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Craig's Cruisers Grand Rapids debuts next level of competitive gaming

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 16:00 GMT by MLive
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Craig’s Cruisers Takes Grand Rapids Gaming to a New Level

Grand Rapids’ long‑time favorite sports bar, Craig’s Cruisers, has just turned its back‑to‑the‑fans, pint‑filled corner into a state‑of‑the‑art competitive‑gaming hub. The venue’s bold move—announced in a full‑page feature on MLive on October 2—comes at a time when esports is moving from niche hobby to mainstream entertainment, and the bar’s owners are eager to bring that excitement to the city’s younger crowd.

A Bar with a New Face

Craig’s Cruisers has been a staple on Monroe Avenue for over two decades. Owned and operated by the Craig family, the place is known for its classic American‑style menu, local brews, and a reputation as the go‑to spot for watching the big game. “We’ve always been about community,” owner John Craig told MLive. “It felt natural to give our guests a place to gather for the next generation of competition.”

The conversion is not just cosmetic. The bar has devoted an entire 600‑square‑foot wing—previously a small back‑room—to a gaming lounge that boasts high‑end PC rigs, console stations, and a VR corner. Each PC is equipped with NVIDIA RTX 3080 graphics cards, 32‑GB DDR4 RAM, and SSD storage to ensure buttery‑smooth gameplay for titles ranging from League of Legends to Valorant. Console stations feature the latest PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, along with a dedicated screen for titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends. The VR space is stocked with the newest Oculus Quest 3 units, giving guests a taste of immersive esports without the need for a headset rental.

The interior has been designed for both comfort and performance. “We wanted to create a space that looks like a bar but feels like a competitive arena,” said design lead Maria Alvarez. “That means recliners, high‑back gaming chairs, a 75‑inch LED screen for spectators, and a fully stocked bar that still feels familiar.”

Leagues, Tournaments, and Community Events

One of the most exciting aspects of Craig’s new gaming lounge is its commitment to regular events. The bar will host a “Grand Rapids Esports League” that will run for the entire season, featuring weekly tournaments in popular titles like Valorant, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, and FIFA 25. The league will be open to anyone over the age of 18, with a nominal entry fee and a prize pool that will grow as sponsorships come on board.

Craig’s is also partnering with local high schools and community centers to provide esports training clinics. “We see a lot of kids who love gaming but don’t have a place to practice competitively,” Craig said. “By partnering with the school district, we can offer a structured, safe environment for them to learn teamwork, strategy, and even coding.”

In addition to the league, the bar will host a monthly “Streamer Night.” Local content creators and influencers will be invited to stream from the lounge, drawing fans from across the region and providing an opportunity for newcomers to see what professional streaming looks like up close.

The first tournament, announced in the article, will take place on October 15th and will feature Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The event will offer a $500 prize pool, with the winning team receiving a new gaming PC. Craig’s also plans to hold a “Retro Gaming Night” each Thursday, where classic consoles like the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation 1 will take the stage for nostalgic competitions.

Economic Impact and the Future

Craig’s new venture is not just about entertainment; it’s also an economic opportunity for Grand Rapids. The bar’s management estimates that the gaming lounge could attract an additional 150–200 patrons per month, boosting sales of food, beer, and specialty drinks. The bar’s food menu has been tweaked to include gamer‑friendly options—think “Power‑Up Wings” and “Quick‑Hit Pizza”—to keep patrons fueled during marathon sessions.

Local businesses are also benefiting. The bar has secured a partnership with a nearby tech shop to provide repair services for gaming equipment, and the city’s tourism board has highlighted Craig’s Cruisers as a new destination for esports tourism.

Looking ahead, Craig’s Cruisers plans to expand its esports footprint by collaborating with regional leagues and possibly hosting qualifiers for larger tournaments. “Our goal is to be the epicenter of competitive gaming in Grand Rapids,” John Craig said. “If the community supports us, we’ll keep growing.”

Takeaway

Craig’s Cruisers’ pivot from a traditional sports bar to a cutting‑edge competitive‑gaming hub reflects the evolving landscape of entertainment in Grand Rapids. By combining a familiar, welcoming environment with high‑performance gaming infrastructure and community‑focused events, the bar is poised to become a new hub for esports enthusiasts and a catalyst for local economic growth. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer, a casual fan, or just looking for a place to catch the next big game, Craig’s Cruisers now offers something for everyone—one that’s as competitive as it is convivial.