TORONTO — In a city known for its startup grit, design edge, and gaming obsession, a new product is fusing all three: PREFIRE, a pocket-sized instant heat pouch for gamers, launched this month by Toronto-born entrepreneur Scott Boniface and co-founder Ryan Bannon.
What looks like a simple hand warmer is actually a reimagined performance tool—designed for esports, built in Toronto, and already making waves on the global stage.
“It’s not superstition. Warm hands mean better blood flow, sharper reflexes, and peak performance,” Boniface told GTA Weekly. “But we saw a bigger opportunity—something gamers could use to reset, refocus, and stay grounded under pressure.”
PREFIRE is the first product by the duo’s new venture since their design agency, Playground Inc., was acquired in 2021. With past clients like The Grammys, BlogTO, Canada Goose, and RBC, Boniface and Bannon are no strangers to crafting experiences. But this project hits closer to home.
🔥 A Heat Pack with Culture and Calm
PREFIRE isn’t just a performance hack—it’s a wellness ritual disguised as an esports accessory. The soft-touch, bright yellow pouch is equal parts practical and collectible. Inspired by Virgil Abloh’s 3% Rule—which said small tweaks can transform everyday objects into iconic ones—PREFIRE brings new energy to an old-school product.
Gamers can expect rotating colourways, limited-edition drops, and custom sticker packs, making each purchase feel more like joining a movement than stocking up on supplies.
🏆 Already on the Esports Main Stage
While still early, PREFIRE has already made its way onto some of the biggest esports stages in the world—used by top-tier teams like FlyQuest, Shopify Rebellion, FaZe Clan, and G2 Esports. That success came organically—no paid promos, no influencer deals. Just players reaching for what works.
It’s an early win in a $1 billion global gaming accessories market, and a testament to how Toronto talent is leading innovation far beyond Bay Street.
🎮 Why It Matters:
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A Toronto-born brand disrupting performance and wellness in esports
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A product that combines design, mindfulness, and high performance
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Proof that innovation doesn’t need a venture capital hype machine—just smart thinking and smart design
Gamers, streamers, and sports performance junkies can learn more or grab their own at prefire.co.
Follow GTA Weekly for more stories at the intersection of design, gaming, and Toronto innovation. #GTAWeekly #PREFIRE #TorontoStartups #GamingWellness
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