North Carolina Wesleyan University

Chantoni Grant enters his fifth year as Director of Esports at North Carolina Wesleyan University, where he has played a pivotal role in developing the Bishops Esports program into a competitive and innovative presence in collegiate esports. A 2020 graduate of NC Wesleyan, Grant brings a unique combination of competitive gaming experience, program development, media expertise, and leadership to his role.
Grant's impact on gaming at NC Wesleyan began as a student. In the fall of 2019, alongside 2011 Wesleyan graduate Desiree Driver, he founded the Bishop Gaming Association (BGA) and served as its inaugural president. The BGA was created to promote gaming, media, and entertainment while providing students with experiences, mentorship, industry awareness, and resources to explore opportunities within these rapidly growing fields. Under Grant's leadership, the organization grew to 136 members, becoming the largest student organization on campus, and was named Organization of the Year by NC Wesleyan Student Affairs in 2020.

Following his undergraduate career, Grant pursued a master's degree in Entertainment Business at Full Sail University. He continued expanding his presence in the esports industry by joining Full Sail's Armada stream team in 2021. His experience led to an invitation to serve as a panelist during Full Sail Hall of Fame XII, where he contributed to discussions including Careers in Esports, Working with Esports Teams, and Black Gamers Do Exist.

Grant's work as an esports educator and advocate has continued to expand beyond the collegiate level. In 2026, he served as a panelist at the North Carolina Esports Academy, speaking on Different Perspectives of Esports. He has also appeared as a guest speaker on D13 Radio, sharing his knowledge of esports, gaming culture, and career development.

In 2026, Grant expanded his work into broadcasting and entertainment as a co-host of ToxicTalksWithDez, a nationally syndicated radio show. The opportunity represents another extension of his commitment to connecting gaming, esports, media, entertainment, and culture.
Before becoming a collegiate esports coach, Grant built an accomplished semi-professional career competing in NBA 2K. In the Amateur Development Basketball Association (ADBA), he won the Season 1 Championship, finished as a Season 2 finalist, and earned both Assist Leader and Most Improved Player honors in Season 3. He later competed in the Ultimate Hoop League (UHL), where he was a Season 1 finalist, earned Assist Leader honors in Season 3, and captured the Season 5 Championship.

Grant has also collaborated with esports organizations including eUnited, contributing to the success of the Raleigh Halo event and gaining additional experience within the professional esports ecosystem.

As Director of Esports, Grant has translated his competitive experience and industry knowledge into sustained success for NC Wesleyan. The Bishops captured the ECAC Fall 2022 NBA 2K Championship, while teams and players under his leadership have earned numerous championship, finalist, and national-level finishes.

Competitive Accomplishments Under Grant's Leadership

• Three ECAC Fortnite Duos Finals Appearances — 2021, 2022, 2023
• ECAC Fall NBA 2K Champion — 2022
• NBA 2K24 3v3 Open Qualifier Final Four — 2023
• Two ECAC NBA 2K 3v3 Third-Place Finishes — 2023, 2024
• Two Battle of the Forest Esports Third-Place Finishes — 2022, 2023
• GalaxyCon Richmond Street Fighter 6 Runner-Up — 2024
• Aggieverse NCAA College Football 25 Champion — 2025
• 4th Nationally in UPA College NBA 2K25 — 2025
• NBA 2K26 First Look Tournament Finalist — 2025
• NBA 2K26 Winter Showcase Finalist — 2026

Through competitive success, student development, media initiatives, and industry engagement, Grant continues to expand the vision of esports at North Carolina Wesleyan. His leadership extends beyond competition, with an emphasis on creating opportunities for students to develop skills and pursue careers across esports, gaming, broadcasting, content creation, media, and entertainment.