Meet Ryan Mejia | Event Organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Mejia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been operating in the esports space for almost a decade and almost every step of the way, I had a helping hand whether it was a mentor granting me guidance or gig from a friend to get me out there. Time and time again I had opportunities falling into my lap until I established myself and earned my keep (from my perspective.) The pay in this space is nowhere near the best thing ever but the passion behind every project is very visible. I’m a firm believer in f0lks being compensated for their work. In starting SoFlo Dojo, I’ve been given the unique opportunity to help others grow like I did with a good hand to lead them AND offer compensation along the way. In being able to cultivate local talent, I’m hoping to create a sustainable longevity in local and domestic esports. I love working with passionate, like-minded individuals and SoFlo Dojo is my space to achieve that love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m unsure about what sets me apart from others. I can say, I’m pretty adept at making connections with folks. I guess difference is, while others seek connections, I seek friendship. Genuine friendships with my colleagues and partners make for better working relationships in my opinion.

I started running Melee casual sessions in 2014 which led to eventually hosting the first Smashing Good Time in December of 2014. Throughout 2014, I was traveling to other fighting game events like CEO and volunteering to learn the ropes of running events and the sort while also running locals at Arcade Odyssey. After doing this for about a year or two, I was hired for my first paid gig at CEO 2016. I also worked my first Evo that same year as data entry when we still used an archaic bracket software. By 2018, I was being contracted by Combo Breaker, CEO, Evo, and DreamHack Fighters. I started working on larger local projects like a regional event in the City of Miramar whom we still do events with today. Things were ramping up on all fronts. We were looking pretty good locally with a multitude of venues and events. Then suddenly, the world closed for awhile. Covid happened and all my projects were put on pause. In 2021 when the things has been opening up, I was informed of a new venue by FIU called NXT LVL Gaming. I bit the bullet and started hosting locals again there with the release of Guilty Gear Strive. These locals would be the beginning of what would become SoFlo Dojo. Major events starting picking up again and I was back on that grind immediately. During this time, I had the pleasure of meeting Jon and Cody, the owners of ROK Esports Gaming Lounge. We would eventually start running events there upon their grand opening. Here we are now in 2024, SoFlo Dojo has weekly and monthly events across Miami-Dade and Broward; most of which are broadcast on twitch.tv.

I cannot say it was easy by any means. The man hours I’ve dedicated over the past 10 years to get here and we’ve barely scratched the surface of our potential. Time and time again, I wondered where this would all lead me. I don’t think the vision is clear to me yet but at the moment, I know want to continue providing opportunities to those who truly want them. Covid really threw into a depressive rut but some game therapy and a push from my forever supportive wife, I climbed out of the pandy fires stronger. If there’s something that kept me going throughout all this, it was the friends I made along the way. I can say with certainty, I would not be where I am today without a little help from my friends. The takeaway from all this should be that perseverance, hard work and love of the homies will get you through the roughest of times. Eternally grateful to be aware of that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When you visit Miami, I think somethings are “required reading.” I’ll do my best to keep this short and sweet. Isla Canarias is a must for anyone visiting. I don’t think you should be allowed to leave the city without having the best croquetas we have to offer. As one of the few real arcades left in the country, Arcade Odyssey in Kendall is definitely on the list. I don’t go as often but I think Rick has a little something for everyone at the arcade. My favorite bar in all of Miami-Dade County, bar none, is Shōjō’s Dojo in the Bird Road Arts District. You will not find a better staff anywhere else in the city. Oh yeah, the sake and beer are gas too. My goto wings spot is Corbett’s in Pinecrest. If that’s too far down US1, Keg South is right off the Palmetto and has the second best wings in Miami. For a nicer meal, my money is on Mr. Omakase in Downtown. I’ve been to my fair share of omakase now and Mr. Omakase offers the kind of atmosphere I like. Unpretentious and chill. It’s also fairly affordable compared to spots like Hiden or Shingo. Loves those two as well but my wallet weeps. Last but most certainly not least, Good Chef Restaurant on Flagler and 107th. I’ve been going there since it was called Chinese Guy pre-covid and it’s the spot that made me fall in love with Cantonese cuisine. I honestly don’t think there’s a bad thing on their menu. While you’re there, check out Hanna & Tiger. Asian Market attached to the restaurant or perhaps the other way around.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It’s difficult to overstate how key my good friend Danny Gil has been to our local fighting game community. When we were still running tournaments at Arcade Odyssey in Kendall, I couldn’t have done it without his help.

Website: https://soflodojo.com

Instagram: @soflodojo

Twitter: @SouthFloridaFGC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoFloDojo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@soflodojo

Other: https://bsky.app/profile/soflodojo.com

Image Credits
Francisco Suarez (@FL_Phyence)
AJ Gray (@MrDarkIce94)