I think that if OP uses the essay to bring out some of their personal qualities and writes about the interaction between this sort of gaming and themself, it could work. Just be sure not to talk too much about how the game works or anything like that. The essay could also cast grand stategy in a light that the essay readers might never have seen it in before, which could make it stand out.
Start early so, in case it doesn’t turn out well, there will be plenty of time to think up and write another essay.