Love Is Blind Kieran Holmes-Darby's journey from gaming millionaire to reality TV star
The popular dating show Love Is Blind UK is back for its second season, with a fresh batch of 30 hopeful singles looking to find love, sight unseen. The first string of episodes was released on Netflix on Wednesday, August 13, and is now available to watch.
Hosts Matt and Emma Willis returned at the helm of the series, which sees singletons popping the question before they have even clapped eyes on their future partner. In a trusting concept, they rely entirely on a soul connection.
They communicate in separate pods, aiming to form a deeper connection, before finally coming face-to-face with who they hope will be their life partner. This year's cast boasts a Scots nanny and make-up artist, 31-year-old Katisha Atkinson from Dumfries.
However, one participant with a particularly interesting backstory is Forbes Under 30 honouree Kieran Holmes-Darby. Let's take a closer look at his million pound gaming business and journey to the reality sphere.
Which gaming company did Kieran establish?
At the tender age of 19, Kieran and his brother Joel Holmes-Darby launched UK esports firm Excel, now estimated to be worth millions according to the Mirror, back in 2014.
The entrepreneur, now 28, has previously shared how they would spend hours gaming together remotely from their university at opposite ends of the country before deciding to create their own esports squad.
Excel gained recognition for its formidable teams across popular games such as League of Legends and Fortnite, with its players competing globally. The team even featured in the BBC gaming documentary, Fight for First: Excel Esports, which aired in January 2021.
Kieran told South West Londoner at the time: "It's so very exciting; it's a nice bit of recognition and I'm really happy.
"I have lots of people - from school, distant relatives, people from university - messaging me to say congratulations and it's really great.
"Gaming has always been a big part of our lives and we're quite competitive people by nature. It's been quite the journey from the dorm room to where we are now, but a really exciting one."
Is Kieran Holmes-Darby a member of Mensa?
According to Netflix's Tudum, 'secret geek' Kieran is a member of Mensa and is no stranger to achievement. At just 25, Kieran also secured a spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for establishing UK esports on the global stage.
To gain membership of Mensa, candidates must show an IQ within the top two per cent, either by completing their monitored examination or providing previous evidence.
What does Kieran Holmes-Darby do now?
In 2023, Excel combined with Spanish organisation Giants Gaming, establishing the GIANTX brand, which remains a major force in Esports.
Kieran departed the organisation after the merger and has since taken on the role of Manager for the League of Legends squad Los Ratones, owned by former Excel player Marc Robert 'Caedrel' Lamont. The businessman also joined sports and gaming-focused creative agency Ear to the Ground as their Business Director.
Kieran Holmes-Darby's Love Is Blind journey
According to Netflix's Tudum, Kieran had been single for 18 months when they began filming Love Is Blind UK series two.
Described by his pals and relatives as "the golden boy", Kieran was previously in a seven-year relationship, but is now prepared to discover romance in the pods with his potential bride. He has made it to the final five couples, alongside dance teacher Megan Jupp.
Will Kieran discover what he's searching for? Viewers will have to wait for upcoming episodes to see if things pan out for the couple, which will land later this month on August 20.
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