularity, fueled by record-breaking viewership numbers, has attracted participants from diverse backgrounds—including the world of esports. Kieran Holmes-Darby’s involvement demonstrates how the show continues to blur the lines between competitive gaming, entertainment, and mainstream celebrity.
Why Kieran Holmes-Darby matters to the esports scene
Holmes-Darby’s decision to join Love is Blind UK is significant for both esports and the broader entertainment industry. As the co-founder of EXCEL Esports and a current manager in League of Legends, his presence in reality TV signals new avenues for esports professionals to expand their influence and reach. The inclusion of well-known industry names like Sam Klein on reality shows further cements competitive gaming’s role within modern media. For fans, Holmes-Darby’s journey is not only an exploration of personal growth but a showcase of esports’ growing relevance in popular culture.
The future of esports professionals in mainstream media
With the boundaries between gaming, television, and digital culture fading, Kieran Holmes-Darby’s choice to participate in a dating show like Love is Blind UK will likely inspire other esports talents to explore similar crossover opportunities. As more personalities make the leap from digital tournaments to Netflix and global broadcast stages, the visibility of teams such as Los Ratones, the legacy of EXCEL Esports, and organizations like GIANTX all stand to benefit from new fans and collaborations across industries.
Frequently asked questions about Kieran Holmes-Darby Love is Blind UK (FAQ)
Who is Kieran Holmes-Darby?
Kieran Holmes-Darby is the co-founder of EXCEL Esports and currently the General Manager of the League of Legends team Los Ratones. He is also recognized for his pioneering contributions to the European esports ecosystem.
Why did Kieran Holmes-Darby join Love is Blind UK?
Holmes-Darby joined Love is Blind UK to expand his public profile beyond the esports sphere and to engage with a wider audience via mainstream reality TV, leveraging the popularity of Netflix’s dating show.
What is the significance of esports professionals joining reality TV?
When esports figures like Holmes-Darby and Sam Klein participate in reality TV, it helps legitimize esports as a part of mainstream entertainment and creates new opportunities for crossover between gaming and broader audiences.
When does Love is Blind UK Season 2 air?
The second season of Love is Blind UK premieres globally on Netflix on August 13th, 2025.
What impact could this have on the esports industry?
Esports professionals gaining visibility through mainstream media can boost the public perception of competitive gaming, help organizations like GIANTX and Los Ratones reach larger audiences, and attract new fans and sponsorships.
Sources to this article
- INOREADER_ARTICLE_CONTENT (2025).
- Netflix (2025). “Love is Blind UK Season 2: Official Announcement”.
- GIANTX/EXCEL Esports Merger Press Release (2023).
- League of Legends European Championship (LEC): Team Profiles and History (2024).
