Thanks for Hot competitionviewers now have an outstanding new generation of performers to follow. Hudson Williams and Connor Storey Anchoring the drama Crave and HBO Max, a bold adaptation of Rachel Reid‘s Game changers Novels about rival hockey players who discover a deep connection off the ice. Since its late 2025 premiere and official season 2 renewal, the series’ audience has steadily grown and become one of the most talked-about streaming dramas this winter.
However, the show’s global popularity has unfortunately attracted toxic attention towards its stars. So, the cast took matters into their own hands by speaking out against the bigotry they saw online. Hudson W François Arnaultwho plays Scott Hunter on the show, shared a joint statement in March 2026 condemning the horrible comments they saw made against their co-stars.
“Don’t call yourself a fan if you share racist/homophobic/biphobic/misogynistic/ageophobic/ableist/antisocial/bigoted comments of any kind. None of us need your hateful ‘love’,” the shared Instagram Stories message read. “We all respect, support and love each other and are on the same side. If you can’t accept this, ‘get out of here.'”
Get to know each of the main cast Hot competition less.
Hudson Williams – Shane Hollander
The rising star, who plays Canadian hockey player Shane Hollander in the series, is a new face to the big leagues in Hollywood — but that doesn’t mean he’s completely new to the film industry. The 25-year-old actor has written, directed, and starred in a variety of short films.
According to his IMDb profile, Hudson co-wrote, directed, and starred in the 2024 short film. rancid. He began his screen work in 2024 with short films and on various television shows, where he appeared in short films Prim Ripper, Teresa’s Choice, Peace of Mind, Mrs. Chang’s Perfect Teeth, Chad GBT, The Dating Game and Snow angel.
Connor Story – Ilya Rozanov
Believe it or not, Connor isn’t actually Russian, despite how convincing his accent is as Ilya. He’s actually a Texas native. The 25-year-old actor, who is also a director and writer, has, according to his IMDb profile, appeared in a few film projects over the years, including Joker: Folie à Deux As a young prisoner.
During a 2025 interview with Etalk, Connor explained why he was drawn to perfecting his dialect skills, specifically the Russian accent.
“Honestly, I always thought the Russian language and Russian culture were really cool,” Connor 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.”
François Arnault – Scott Hunter
François is a Canadian actor best known for playing Cesare Borgia BorgiaManfred Bernardo in midnight texas, And Tommy Castelli in Unrealistic. The 40-year-old Montreal native has been working in film since at least 2009.
Among his other notable film and television work are roles in So, Marlowes, Schitt’s Creek, Moody’s, Yellowjackets and Quantum leap.
Francois has opened up about his personal life. He is bisexual and was dating a fellow actor Mark Bendavid Since 2023.
As the public interest in Hot competition The actors’ personal lives have skyrocketed, and François noted that it’s “ridiculous” to assume that any actor should feel pressured to share information like this.
“It’s ridiculous to think that you should be allowed to ask about someone’s sex life when they’re trying to get a job,” the actor said. diverse Late 2025. “It’s crazy, like we’re only going to hire you if you’re gay? And then, how gay are you? It’s a spectrum.”
Robbie GK – Kip Grady
Being the only non-hockey player to take an interest in the show so far, Robbie quickly made an impression among fans after the third episode premiered. The 29-year-old Ontario native plays cute barista and soon-to-be graduate student Kip, Scott’s boyfriend.
Robbie has appeared in numerous film and television roles over the years, including… Utopia Falls, overcompensation, fucking marriage, murder, societal players, Stanley dynamics, complete exit, anti-social And more.
What fans may not know from the beginning about Robbie is that he’s a musical theater kid! According to his IMDb profile, the actor fell in love with performing when he was 13, playing Kurt Von Trapp in The sound of music.
Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova – Svetlana
Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova She plays Svetlana, Ilya’s long-time Russian friend and some-time sidekick. She supports Elijah at home against his emotionally abusive family situation.
The actress and model is based in Toronto. She began her film and television career in 2016 and has appeared in a large number of other projects, including boys, electrolytes, It slips, Robin Hood, Adults and A very Jonas Christmas movie.
Sophie Nellis – Rose Landry
Fans should realize Sophie Nellis from Yellow vests! She plays the teenage version of the reserved but domineering Antler Queen on the hit series.
The Canadian actress also played the lead role book thief, Which earned her numerous nominations and accolades, including the 2013 Spotlight Award from the Hollywood Film Awards.
Sophie plays Rose Landry, one of the… Hot competitionUndeniable Queens, who briefly dates Shane as he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality. After she finds out, Rose becomes a safe place for Shane as a true friend.
Christina Chang – Yona Hollander
Christina Chang She plays Yuna, Shin’s loving and supportive mother, whose shining moment comes in Season 1, Episode 6. The heart-to-heart communication between mother and son easily tugs at the viewers’ hearts, so much so that it’s impossible not to cry!
The actress was born in Taipei, Taiwan, and moved to the United States to study theater and film at the University of Kansas. She then moved to Washington, where she graduated from the University of Washington. Upon moving to New York City, Christina steadily booked television roles, such as in Deadline, 24, LA Dragnet, CSI: Miami, Close to Home, Single Ladies, Nashville and The good doctor.
Dylan Walsh – David Hollander
He plays Shane’s father, David Dylan Walsha Los Angeles native who moved to New York City to begin acting professionally. Over time, Dylan got on-screen roles in a variety of films and television series, such as Loverboy and Kate and Allie.
