As we wrapped up Season 2 of THE rAVe Esports Show, I decided to take a different approach—one that was personal, reflective, and rooted in education. In this special final episode, I brought the audience into my own classroom at the College of Esports in London, where I teach and mentor the next generation of esports professionals.

But this wasn’t just another lecture.

It was a celebration of how far gaming and esports have come—and how much further they can go.

Gaming History, Quizzes, and a Walk Down Memory Lane

Alongside one of my students, we took a lighthearted but informative dive into the history of video games. From the earliest days of Tennis for Two to Pong, Nintendo’s surprising beginnings, and the rise of Mario, we quizzed each other and the audience to test just how much we really know about the roots of the industry we love.

It wasn’t just about fun facts. We explored how gaming evolved globally, how platforms shifted from arcades to home consoles, and how early esports competitions, such as the Space Invaders Tournament and the World Cyber Games, paved the way for today’s massive global events, like the League of Legends World Championship.

Behind the Scenes at the College of Esports

We also took a behind-the-scenes look at the student-led broadcast studio that the students helped build. From rigging green screens and configuring V-Mix to handling audio production and operating jib cameras, the amount of hands-on AV work these students are doing is inspiring.

It’s real-world training for real-world careers and I couldn’t be prouder of the work happening in this space.

Defining Esports in Today’s World

We broke down the differences between gaming, esports and streaming—debunking common misconceptions and highlighting the cultural and industry impact of each. Michael brought a sharp perspective, and we discussed how streaming has blurred the lines between entertainment and competition, while esports continues to carve out its own identity across universities, pro leagues, and even Olympic-level events.

Why This Episode Mattered

This episode wasn’t just about nostalgia. It was a reminder that the esports industry is built on decades of innovation, collaboration and passion. Education plays a key role in shaping its future.

As we closed out Season 2, I wanted to offer a glimpse into the foundational knowledge and values we try to pass along to the next generation, because understanding the past is how we build the future.

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