Episodes

  • Drew Spark

    Drew Spark
    Nov 1 2025
    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.
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    29 mins
  • Shoubna Naika-Taylor

    Shoubna Naika-Taylor
    Oct 22 2025
    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.
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    29 mins
  • Nik Turner

    Nik Turner
    Oct 13 2025
    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.
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    30 mins
  • Graham Carroll

    Graham Carroll
    Oct 2 2025
    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!
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    25 mins
  • Kairo

    Kairo
    Sep 23 2025
    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.
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    29 mins
  • Mark Bryceland

    Mark Bryceland
    Sep 12 2025
    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.
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    30 mins
  • Dr Amanda Ford

    Dr Amanda Ford
    Sep 2 2025
    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.
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    31 mins
  • Amy Russell

    Amy Russell
    Aug 23 2025
    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.
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    23 mins