Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Walter Roque is a soccer analyst, commentator, and sports executive with deep expertise spanning media, education, and club management. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Communication (Audiovisual) from Santa María University, Venezuela, a Master’s Degree in Sports Management Applied to Soccer from FIFA, and is a Certified Soccer Performance Analyst through CONMEBOL (2021).

Walter co-authored the CONMEBOL-approved educational program Soccer Essentials: Key Terms and Commands for Soccer (English–Spanish) (2024), bridging language barriers in soccer education. Since 2019, he has served as a soccer analyst and commentator for Telemundo Deportes, and since 2023 for Major League Soccer on Apple TV. He is currently CEO and Director of Soccer at Central Florida United FC.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?

I’m truly honored and excited to be part of the distinguished panel of judges for such a prestigious and inspiring event.

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first job in the industry was in radio back in 2003. That experience ignited the passion and dedication that continue to drive everything I do in sports media today.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I’m especially proud to have covered four FIFA World Cups and five Copa América tournaments. Each of those experiences has been a true honor and a reflection of my dedication to telling the stories of the game at its highest level.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The most challenging part of my job is keeping the audience engaged, informed, and entertained throughout every match. My mission is to educate, inspire, and connect with those who truly love the game. I put my heart into every broadcast because soccer is not just a sport — it’s a language that unites people around the world.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

Touring and learning about all the Major League Soccer stadiums, and being able to broadcast league matches through MLS Season Pass on Apple TV to more than 100 countries around the world, is both a huge and wonderful challenge. I’m very proud to be part of this team of highly professional Spanish-language soccer analysts here in the United States.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?

For me, creativity comes from curiosity and constant learning. I watch a lot of games, listen to different commentators, and study how coaches communicate with players. I also find inspiration in traveling, visiting stadiums, and observing how people live and breathe soccer in different cultures. Those experiences always give me new ways to tell stories and connect with the audience.

What inspired you to pursue your career path?

My inspiration has always been the game itself — its stories, its people, and its ability to unite the world. From the moment I spoke into a microphone for the first time, I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to communicating soccer with passion, respect, and depth. Over the years, that passion has only grown stronger as I’ve seen how powerful it can be to inform, inspire, and educate through the sport.