Player Spotlight - Nimley Bestman

Nimley Bestman, a 26-year-old student at Onondaga Community College, is balancing his passion for collegiate esports with his pursuit of a future in the culinary industry. A first-year student majoring in culinary management, Bestman is working toward the long-term goal of opening his own restaurant or food establishment.

Born in Syracuse, New York, Bestman spent much of his upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia, before returning to Syracuse last year to continue his education. He credits Onondaga Community College (OCC) for providing an accessible and supportive environment for students of all ages. Bestman said the school offers strong resources for counseling and financial support, making it an ideal place for those returning to school or starting a new academic path.

At OCC, Bestman studies culinary management, where he is learning the techniques and business fundamentals needed to succeed in the food service industry. After completing his program at OCC, he plans to transfer to a four-year institution to finish his bachelor’s degree, with Syracuse University among the schools he is considering.

Bestman also competes on OCC’s Rainbow Six Siege esports team. He also serves as a substitute player for the Counter-Strike team and is pursuing opportunities to join the school’s Marvel Rivals roster. During his first season, Bestman filled a flex role while adjusting to the competitive environment. He is now preparing to step into an in-game leader role as team responsibilities shift.

Bestman’s interest in esports developed through watching professional Rainbow Six Siege competitions. Influenced by players such as Beaulo, Spoit and Doki, he became drawn to the strategy and structure of high-level play. That interest translated into competition, where he has found much success.

His biggest accomplishment so far came during his first season with OCC, when the team not only reached the playoffs but also earned postseason victories. Bestman said the progress from early practices to in-season competition highlighted the team’s growth and commitment.

Improvement has come through consistent offseason work with teammates and coaches. Bestman has focused on strengthening his critical thinking, situational awareness and decision-making, skills he views as essential to success in Rainbow Six Siege. While he said those strategies do not always translate directly to everyday life, he believes learning how to work with limited resources and adapt to challenges remains valuable.

Being part of a collegiate esports team has been a positive experience for Bestman. He said sharing a common goal with teammates and working together to improve has made competition both enjoyable and rewarding.

Competing in the NJCAAE has provided structure and fairness, according to Bestman. After completing his first full season, he said the league’s rules create an even playing field for all participating schools. One of his most memorable moments came early in the season, when the team earned its first win during the first couple of weeks, a milestone that reflected how far the roster had come since its initial matches.

Outside of competition, Bestman also creates content as a streamer on Twitch. He regularly streams Rainbow Six Siege and Marvel Rivals, along with party games, with the goal of creating a welcoming and lighthearted space for viewers. Bestman said his aim is to help make people’s days a little easier through laughter and community.

During Black History Month, the NJCAAE recognizes how Black voices and talent continue to impact the world of collegiate esports. When asked what Black History Month means to him, Bestman described it as a celebration of Black culture and the pioneers, inventors and social leaders who helped secure the rights and freedoms Black Americans have today.

Looking ahead, Bestman hopes to establish himself in the Rainbow Six Siege streaming space, either as a professional competitor or content creator. If that path does not come to fruition, he plans to pursue his culinary ambitions by opening his own food service business.

Whether competing on stage, leading his team, or working toward his future career, Bestman continues to push forward with purpose, creativity and determination.