SUNY Canton alum and former esports standout Alec Knowles was named the next SUNY Canton Esports Coordinator to start the 2026-27 academic year.
Knowles has an extensive background in the esports industry since graduating from SUNY Canton in May 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a specialization in Esports and Entertainment.
Most recently he served as a business development associate for PlayVS, North America’s leading competitive gaming platform that organizes official esports leagues for middle schools, high schools, and colleges. Knowles developed successful campaigns to launch the company’s newest product, PlayVS Recruit. He also managed client onboarding, conducted sales outreach, and demonstrated a deep understanding of collegiate communities.
Prior to his time with PlayVS, Knowles served in a variety of roles for LeagueSpot, an esports and tournament management platform that allows organizations, schools and businesses to build, brand, and automate competitive gaming leagues and brackets. Knowles was an assistant tournament administrator, a community manager and eventually a client success manager for the organization. He coordinated and managed tasks among a variety of departments including creative, sales and operations.
“Alec has a tremendous amount of experience in the esports industry in a variety of different capacities that will prove useful as he begins his role as esports coordinator with us here at SUNY Canton,” Athletic Director Randy Sieminski said at the time of his appointment. “Alec stood out as a top player and leader for us during his time as a student here. As an alum, he will come in with a great understanding of our program and I look forward to him taking his experience he has gained since graduating and injecting that into our program.”
Knowles, a Parishville, NY native, has a variety of other experience in his portfolio including but not limited to working as a lead program manager with Alexforbes Battle Boards in South Africa. He developed and helped promote the brand on its way to becoming the largest chess esports initiative in South Africa.
The SUNY Canton alum also worked as communications coordinator with the Yu Gi Oh! Championship Series traveling nationwide to liaison communication between Konami and production teams. He also served as a lead program manager for the YES League where he managed day-to-day operations for the largest Hard of Hearing and Deaf Esports community.
“SUNY Canton was the catalyst of my professional career,” Knowles said upon being hired. “Esports isn't just about playing video games, it's a platform for students to express themselves, develop crucial life skills, and be a part of something greater. Without this program I would not be who I am today. I'm ecstatic to bring my experience back to our community, giving new and returning Roos the opportunity to share their passions and blossom them into a successful future. It's good to be home."
(Updated 8/31/26)
