CTRL + ALT + COMPETE

This week, James is joined by Cody Hendry, a prominent figure in the Scottish esports landscape. Cody is a professional player, coach, and the owner of Opell Esports.Cody dives deep into the state of the competitive scene in Scotland and discusses the various titles his organisation competes in. The conversation also shifts to Cody's passion for the new esports title, The Finals. Join James and Cody as they explore their shared love for the innovative developer behind it, Embark Studios.

We welcome singer-songwriter Craig Eddie, a former winner of The Voice, to the show.An avid Rocket League fan, Craig shares insights into the mindset required to achieve excellence, discussing his drive to set ambitious targets and become the best he can be. Craig also opens up about his personal challenges, including his struggle with tinnitus and how he manages it while pursuing a career in music.

Alex Hirbe is a trailblazing educator and esports innovator from St. Louis, MO, with a lifelong passion for discovery learning, leadership, and video games. After pivoting from architecture studies at Kansas State University to high school social studies—and later industrial technology—he spent over a decade in the classroom, presenting at state and national conferences on meaningful tech integration. Armed with a master’s in educational technology from the University of Central Missouri, Alex served as a Technology Integration Specialist at Basehor-Linwood School District before diving into esports. He helped build online learning solutions for Generation Esports' Gaming Concepts curriculum, and now as Education Manager at PlayVS, he designs and implements impactful online curricula to foster esports education. In this live episode from Phase 25, Alex joins James to explore his dynamic career shift into esports, the power of tech in education, and how gaming is revolutionizing learning and competition.

Bubba is a broadcaster, host, consultant, entrepreneur, professor, and esports veteran with over 25 years in non-profits and sports, plus 11 years in gaming and esports. As President & Co-Founder of the Videogames and Esports Foundation (VEF)—the first STEM-accredited non-profit in the space—he champions education and career pathways in gaming. He currently serves as Head of Events and Senior Lecturer at the University Campus of Esports in London, UK, and hosts popular shows such as Invite Sent and The rAVe Esports Show. In this live episode from Phase 25, Bubba joins James to discuss his remarkable career journey, the evolution of competitive gaming, and the importance of neurodiversity in esports. 

Gavin Ferry is a passionate esports educator and event specialist from the UK, with a career dedicated to blending gaming, technology, and learning. Starting his journey in sports management, he transitioned into esports coordination, organizing tournaments and coaching student teams at institutions like Confetti Institute. Holding a BSc in Sports Management from Nottingham Trent University, Gavin has presented at industry conferences on esports integration in education. Currently, as Senior Lecturer in Esports at the University Campus of Esports in London, he teaches on business, marketing, and event management in the competitive gaming space, inspiring the next generation of industry pros. In this live episode from Phase 25, Gavin joins James to discuss his esports career, the evolution of gaming education, and strategies for building successful competitive programs. 🔗 Find Gavin Online 🌐 Website: https://www.nufoundation.org.uk/ 🐦 X: https://x.com/GavFerry 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-ferry-2b4ba220b/ 🎮 Find Ctrl + Alt + Compete Here 📸 Instagram: @ctrlaltcompetepodcast I https://www.instagram.com/ctrlaltcompetepodcast 🐦 X: @CTRLALTCOMPOD I https://x.com/CTRLALTCOMPOD 🎵 TikTok: @erenasports I https://www.tiktok.com/@erenasports

Cameron "Cammy" McKilligan, aka Breach Cammy, is a Scottish professional Call of Duty player hailing from Edinburgh, born October 10, 1999. With over $584,000 in career earnings from 44 tournaments, he's a standout in the esports scene, currently competing for Boston Breach in the Call of Duty League—where he's earned accolades like NA Stage 3 Elite MVP. A veteran competitor, Cammy streams on Twitch (twitch.tv/Cammy) and shares insights on high stakes matches, team dynamics, and the grind of pro gaming. In this live episode from Phase 25, Cammy joins James to break down his journey in competitive CoD, the evolution of esports, and what it takes to thrive in the fast-paced world of professional gaming. 🔗 Find Cammy Online  🌐 twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/Cammy 🐦 X: https://x.com/CammyMVP 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cammy_mckilligan/ 🎮 Find Ctrl + Alt + Compete Here 📸 Instagram: @ctrlaltcompetepodcast I https://www.instagram.com/ctrlaltcompetepodcast 🐦 X: @CTRLALTCOMPOD I https://x.com/CTRLALTCOMPOD 🎵 TikTok: @erenasports I https://www.tiktok.com/@erenasports

In this episode of the Ctrl Alt Compete Podcast, we sit down with Drew Spark-Whitworth at PHASE25, the esteemed Head Coach of G2 VALORANT, for an insightful conversation on leadership, strategy, and competitive excellence in esports. Since taking the helm in 2022, Drew has guided his teams to an International Championship and two Regional Championships, solidifying his reputation as one of the top coaching minds in VALORANT.With a career spanning role as an analyst for XSET, assistant coach for Sentinels, and foundational experience in Rainbow Six Siege, Drew brings a deep understanding of team dynamics and performance at the highest level of play.Tune in for an interview that delves into his coaching philosophy, the evolution of esports, and what it takes to build and sustain success on the global stage.

Shoubna Naika-Taylor has 14 years of educational experience, lecturing in media, games, and esports and has built the esports provisions in 2 FE colleges. She works hard to create an inclusive and safe space for young people to participate in esports roles. Her involvement with Esports started in 2019 when she led a team for a 3v3 tournament to the finals, and since then, as the provision grew, naturally, so did her involvement with British Esports Federation, where she sits on the Advisory Board representing UK education in esports. She sees herself as an advocate for Women in Esports and inclusive gaming across the globe and uses her online platform to share awareness and celebrate the work of women and marginalised genders in the industry. She believes in fair opportunities for all and works with young people to ensure they have the chance to shine regardless of background. 

Nik Turner serves as the Managing Director of Ntesports, a company committed to fostering grassroots esports, providing educational consultancy, and running the largest online shop for esports teaching resources. With over a decade of experience in the esports industry, Nik previously held the position of Head of Department at an Ofsted Outstanding College for ten years before shifting his focus to Ntesports. In this role, he has expanded the company's influence through team sponsorships, educational initiatives, and strategic industry partnerships. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of esports professionals, Nik collaborates with students, educators, and industry leaders to develop meaningful career pathways in the field. He also serves as the Chair of the Education Committee at the Esports Trade Association and partners with Yoyotech, the UK's leading provider of esports facilities in education.

Graham Carroll is a distinguished racing driver turned sim-racing legend, currently representing Scuderia Ferrari HP Esports.His motorsport journey began at just eight years old, where he quickly claimed success in karting, including a Scottish championship in 2003. He later transitioned to car racing with distinction, winning the Scottish Formula Ford Championship and the Jackie Stewart Trophy in 2008, before lifting the Walter Hayes Trophy in 2015 among other accolades.In 2016, Graham embraced the world of sim-racing, competing across platforms like Gran Turismo and rFactor. His talent earned him a spot in the 2017 F1 Esports draft, where Red Bull signed him for two seasons. Over the years, he continued to race at the highest level in diverse championships — from Assetto Corsa’s V10R to iRacing — and joined the Mercedes Esports team in 2023.In June 2024, Graham elevated his esports career further by joining the Scuderia Ferrari HP Esports Team, aligning his real-world racing pedigree with Ferrari’s storied brand in the digital arena.On this episode of Ctrl Alt Compete, filmed live at Phase25, we dive into Graham’s unique dual perspective — as a seasoned track racer and a leading force in competitive sim-racing — exploring topics like performance crossover, mindset in motorsport vs. esports, the future of digital racing, and his goals riding with Ferrari.Enjoy!

Kairo, whose real name is Kieran Tulloch, is a professional esports caster from Scotland specializing in Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, and Roller Champions. He has provided commentary for major events such as VCT Pacific and VCT EMEA, with experience in LAN, studio, home, and international broadcasts. Starting his journey in 2020, Kairo has built a dedicated following through his Twitch streams and as one half of The Scoreboard podcast alongside Hazza. With over five years in the industry, he continues to engage the community with his unique "Clove Accent" style, inspired by the Valorant agent, while pursuing new opportunities in esports broadcasting.

Mark Bryceland, aka MarkyB, is a Scottish esports veteran with over 15 years in competitive Call of Duty. Starting as a player in 2008, he dominated the European scene, clinching seven championships before transitioning to coaching. He’s led top CDL teams like Toronto Ultra to major tournament wins and rebuilt rosters for Los Angeles Guerrillas. Nominated for an Esports Award, Mark, now based in Dallas, blends his strategic coaching with his passion for fitness as a qualified personal trainer, while engaging fans through streaming and community events.

Dr. Amanda Ford is a lecturer in Creative & Digital Industries at West College Scotland, specialising in games-based learning. With a PhD from the University of the West of Scotland, her research explores how games enhance student skills. As founder of the Scottish Games Education Network (SGEN), she drives collaboration through events like the Scottish Games Education Symposium. A Women in Games Jobs Ambassador and STEM Ambassador, Amanda champions diversity and mentors aspiring game developers. Honoured with the 2022 Grads in Games Academic Award, she balances her academic work with her love for gaming and community building.

Amy Russell is the Mass Participation Fundraiser at Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, where she inspires communities to take on epic challenges—online and offline—to raise vital funds for children and families facing life-changing hospital stays. Passionate about ensuring no child faces hospital alone, she turns gaming marathons, streaming events, and community fundraisers into powerful acts of hope and connection.

Altany is a life-long resident of Glenrothes and is an elected Councillor for the Glenrothes West and Kinglassie Ward.Elected in 2012 Altany has served in a number of roles and represented Fife Council on a variety of external bodies and boards, currently serving on Scotland Excel Executive Board, COSLA Economy Board, East of Scotland European Consortium and as Scottish Regional Chair of the Industrial Communities Alliance, Altany brings a wide range of knowledge and experience to these roles.Altany is the Spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning in the current Administration of the Council with a wide ranging remit.Having spent much of his work life in Industry and latterly lecturing at Adam Smith College, Altany has a variety of workplace experiences to call upon and supports this with many qualifications gained through frequent returns as an adult learner.A love of numbers led him to Accounting (ACCA) and then Economics (OU) after a degree in Management and he uses these skills regularly as a Senior Member of the Fife Council Administration.Married with a grown-up family and no pets, Altany enjoys writing horror fiction, football and esports among many other interests.

Never one to hit pause on the conversation, Arran Donald brings his signature mix of wit, wisdom, and just a touch of chaos to the CTRL + ALT + COMPLETE podcast. With a background spanning casting, event management, tournament organising, and live broadcasting, Arran has spent years in the trenches of esports—shaping events, calling the plays, and keeping the hype alive.A bit eccentric by nature but always chasing a good laugh, Arran knows that gaming isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about the stories, the people, and the unpredictable moments that make this industry tick. Whether he’s breaking down big plays, diving into esports drama, or sharing behind-the-scenes tales from his own adventures in the scene, Arran brings watchers & listeners along for a ride that’s equal parts insight and entertainment.

Gavin Baxter is a university lecturer at the University of the West of Scotland with a lifelong passion for gaming. In recent years, Gavin has developed a keen academic and professional interest in the world of esports. Currently authoring a research paper on the evolving landscape of esports, he joins us in this episode to share key insights and findings from his work. Whether you're a fan of competitive gaming or interested in the academic perspective behind the industry, this episode offers a look at esports through Gavin’s lens.

With a dynamic background in streaming, acting, and content production, Lindsay Pattison, known as Toastie, has been a pivotal figure in the Twitch community since 2018. As the founder of Twitch Glasgow, they’ve created a thriving local streaming scene. Leveraging extensive experience in acting and voice acting, Lindsay infuses their streams with a distinctive storytelling flair and authentic audience connection, even shining through unique live cooking streams! If you would like to know more about Lindsay then this episode is for you!

Euan Jardine is a multi-talented entertainer, councillor, rapper, and former competitive athlete based in Galashiels, Scotland. With over a decade of experience in stage and short film acting, he has cultivated a unique voice that blends performance, public service, and creative expression across multiple platforms.A serving councillor with the Scottish Borders Council since 2017 and Council Leader since 2022, he brings the same passion and presence to public service as he does to the stage. After retiring from athletics, he launched a YouTube channel that has grown to over 1,500 subscribers in under nine months, offering a mix of comedy sketches, interviews, and social commentary.In addition to his work in politics and entertainment, he is an independent hip-hop artist, having released his own original rap single that reflects his perspective, experiences, and artistic identity. He views esports as a transformative cultural force—one that empowers young people, creates inclusive communities, and provides real pathways to education, career, and confidence. His belief in the power of storytelling, whether through lyrics, leadership, or gameplay, is central to his creative and civic mission.Euan has been one of the most interesting guests we have had on the show, this is one not to miss!

Lucas Blakeley is a professional sim racer and motorsport talent, best known for winning the 2022 F1 Esports World Championship. Born in Irvine, Scotland, Lucas's journey into racing began at the age of seven, when he first experienced the thrill of go-karting—an encounter that ignited a lifelong passion for motorsport. From 2010 to 2015, Lucas competed in both club and national-level karting competitions across the UK, developing his racecraft and nurturing aspirations of a professional driving career. His transition into the virtual racing world allowed him to channel this ambition into sim racing, where his precision, discipline, and competitive spirit earned him a place at the highest levels of the F1 Esports Series. At just 23,Lucas has become a prominent figure in the sim racing community, known not only for his championship title but also for his commitment to bridging the gap between esports and real-world motorsport. Outside of racing, Lucas remains closely involved with the motorsport industry and continues to inspire the next generation of drivers through both virtual and grassroots racing initiatives.

Greg Lee is the founder and CEO of Team Terrible, an independent game development studio best known for its breakout hit The Baby In Yellow, which has been downloaded over 150 million times across multiple platforms. Greg’s journey into game design began at home, inspired by a childhood filled with creativity, play, and imagination—encouraged by his father, who made everyday moments into games. His passion for building interactive experiences led him to a successful career in the games industry, including a role at Rockstar Games. In a bold move to follow his dream, Greg left Rockstar to fully commit to Team Terrible, determined to bring his unique creative vision to life. Before founding the studio, Greg gained broad experience across animation, VR development, and gameplay engineering, contributing to immersive projects at Cooperative Innovations and various digital agencies. Today, he continues to push the boundaries of indie game development, combining technical expertise with a strong player-first philosophy to create whimsical and memorable gaming experiences.

Ben Grant’s career spans international athletics, military service, and the esports industry. Starting in athletics, he later served as a Project Manager in the British Army, developing strong leadership and operational skills.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ben transitioned into esports, quickly advancing to an Acting Executive Officer role, ultimately leading UK-wide marketing and recruitment for the British Army’s Universities Officers’ Training Corps. He has since worked in strategic consultancy with both esports and traditional sports organisations, helping shape effective growth and engagement strategies.Today, Ben is a Board Member of the English Schools’ Football Association, governing the national game for some 850,000 Players and 18,000 Schools & Colleges per year, where he supports youth development through sport and digital innovation. His diverse experience makes him a valuable voice on leadership, strategy, and the convergence of sports and esports.

Maurizio Sciglio is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and investor, renowned for his pioneering contributions to cloud computing in the gaming industry. He co-founded Cloudgine in 2012 alongside Dave Jones and Marco Anastasi, a company that specialized in integrating cloud technology with video game development. Cloudgine's innovations led to its acquisition by Epic Games in 2018, where Maurizio subsequently served as Director of Unreal Cloud Services.At Epic Games, Maurizio was part of the team instrumental in transforming Fortnite from its original Save the World mode into the globally successful Battle Royale experience recognized today.Beyond his professional accomplishments, Maurizio is passionate about motorsports and actively participates in racing events. He also supports charitable initiatives, including events like the British Racing Greats, which benefit organisations such as Solving Kids' Cancer UK and SpecialEffect.

Mark McCready, CEO of Scottish Esports and a lecturer at New College Lanarkshire, drives the growth of esports in Scotland. He leads educational initiatives and qualifications development, integrating academic and community settings, backed by his health-related research expertise. Mark also engages with Scottish and local governments on policy change.

Craig McNeill is a professional YouTuber and Twitch streamer who launched his gaming content career alongside his wife, Emma, with their channel MarriedtoXbox. Based in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, the couple shares their passion for Xbox gaming, offering gameplay and reviews.Since starting MarriedtoXbox, Craig has expanded his presence with engaging content on YouTube building a community around their love for video games. He has since created the fight the flat earth YouTube show ands his career is going from strength to strength.

Adam is a professional EAFC player who has represented Bournemouth, Rangers, Brentford, Watford and The Scotland National Team. Competing and coaching in events such as The ePremier League, eChampions League and The Commonwealth Games. In 2022 Adam became a lecturer of Scotlands first ever Esports Degree but has recently put brakes on this to pursue his own EAFC Coaching Business where he helps his clients reach the rank that they desire.

Pijinnn is a well-known Scottish content creator from Glasgow who has made a significant impact in the Destiny gaming community. Starting from humble beginnings, he began streaming from his gaming console in 2019 as a way to share his passion for the game with friends. Since then, he’s been regularly featured in Bungie’s (the game’s creators) broader content rollouts, including a dedicated article on their website. Focused primarily on entertainment, Pijinnn has built a loyal community that actively participates in gaming activities, from casual play to competitive events like dungeon and raid races. He streams regularly on Twitch @pijinnn covering everything from Destiny to the latest AAA releases.

Brian Baglow - CTRL + ALT + COMPETE - Episode 5 Brian is a writer, designer, founder, CEO and NED. He started his career in the games industry as the writer for Grand Theft Auto before discovering a talent for communications and marketing. Brian joined Rockstar Games before moving into the nascent mobile games industry with the pioneering Scottish publisher Digital Bridges. In 2002 Brian founded Scotland’s first digital games agency, Indoctrimat, which worked with over 150 organisations around the world. Brian also lectures at Edinburgh Napier University, focusing on the transformative power of interactive media within the arts and creative industries. Brian founded the Scottish Games Network in 2004, the industry body for Scotland’s games industry. In 2022 Brian created Scottish Games Week, the first large-scale games event in the country. With the backing of the Scottish Government, Brian is now writing an Action Plan and building a new ecosystem-wide cluster to make Scotland one of the world’s top five hubs for games education, creation and application. He's a regular contributor to the media, tech ecosystem and government, whenever they need to know more about this 'games thing'.

Ali Hay - The Bearded Ninja: From Athlete to Ninja Sport VisionaryAli Hay, widely known as The Bearded Ninja, is a powerhouse in the world of ninja sports, entrepreneurship, and community leadership. A full-time father, sponsored competitive athlete, and multi-company director, Ali wears many hats with relentless drive. As the Company Director of Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park Edinburgh, Chief Technical Officer of American Ninja Warrior Adventure Parks, CEO of Ninja Obstacles UK, and co-founder of Funparx UK—set to launch their first UK family entertainment centre in a few weeks’ time—he’s at the forefront of shaping the global ninja sport industry.Since launching his journey as a self-employed athlete in 2016, Ali has built a legacy that blends physical prowess with innovation. He chairs the Ninja Technical Committee BOS and Ninja Sport UK. Through his consultancy, Ali Hay OACS, he pioneers obstacle accreditation and safety standards. With a mantra of “The boundaries we limit ourselves with exist only in our minds,” Ali inspires others to push past limitations, proving that resilience and vision can redefine what’s possible.

MyDylsexia: From Teacher to Full-Time Content Creator Duncan, the streamer behind @mydylsexia on Instagram, started his journey as a school teacher before his passion for gaming and content creation took center stage. Initially dedicated to education, he discovered a love for video games, which soon became his creative outlet. Transitioning from the classroom to Twitch, he established himself as a PC gamer and full-time content creator, building a community around his authentic and engaging style. Embracing his dyslexia as a superpower, he uses his platform to raise awareness, showcasing how it fuels his creative problem-solving and resilience. Now, with an official website (mydylsexia.com) and a presence on Instagram and TikTok, MyDylsexia blends his teaching roots with his gaming passion, inspiring fans to turn challenges into strengths.

Gordon Ross - CTRL + ALT + COMPETE - Episode 2Gordon Douglas Ross is a tech innovator and entrepreneur with a legacy in gaming, sustainability, and emerging technologies. As a member of the original Grand Theft Auto team, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry. His work includes prototyping LEGO Worlds and LEGO Fusion, blending digital and physical play in ground breaking ways. In this episode of Ctrl Alt Compete, hosted by James Hood, Gordon shares insights into the evolving landscape of gaming, tech, and beyond.

Jordan Livermore's career spans esports, television, and digital media. He started by filming CS videos with friends, which led to working on likes of Ant & Dec, The Grand Tour, Clarkson’s Farm, and Taskmaster, honing his skills in production.His passion for gaming brought him into the esports industry, shaping content at BLAST for tournaments on the global stage like BLAST Premier, FNCS and Rainbow Six. Now, as Head of Content at Hang Loose Media Group, he blends his expertise in media and gaming to drive content innovation. His journey reflects passion, adaptability, and creative evolution.