Thanks to Crave and HBO Max Hot competitionco-stars Connor Storey and Hudson Williams‘Celebrity status has risen to the highest levels. The Canadian LGBTQ sports series follows Connor as fictional Russian-American hockey captain Ilya Rozanov and Hudson as rival Canadian hockey star Shane Hollander, who engages in a secret long-term relationship.
With the show gaining widespread traction after its premiere in November 2025, both actors spoke about their instant chemistry during the casting process. In a November 2025 interview with Out magazineConnor remembers that he knew almost immediately that Hudson was the right choice. “Hudson was the third actor I read with,” he said, explaining that after the audition, he was the show’s director Jacob Tierney Ask for his thoughts. “I was like, ‘Yes, Hudson, sure.’ ” immediately.”
Hudson echoed this sentiment, describing a direct connection that is difficult to pin down. “There was an inexplicable X factor that seemed more real than I thought it could be,” he shared. Connor has also spoken in interviews about preparing for the role, including working on Elijah’s accent and dealing with the show’s intense emotional and physical demands as his popularity continues to grow.
Hollywood life We’ve rounded up everything we know about Connor and his acting career below.
Connor isn’t of Russian descent – he’s from Texas
Despite his convincing Russian accent Hot competitionConnor is actually a Texas native, according to multiple outlets. During an interview with Etalk, Connor discussed why he was drawn to perfecting his dialect skills.
“Honestly, I always thought the Russian language and Russian culture were really cool,” the actor said. “It’s very different from American culture, so it feels really weird. … I feel like playing anything that’s as far removed from me as possible is really helpful. It’s also fun to get into that kind of pose. It lets you discover things about yourself and the world. It’s easier to play that way too because I’m not too interested in being Connor.”
Connor is also a writer and director
In addition to being an actor, Connor is also a writer and director, according to his IMDb page.
Connor appeared in Joker: Folie à Deux
It was one of Connor’s most iconic appearances on the big screen Joker: Folie à Deux As a young prisoner.
Connor has been working in cinema since 2018
As his IMDb profile shows, Connor has been working in film since 2018.
In an interview with Hollywood ReporterConnor described his journey as very much a work in progress. “I’m still in the early stages of my career,” he said, adding that he appreciates transparency about this reality. He revealed this when he auditioned Hot competitionhe worked full-time at a restaurant, often logging 40 hours a week and arriving at 1 a.m. “I’ve done it on and off since I was in high school,” Connor shared, underscoring how recent his transition into full-time acting is.
Connor is approximately 26 years old
Connor is 26 years old today, according to his IMDb.
