Major Nelson Reveals He’s Working With Xbox Again As ‘Host’ For FanFest 2026
Major Nelson, the longtime face of Xbox, is returning to work with the company as host for FanFest 2026. Larry Hryb, known professionally as Major Nelson, departed from Xbox and Microsoft in July 2023 after two decades of service, marking the end of an era for Xbox fans who had followed his career throughout the brand’s history.
During his 20 years at Xbox, Major Nelson held several key positions. He served as Principal Program Manager for nine years, where he contributed to the development of foundational Xbox systems including Xbox Live and the achievement system. He then transitioned to a senior leadership role, spending 11 years as Senior Director of Corporate Communications, where he oversaw the company’s public messaging and brand representation.
Beyond his executive responsibilities, Major Nelson became a recognizable figure in Xbox’s marketing and community efforts. He played an important role in promoting major Xbox initiatives including Games with Gold, Xbox Live Arcade, and various first-party game releases through video content and campaigns. His work made him a beloved and ever-present ambassador for the brand throughout his tenure.
His return as host for FanFest 2026 represents a significant moment for the Xbox community, signaling renewed collaboration between the legendary figure and Xbox and bringing back someone instrumental in shaping the platform’s public identity and community engagement.