Who Is Reynad? From Hearthstone Pro to Esports CEO

Reynad, born Andrey Yanyuk on January 27, 1992, is a 33-year-old American entrepreneur, game designer, and retired professional Hearthstone player. Originally from Ukraine, he moved to the U.S. as a child and has since become a leading figure in competitive gaming and digital card design.

How Did Reynad Start in Gaming?

Reynad began his career in Magic: The Gathering before transitioning to Hearthstone, where he gained fame as the “father of Zoo Warlock”. His Twitch streams drew massive audiences, sometimes exceeding 20,000 concurrent viewers, and he built a loyal fanbase around his high-skill gameplay and candid streaming style.

What Is Reynad’s Professional Journey Today?

Today, Reynad is the founder and CEO of Tempo Storm, a premier esports organization launched in 2014. He is also the lead designer of The Bazaar, a digital card game funded by a $4 million crowdfunding campaign. His focus has shifted from streaming to managing teams, designing games, and growing his brand globally.

How Has Reynad Overcome Challenges?

Reynad often shares that he struggled financially in his early 20s, living on a tight budget while trying to make it in card games. Despite setbacks, he leveraged his gaming expertise to build a multimillion-dollar company and secure investments in digital game development.

What Is Reynad’s Influence in Gaming?

Even with less frequent streaming, Reynad remains pivotal in the gaming community. He has transformed from a “salt-filled” Twitch persona into a respected industry executive, guiding Tempo Storm and mentoring aspiring esports professionals worldwide.

Why Is Reynad Important in 2026?

Reynad continues to shape the esports and digital card game scene. With The Bazaar’s open beta launched in late 2025 and Tempo Storm thriving, he exemplifies the evolution from competitive player to innovative industry leader.