Interview with Lee McFarland Founder of Behind The Gloves
The iGaming Post sat down with Lee McFarland to see who really is “Behind The Gloves”
Q: Can you tell us about your background in gaming?
I’ve spent more than a decade in gaming, starting with DafaBet in Manila. My career has included Head of Delivery for North America at Light & Wonder, SVP of Operations at Strive Gaming, delivery work with PointsBet Canada and, most recently, VP of Delivery at White Hat Gaming. I’ve also run my consultancy, Praxis Point. I’ve now stepped away from delivery to focus on Behind The Gloves, with many of the relationships built along the way helping make it possible.
Q: How did you get into gaming after leaving the Army?
I served in the Parachute Regiment (1 PARA) in the British Army deploying to hostile environments and then worked in private security in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was a demanding environment, with real pressure and responsibility. Moving on meant working out how that experience could translate into another career, and I knew I needed to retrain.
I thought I’d become some whizz-kid IT architect. Well that was the plan! Project management became my go-to skillset. Planning and getting people working together under pressure were familiar, but I had plenty to learn about business. My first gaming role at DafaBet in Manila gave me the chance to put those skills to work in a new setting.
Q: Have you enjoyed your gaming career, and what has it taught you?
Lee McFarland
Yes. It’s given me opportunities and friendships I’m grateful for. It’s also taught me to listen. A plan only works if you understand the people delivering it and the pressures they’re under. That carries into BTG, where people trust us with their time, money and often a very personal reason for getting involved.
Q: What made you start Behind The Gloves?
Boxing helped me through difficult periods in my life. It gave me structure and a sense of belonging, and I wanted to share that. BTG started with boxing sessions around industry events, giving people a way to get moving, connect and for many to make a decision about more drinks on a night out or being ready to get to the gym in the morning. It grew to include fundraising for causes they care about. Our values, Courage, Community and Impact, reflect what we are building together.
Q: How does BTG connect to your Army experience, and what is your boxing background?
The Army taught me to look after the people around me. I want that same sense of support at BTG. I’ve boxed myself and now spend more time coaching. Helping someone feel comfortable enough to try, learn safely and come back matters to me. You don’t need to arrive fit or confident.
Q: How has the gaming industry responded?
The support has been brilliant. We’ve held sessions around ICE, SBC, G2E, NEXT and SiGMA, and partners including Gamingtec, Inspired Entertainment and EveryMatrix have helped us take the next step. The fighters deserve huge credit for fitting training and fundraising around their lives, alongside everyone helping behind the scenes. I started BTG, but its progress depends on all those people choosing to support it.
Q: Were you surprised by how many people embraced it?
I’ve been surprised by the scale of it. Many of us spend our days in meetings or behind screens, so doing something physical together is a welcome change. Boxing can seem intimidating, but you can join us as a complete beginner, learn alongside others and have a laugh while you’re doing it.
Q: What does Midnight Mayhem mean to you?
It’s our biggest challenge yet: La Paloma, Barcelona, on 19 January 2027, during ICE week, with a €200,000 fundraising target supporting 25 charities. Every fighter has a cause behind their commitment. Organising it has stretched me, and I’m learning as I go. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and want to deliver a night that does justice to everyone’s effort and support.
Q: What comes next for BTG, and could it expand beyond gaming?
Gaming is where BTG has grown so far. There’s scope to work with other industries, but I want us to grow at a pace where we can look after people properly. After Midnight Mayhem, the aim is to keep building sustainable sessions and partnerships, give people reasons to stay involved and show clearly what their support has helped achieve.
Find Out More about Midnight Mayhem: CLICK HERE
Go to Behind The Gloves Website: CLICK HERE
