Meet the Team: Spartans Illustrated's New Esports Writers

Over the past few decades, esports has evolved from hobby into a legitimate collegiate varsity sport with scholarship players, coaching staffs, and championship competitions - and Michigan State has emerged as the winningest esports program in the Big Ten with multiple conference championships and a near flawless record against both Ohio State and Michigan.

With MSU leading the formation of the Power Esports Conference alongside major universities like Ohio State, Kansas, and Syracuse, competitive gaming represents a new frontier for Spartan excellence. As such, Spartans Illustrated will be covering the Michigan State Varsity Esports program by adding on some new contributors to bring the same analytical depth and storytelling that defines our traditional Spartans sports coverage.

For more background and information on the three varsity esports rosters at Michigan State Esports, click here.

Before we started our regular coverage, we wanted to take a moment to introduce ourselves.

GRAYSON HARDING

I'm the lead esports contributor here covering overall program news and recruiting, while also tackling coverage of the Smash Ultimate roster. I've been active in amateur and collegiate esports for eight years now, most recently wrapping up tenure as the first head coach within Michigan State's Department of Esports. When I'm not reviewing matches or yelling at my TV during football and basketball games, you can find me jogging along the Chicago riverwalk or watching the Lions. Go Green!

You can follow Grayson on X by clicking here.

DUNCAN "CUE" ZINCK

What it do! I'm yo boy Cue, esports contributor as well as an esports host and caster across a wide range of titles from Rocket League, Valorant, and more. Growing up I dreamed of playing for Coach Izzo, but ended up going on to hoop for another great coach closer to home. You know that one friend that you have that watches whatever sport is in season? That's me except it's with esports. Catch me yappin' about 'em on your favorite social media platform @ yoboycue.

You can follow Cue on X by clicking here.

ERIC LUO

I'm an esports contributor for Spartans Illustrated covering Varsity Valorant. I started as a varsity collegiate player at MSU, and slowly shifted to coaching a wide variety of teams from Game Changers to Tier 2/3. When I am not coaching Valorant, I am scavenging card shops for One piece booster packs or starting my next binge watch.

You can follow Eric on X by clicking here.

BENNETT MARR

I am an esports contributor to Spartans Illustrated mainly covering Michigan State Varsity Rocket League. For the past four years during my undergraduate, I was part of the Varsity Rocket League team at Michigan State. This year, I have started my Master's in Electrical Engineering, taking a step back from playing, and focusing on school and coverage of the esports program.

You can follow Bennett on X by clicking here.

DREW RAAB

I am an esports contributor for Spartans Illustrated. I have been actively involved in competitive Smash Ultimate and Rocket League for six years as both a competitor and a commentator. I am currently a Communications student at MSU with the goal of one day using my experience and degree to pursue a career in sportscasting.

You can follow Drew on X by clicking here.

If you want to stay up to date on the Michigan State Esports program, you can follow them on X by clicking here.

Stay tuned for MSU Esports match previews, schedule and match analysis, interviews and more!