The Esports Edition

Send us a textThis week on The Esports Edition, Mohawk College Esports Administration Coordinator Andrew Fedurko is joined by Taylor Crook and Harrison Myers for a wide-ranging conversation that bridges fantasy storytelling, esports content, and the evolution of sports video games.Taylor Crook is a fantasy novelist and member of the Mohawk Student Association. His published work Path of the Eternal Sun and his current project Ashes of the Ascended on Substack reflect his deep world-building style and indie publishing approach. We talk with Taylor about how narrative shapes competitive gaming, the importance of storytelling in esports education, and how streamers, casters, and organizers all use story to connect with fans and build community.Harrison Myers, Mohawk Esports student and returning guest, joins to talk about sports games past and present. We dig into the golden age of single-player franchise modes, compare that to today’s online-focused, microtransaction-heavy systems, and run through the big titles like NBA 2K, NHL, Madden, FIFA/FC, and MLB The Show.Topics include:The overlap between traditional storytelling and esports brandingThe shift from story-driven franchise modes to monetized multiplayer systemsWhy microtransactions and player packs dominate the modern modelWhat’s been lost, what still works, and what we want to see returnHarrison’s preview of the REMATCH beta, and why he’s excited for it next weekFollow Taylor’s work:Substack: Ashes of the AscendedInstagram: @taylorcrookwritesWhether you’re into fantasy fiction, esports content creation, or grew up managing a franchise in NHL 2004, this episode blends story, sports, and strategy with a human lens.

Send us a textAndrew Fedurko and Vince Hui break down three massive stories that shook the esports world this month. From the upcoming COMBO BREAKER 2025 to the historic Call of Duty League Championship coming to Kitchener, Ontario, plus the costly social media mistake that ended Team Liquid's six-year Honda partnership.COMBO BREAKER 2025 is happening this weekend (May 23-25) at the Schaumburg Convention Center (Illinois), bringing together the world's best fighting game players. The hosts preview what to expect from this year's tournament, the games to watch including Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, and why the FGC continues to be one of esports' most passionate communities.Then shift to the groundbreaking news that the Call of Duty League Championship is heading to Canada for the first time ever. Taking place June 26-29 at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, this marks a huge moment for Canadian esports. Our hosts explore what this means for the scene, why Toronto Ultra chose Kitchener over Toronto, and the economic impact of bringing 20,000 fans to Waterloo Region.Finally, they tackle the controversy that cost Team Liquid millions. Their Rainbow Six player's ill-advised social media post about nuclear bombs after losing to a Japanese team led Honda to immediately terminate their six-year sponsorship deal. They break down what happened, the fallout, and what this teaches us about social media responsibility in professional esports.

Send us a textRoss Tom joins us to talk about the business side of gaming most people never see. From launching Xbox One in Canada (and dealing with the "always online" chaos) to breaking down YouTube's new 60% revenue share for Shorts, Ross brings insider perspective from Microsoft, Intel, YouTube/Google, and now Mohawk College. Plus stories about working with Linus Tech Tips, navigating Canada's unique gaming market, and what it actually takes to make esports legitimate in higher education.We dive into why esports has struggled financially despite the hype, what creators are getting wrong about platform strategy in 2025, and how colleges are building sustainable esports programs that create real career paths beyond just tournament glory.

Send us a textThe Gamebreakers are back! In this episode, Andrew welcomes returning guests David Finlay and Mary-Lynn Brownlee to dive into some massive announcements shaking up the local esports scene.WDBA 3x3 Championship & Street Fighter 6 Tournament Happening August 29–31, this multi-day community event features a $50,000 FIBA 3x3 basketball tournament at T.B. McQuesten Park, and a $10,000 Street Fighter 6 esports tournament hosted at Mohawk College. 🔗 Event Info & Registration: WDBA 3x3 ChampionshipGTA 6: Delay, Trailer Drop, & Our Hot Takes We break down Rockstar’s surprise trailer drop, the new Bonnie-and-Clyde-style protagonists, and what this delay means for the industry. Plus, we debate our favourite GTA game of all time—and draw some hilarious parallels between the GTA duo and Dave & Mary’s own working dynamic.Youth Esports Academy Launch (Under 18) In partnership with The Gamebreakers and Mohawk College’s Esports Administration program, we’re proud to announce a new Youth Esports Academy for Hamilton and surrounding areas. This initiative will provide skills training, competition opportunities, and academic pathways for under-18 players, helping to build the next generation of Canadian esports talent.Follow us, subscribe, and get ready. Season 2 is just getting started.

Send us a textThe final episode of Season 1 brings together everything The Esports Edition stands for, including industry insights, cultural commentary, and original content created at the intersection of gaming, education, and entertainment.Andrew Fedurko is joined by new co-host Vince Hui, faculty in Mohawk College’s Esports Administration program. Together, they reflect on Season 1 highlights, from the success of Patch Notes to the integration of student voices, crossover episodes, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from Canada’s most innovative collegiate esports program.They also look ahead to Season 2 and introduce the show’s new format. Regular themed segments will include food reviews, community content reactions, esports analysis, and guest features. Patch Notes will return in Fall 2025 with an upgraded structure and a stronger research foundation.This episode also features a live review of the One Chunk Challenge by Maritime Madness, a Prince Edward Island-based hot sauce company known for quality Canadian-made products. This is the first example of the food-focused segments that will appear in every episode of Season 2.Also discussed are the Elder Scrolls community, Oblivion Remastered, Bethesda’s evolving strategy, and what makes the franchise so enduring for players and modders alike.The show will return in the next episode with a new format and production style for Season 2, expanding the boundaries of what a college-run podcast can deliver.

Send us a textIn Part 2 of our deep dive into collegiate esports, Andrew Fedurko, Program Coordinator of Esports Administration at Mohawk College is joined by Harrison Myers, a first-year Mohawk Esports student, to provide a student perspective on the state of collegiate esports in Ontario and beyond. Together, they explore how programs are designed, the impacts on students depending on whether institutions prioritize academics, competition, or both, and why building strong campus communities still matters in either approach.Key topics include:The importance of maintaining a “student-athlete” mindset in collegiate esports. The vital role of culture in esports programs, traditional sports models, business structures, and how these cultures shape long-term success or failure. Lessons from traditional sports like hockey and the NCAA on eligibility, professionalism, and development pathways.Why the future of collegiate esports depends on acknowledging its growing pains and how emerging leaders are already working to drive change.This episode offers an authentic, student-informed look at where collegiate esports stands today and what it must do to build a sustainable tomorrow. Part 3 still to come!Upcoming Events:📅 May 7 – Esports Showcase @ The Cellar, Mohawk College🎮 May 10 – Steel City Showdown Fighting Game Tournament (Register: start.gg/SCShowdown)🤼 May 31 – Mayday by Top Tier Wrestling @ Hamilton Convention Centre (Tickets: https://toptierwrestling.com/)🏀 June 6 – Sports Management & Women in Sports Night with the Brampton Honey Badgers (Tickets: www.gofevo.com/event/Mohawk2025)

Send us a textIn Part 1 of our deep dive into collegiate esports, we explore the evolving divide between academic and competitive varsity programs. What do investors and industry leaders really think of the collegiate esports model, and is it sustainable in today’s economic climate? We break down how academic institutions are navigating esports integration, course design, and employable skills, and why they should be borrowing lessons from traditional sports and student-athlete funding structures.We also hit the gas with Mario Kart World updates, dissecting the character customization buzz, the new Rainbow Road, and what the Switch 2 power boost means for the next-gen console wars. Is Nintendo changing its playbook?Plus, a recap of Mohawk College’s recent esports activations:Draft Night Broadcast at Hockey Helps the Homeless, hosted by Simoni Lawrence and packed with NHL alumni, Olympians, and Terry Ryan from Shoresy.Esports Activation at the Tournament, led by our students in partnership with YMCA’s Beyond the Bell.Upcoming Events: 📅 May 7 – Esports Showcase @ The Cellar, Mohawk College 🎮 May 10 – Steel City Showdown Fighting Game Tournament (Register: start.gg/SCShowdown) 🤼 May 31 – Mayday by Top Tier Wrestling @ Hamilton Convention Centre (Tickets: https://toptierwrestling.com/) 🏀 June 6 – Sports Management & Women in Sports Night with the Brampton Honey Badgers (Tickets: www.gofevo.com/event/Mohawk2025)

Send us a textMohawk Esports fires up the nostalgia and breaks down the latest Nintendo Switch 2 news, including Mario Kart World, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. In our Patch Notes segment, we explore the updated Joy-Con 2 controllers, rumored to feature mouse-like precision controls, and what this means for gameplay in titles like Metroid.We revisit the console wars, comparing power-focused systems to Nintendo’s game-first strategy and how the Switch 2 diverges from this legacy. We also touch on new features like GameChat and the return of the pay-to-play C Button, highlighting Nintendo’s evolving approach to social and strategic gameplay.Finally, we spotlight our community impact: supporting Hockey Helps the Homeless at EndZone Bar & Grill and Mohawk 4 Ice Centre on April 10 and 11, 2025, and our Esports Showcase in partnership with the YMCA Beyond the Bell program.

Send us a textThis week on The Esports Edition, we're joined by Tim Cherry of Don Cherry’s Grapevine podcast, who shares insights from his recent journey to China, offering a firsthand look at the dynamic and fast-evolving esports culture in the region. Tim also opens up about his experiences in the world of professional wrestling, including some unforgettable backstage stories featuring the legendary “Rowdy” Roddy Piper.Later in the episode, we welcome TJ Beckham, a standout member of Mohawk Game Design, who reflects on his experience competing in business case competitions as part of team Mohawk Esports. He also introduces his entrepreneurial venture, Tree Bear Interactive, a rising indie game development studio with big ideas to change video game marketing.Rounding out the show, musical artist otn carti ! joins us to talk about his creative process and unveils early details about the new theme song he’s crafting exclusively for The Esports Edition.

Send us a textIn this episode of The Esports Edition, we explore two major international tournaments making their way to Ontario in Summer 2025. First, we break down the arrival of VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Masters in Toronto. Running from June 7 to 22 at the Enercare Centre, this event will feature the top 12 VALORANT teams from around the world, competing for a $1 million USD prize pool. It’s the first time a VCT Masters event has ever been hosted in Canada. Then, we turn our attention to Kitchener, where the 2025 Call of Duty League Championship Weekend—powered by Bell—will take place at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium from June 26 to 29. Hosted by Toronto Ultra, this is the first time the CDL Championship will be held outside of the United States. The top eight teams in the league will compete for the title in what promises to be a historic weekend for Canadian esports.We discuss why these events matter, what they mean for the growth of esports in Canada, and what fans can expect in terms of competition, community, and long-term impact. Tickets for both events are now on sale.

Send us a textIn Game On, the first segment of our show, Dave Finlay and his fiancée Mary join Andrew Fedurko to discuss the future of esports in Canada and the exciting events they are bringing to the Hamilton, Ontario area. Dave, the host of The Gamebreakers show and founder of the Wentworth District 3x3 Championship, shares his insights on the growth of competitive gaming and how it ties to the esports industry. Mary and Andrew break down the skills that students and youth will need to succeed in the growing digital entertainment industry and why diversity is important.In segment two, Patch Notes, Mohawk College’s Esports Administration students break down the latest updates in the Valorant and Rainbow Six Siege scenes. They’ll also take a deep dive into professional players’ strategies across various First-Person Shooter (FPS) games, analyzing the tactics that define top-tier competitive play.

Send us a textThis week, we break down the biggest stories from the worlds of gaming and sports! From the latest esports tournaments and game releases to major plays and controversies in traditional sports, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we analyze key matchups, industry trends, and everything in between.

Send us a text In our debut episode of The Esports Edition, we introduce the world’s first live FM esports business podcast, airing weekly on INDI 101-5 FM. Meet our hosts as we dive into the growth of esports, its crossover with the sports entertainment industry, and why Mohawk College is leading the charge in esports education.