Rob O'Connor

Robert (Rob) O’Connor is the Co-Founder of ELITE Gaming in Syracuse, New York—an esports, education, and entertainment venue that helps young people thrive through the things they already love. Through ELITE Gaming and its Brain Play education division, Rob works with schools and community partners to broaden access to technology, strengthen digital skills, and connect students to STEAM and CTE career pathways.

Before launching ELITE Gaming, Rob owned a sign and design studio for eight years and spent more than two decades helping grow the Syracuse Nationals car show (founded by his father) into one of the largest automotive events in the country. Under their leadership, the event contributed $1.75 million to local charities.

Rob brings that same entrepreneurial, community-first approach to workforce development—building programs that translate engagement into real-world skills, confidence, and opportunity.