Introducing UAlbany’s New Esports Director: A Q&A with John Macone

ALBANY, N.Y. (Jan. 23, 2024) – A new face is leading the University at Albany’s team of competitive video gamers. 

John Macone, a gaming community specialist and content creator on the streaming platform Twitch, has years of experience in the competitive gaming industry and is already hard at work as UAlbany's new director of esports.

UAlbany Esports launched in 2019, through the leadership of Michael Leczinsky, professor of practice in the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity (CEHC). It has since grown to one of the largest collegiate competitive video gaming programs in the country. As the new director, Macone will oversee more than 150 students and 15 teams competing in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).

Since its launch, UAlbany Esports has won several national championships, as well as the Fall 2021 ECAC Esports Commissioner’s Cup. To meet the team’s growing needs, the University is in the midst of building a new state-of-the-art esports facility on the Uptown Campus. In addition, a new merit scholarship was launched for select incoming UAlbany esports freshmen in Fall 2022.

“I was enthralled by UAlbany’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in its programming, student body and culture,” Macone said. “That speaks to me as a community builder because I want to foster an esports program where everyone feels welcomed and engaged.” 

UAlbany junior J.T. Stone, a student intern in the Office of Communications and Marketing, met with Macone to discuss his start in competitive video gaming, misconceptions people have about esports and his goals for the program’s future.   

UAlbany students interested in joining the UAlbany Esports program are invited to email Macone at [email protected].