Jay “KaChing” DeShong is the Director of Esports at Grand Canyon University. Jay leads the Esports Programs’ competitive, creative, brand, and strategic direction while also directly managing a team of full-time, part-time, and student employees. Prior to joining GCU Esports, Jay was working in collegiate esports as a student leader at Mississippi State, where he built what became the largest student group at MSU. While at MSU, Jay also founded the Esports Egg Bowl – a yearly rivalry competition against University of Mississippi – in partnership with both universities and brands such as Coca-Cola, iBUYPOWER, and NVIDIA GeForce.

After finding early professional success in both collegiate and professional esports, Jay dropped out of college to pursue a career in esports. This leap of faith allowed him to find opportunity working alongside companies like Team Envy, Dallas Fuel, and FACEIT in events, broadcast, management, and team operation capacities. This experience has allowed Jay to be a leader, mentor, and resource to students, aspiring professionals, and young people who seek to create their own path within gaming and esports.

Jay grew up in Biloxi, Mississippi where he attended high school and (some) college before leaving to pursue his career as an esports professional. Jay’s biggest inspiration came from his mother, who taught him that no matter what happens in life, you can always be who you are and pursue things that you love. Jay is based in Phoenix, AZ and can be found online.