Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Hobbies and Interests
LINKS
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Dren Buza

Prishtina

Summary

Dedicated Senior Software Engineer with 7 years of extensive experience in leading technological innovation, guiding engineering teams, and driving international product expansion. Adept at developing and implementing efficient data solutions, integrating new technologies, and ensuring top-notch quality assurance. Proven track record of spearheading curriculum development and educational innovation. Proficient in C#/.NET/.NET Core, databases, and microservices, with a strong grasp of agile methodology and software architecture.


Beyond engineering, I bring a deep passion for gaming and esports, which has naturally evolved into operational leadership roles in high-stakes tournaments and gaming festivals. My background in software development empowers me to tackle complex logistical challenges, optimize systems, and implement scalable workflows as a Head of Operations. Whether it's streamlining tournament automation, architecting staff scheduling systems, or ensuring technical resilience at live events, I leverage my engineering mindset to deliver structured, data-driven, and high-impact results.

I am committed to delivering high quality, scalable solutions that exceed global objectives and foster engaging learning and gaming experiences.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience

Work History

Head of Operations

Xportal Esports
2022 - Current
  • Leveraged analytics and performance data to inform scheduling, talent allocation, and audience engagement strategies.
  • Streamlined event operations by identifying logistical bottlenecks and deploying scalable workflows across tournament setup, broadcasting, and volunteer coordination.
  • Boosted team productivity by introducing continuous improvement loops tailored to esports production and event management.
  • Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for maximum value and efficiency.

Operations Manager

European Esports Championship 2025
01.2025 - 07.2025
  • Oversaw end-to-end operations for the European Esports Championship 2025, coordinating tournament logistics across CS2 and Dota 2 titles.
  • Managed daily workflows across League Ops, Server Admins, Referees, and Broadcast teams to ensure seamless match execution and scheduling.
  • Designed and implemented shift-based volunteer and staff scheduling for over 100 personnel, optimizing resource distribution across multiple game titles and stages.
  • Led technical operations, ensuring competitive integrity through pre-match checks, server stability, and anti-cheat enforcement in collaboration with tournament referees.
  • Coordinated with national delegations and IESF reps to ensure rule compliance, match punctuality, and issue escalation procedures.
  • Directed all operational aspects within the 1 Tetori Sports Center, transforming the venue into a fully functional esports arena with modular zones for players, spectators, media, and staff.
  • Supervised venue setup and teardown, including stage construction, network infrastructure, power redundancy, and controlled-access zones.
  • Worked closely with production and AV teams to integrate live broadcast feeds, on-stage audio, and audience visual displays.
  • Managed security protocols, accreditation checkpoints, and crowd flow strategy to ensure a smooth experience for athletes and attendees.
  • Developed contingency and crisis response plans for technical failures, power disruptions, and player emergencies during the live event.

Operations Manager

XP GameFest
2021 - Current
  • Led end-to-end tournament operations across CS:GO/CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, and FIFA, scaling competitive structures from online qualifiers to high-profile LAN finals.
  • Coordinated bracket management, referee staffing, anti-cheat protocols, and match scheduling across multiple titles with up to 40+ participating teams.
  • Implemented centralized match control and admin escalation systems to ensure smooth, delay-free tournament flow.
  • Managed casting schedules, observer logistics, and stage run-of-show in coordination with broadcast and production teams.
  • Oversaw rulebook creation, dispute resolution processes, and ensured alignment with international esports standards (ESIC, Valve, Riot rulesets).
  • Transformed venues like Zahir Pajaziti Square and CineStar Prishtina Mall into fully equipped esports arenas, integrating stage, backstage, and audience-facing zones.
  • Directed venue layout planning including power routing, wired LAN networks, stage lighting, screen projection, and spectator seating flows.
  • Managed vendor coordination for PC setups, peripherals, branding, and audiovisual systems across all game areas.
  • Led setup and teardown timelines with precision across indoor and outdoor venues, ensuring zero downtime during game transitions.
  • Created shift-based staffing models for logistics crew, security, media content teams, and tech support, ensuring optimized on-site coverage.

Expert for Curriculum Development and Project Support

jCoders Academy
09.2023 - 09.2024
  • Spearhead the strategic redesign and development of educational curricula, advancing the academic and professional trajectories of learners.
  • Drive educational innovation, ensuring that offerings not only meet but exceed the dynamic demands of modern educational landscapes.
  • Champion best practices in curriculum design to foster engaging and impactful learning experiences.

Software Engineer

CARDO AI
11.2024 - Current

Contributing to the development of cutting-edge software solutions in the private market investment management space.

Key responsibilities include:
• Developing and implementing complex software features to enhance product capabilities.
• Conducting code reviews and ensuring adherence to quality assurance standards.
• Identifying and utilizing the most efficient technologies to address technical challenges.
• Analyzing business requirements and designing innovative functionalities.
• Planning and executing system modifications and improvements.
• Creating detailed technical specifications and test plans to guide development processes.
• Designing and constructing scalable and efficient application layers.

Supporting the creation of innovative, high-quality solutions aligned with CardoAI’s mission to enable smarter investment management through technology.

Technical Lead

International Advisory, Products and Systems (i-APS)
08.2023 - 08.2024
  • Drive technological innovation and ensure high standards in product development.
  • Guide engineering teams, focusing on best practices and technical excellence.
  • Develop and implement data solutions for efficient collection, analysis, and actionable insights.
  • Act as a liaison between technical teams and product management, translating needs into actionable plans.
  • Lead efforts in integrating new technologies and strategies to enhance product capabilities and support international expansion.
  • Oversee quality assurance processes to ensure reliability, performance, and security.
  • Achievements:
  • Developed a new data collection framework, improving accuracy and reliability.
  • Enhanced third-party monitoring systems, optimizing work processes and distribution.
  • Spearheaded efforts to adapt products for international markets, contributing to global growth.

Program Director

CAT - Code and Tech
06.2022 - 06.2023
  • Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones.
  • Recruited and trained staff to upgrade collective team skills.
  • Mentored team members for professional development, resulting in increased productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.

Teaching Assistant

Riinvest College
10.2020 - 09.2022
  • Taught courses on Basics of Programming and C#, providing foundational knowledge and practical skills.
  • Contributed to the development and ideation of course materials and project assignments, enhancing the educational experience and aligning with industry trends.

Software Developer

Multitasking SHPK
09.2017 - 09.2020

• Developed web applications using C#, .NET Core, and SQL Server, focusing on creating robust and scalable solutions.
• Integrated academic knowledge with hands-on experience, balancing university studies with side projects to deliver innovative and efficient solutions.
• Engaged in continuous learning and applied industry best practices to enhance project outcomes and drive technological advancements.

Mentor

Kosovo CSR Network
03.2019 - 2022

Had the honor to participate and Mentor two winning groups in the following workshops:
- Ponder Workshop (Organized by PEN - Peer Educators Network)
- Podium Workshop (Organized by YMCA Kosova)
- Upshift Workshop (Organized by PEN - Peer Educators Network)

Education

Master of Science - MS - Advanced Data Science

Riinvest College
07.2025

Bachelors' Degree - Computer Software Engineering

Riinvest College
01.2020

Skills

  • C# and NET proficiency
  • Experienced in agile project management
  • Database management expertise
  • Advanced skills in system architecture
  • Proficient in microservices development
  • Organizational development
  • Cross-functional coordination
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Operations oversight
  • Decision-making

Languages

Albanian
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Advanced (C1)

Timeline

Operations Manager

European Esports Championship 2025
01.2025 - 07.2025

Software Engineer

CARDO AI
11.2024 - Current

Expert for Curriculum Development and Project Support

jCoders Academy
09.2023 - 09.2024

Technical Lead

International Advisory, Products and Systems (i-APS)
08.2023 - 08.2024

Program Director

CAT - Code and Tech
06.2022 - 06.2023

Teaching Assistant

Riinvest College
10.2020 - 09.2022

Mentor

Kosovo CSR Network
03.2019 - 2022

Software Developer

Multitasking SHPK
09.2017 - 09.2020

Bachelors' Degree - Computer Software Engineering

Riinvest College

Head of Operations

Xportal Esports
2022 - Current

Operations Manager

XP GameFest
2021 - Current

Master of Science - MS - Advanced Data Science

Riinvest College

Hobbies and Interests

Gaming, Travelling, Sports, TV Shows, Reading

LINKS

Linkedin

Dren Buza