Radiant, Mekyla Basconcillo

VOL 1 | ISSUE 3

next level GAMING EVIL GENIUSES

BEAT PRX 3 –1!

What will they do now?

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TOP

VALORANT MUSIC VIDEOS Ranked by fans!

Q&A with TARIK CELIK

Tune into his interview!

life in eSports as a

WOMAN Is it possible?

gaming peripheral

MUST HAVES

Take a look at what is in store!

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIOT GAMES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

14

EVIL GENIUSES BEAT PRX 3-1!

How does PRX approach this loss?

An insight into alecks and potter on their own teams as they reflect on their new beginnings, and what that would mean for future VCTs.

LOADING...

4 5

9 12

LETTER TO THE EDITOR What inspired this magazine?

Hear the words of Boberton Lee.

BY THE NUMBERS: STREAMING STATISTICS How many people tuned in?

Get a scope of the demographic in each country.

Q&A WITH TARIK CELIK What does a franchised streamer do in their spare time?

Dive into the world of Tarik.

TOP FIVE VALORANT MUSIC VIDEOS Ranked by fans!

Get a scope of what the fans enjoy.

20 29

BEST PERIPHERALS Ranked by professional eSports players!

Level out the advantages and disadvantages with these takeaways!

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SIGNING A DEAL What does it take?

Learn what comes to mind before signing a contract!

31 33

WHAT IS NEW IN THE ESPORTS WORLD What is the future of eSports?

Listen to the latest scoop of eSports!

TOP WEAPONS IN GAME Based off of the statistics!

Take a look at the Valorant statistics.

SAVING CHECKPOINT...

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SUSTAINING A LIFE AS A WOMAN IN ESPORTS Is it possible?

Tune in as I describe the complications of what it takes to be in eSports and how sustainable it is to be a woman on a professional team in a male-dominated field.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

LETTER FROM THE

“

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

— ARISTOTLE

G

rowing up, I was one of the countless individuals who found solace, joy, and inspiration in the virtual battlefields of first-person shooter (FPS) games. Today, I am thrilled to explore the incredible potential of eSports and how it has become increasingly relevant to our everyday lives.

For many, eSports might seem like a niche interest or a distant realm inhabited by professional gamers.

However, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that transcends traditional boundaries. In the not-so-distant past, the idea of competitive video gaming being considered a legitimate sport might have raised eyebrows, but now it is a global phenomenon that commands a massive following and generates substantial revenue.

What’s most compelling about eSports is its relevance to our daily lives. It’s not just about the games themselves; it’s about the community, the culture, and the stories behind the players. eSports has brought together diverse groups of people who might never have connected otherwise. Gamers from different backgrounds and regions unite under the banner of their favorite games, creating a unique sense of camaraderie and belonging.

Moreover, eSports showcases the power of dedication, hard work, and passion. It’s not just about pushing buttons and clicking mice; it’s about teamwork, strategy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. These are values and qualities that resonate with people

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAUREN LENTINI

EDITOR in all walks of life, from students to professionals. It demonstrates that the path to success is often rooted in determination, practice, and resilience.

The impact of eSports also extends to education, as it highlights the potential for career opportunities in gaming, from professional players to game developers, analysts, and commentators. In universities around the world, eSports scholarships are becoming more common, recognizing the value of competitive gaming as both a source of entertainment and a legitimate career path. This newfound acceptance in academia is reshaping the way we think about leisure activities and their potential for personal and professional growth.

In our ever-evo lving digital landscape, the eSports scene serves as a testament to the influence of technology on our lives. It’s no longer just a pastime but a significant cultural force, a medium through which people express themselves, connect with others, and find meaning in their lives.

As we delve deeper into this topic in the coming articles, I encourage you to keep an open mind, even if you’re not a gamer.

I look forward to sharing more stories, insights, and exciting developments in the world of eSports in the issues to come.

Together, we can uncover the layers of excitement and significance that this phenomenon brings to our lives.

Warm regards,

Boberton Lee, Editor in Chief @bobertonlee

BY THE NUMBERS next level GAMING

BY THE

NUMBERS 2.12 MILLION 119.4K was the average amount of viewers in each broadcast

have watched the VCT 2023 EMEA broadcasts on Twitch and Youtube combined

554,170 174 tuned into the Grand Finals with NRG against LOUD on May 28, 2023

hours of the League have been streamed in total

TEAMS

EIGHTEEN

Jayne Haugen Olsen

Editor in Chief

Brian Johnson

Creative Director

Executive Editor

Sara Elbert

Jennifer Buege

Deputy Editor

Sydney Berry

Senior Editor

Andrew Zimmern

Contributing Editor

Alison Oleskey Chelsea Yin SHO & Company, Inc.

Contributing Bookings Editors

Jean Marie Hamilton Senior Copy Editor

have competed in all of the International League

FIVE

teams have moved up to go play at the KIA form

177

hours of the EMEA League have been streamed in total

10.4

Edgar Rojas

Spanish Editor/Translator

watched LOUD play against 100 Thieves

MILLION

303,079 tuned into the Grand Finals with Liquid against FNATIC

tuned into the Grand Finals with PRX against DRX, with PRX winning by a 3 - 2 lead. With Championships being on stake, PRX qualifies and advances up.

SEVEN

399,520

million people tuned into Twitch to watch ZETA go against Gen.G, Talon, GE, and T1 for the Pacific League. In the end, T1 made it to the finals.

Amy Ballinger Ted Rossiter

Art Directors

Steve Mathewson Bill Sympson

Digital Prepress Group

Frank Sisser

Director of Project Management

Bea Jaegar

Director of Circulation

Carin Russell

Circulation Manager

Anna Buresh

Circulation Assistant

Tim Mapes

Chief Marketing Officer

Julieta McDurry

Director, U.S. Marketing Communications

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Q&A

Q&A

What does a franchised streamer do in their spare time?

Dive into the world of Tarik.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HELENA KRISTIANSSON RADIANT

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARIK

T R A ST Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with one of the most celebrated and

influential figures in the eSports and gaming world, Tarik Celik. With a career spanning several years in the competitive gaming scene and as a prominent Valorant streamer, Tarik has become a household name among fans and enthusiasts alike. Known

What is your favorite snack while you wait for games to be played?

insights, offering a glimpse into the life of a true gaming icon.

While waiting for games, I like to keep it simple with some healthy snacks. Fruits like apples or bananas are a go-to for me, or I might grab a protein bar for a quick energy boost. Staying hydrated with water or an energy drink is also important to keep me focused and ready for the next match.

How long have you been in the eSports industry?

Do you plan on staying as a content creater?

What would you change about Valorant?

When and why did you franchise with Sentinels?

What do you do to not burn out from the game?

for his skills,dedication, and engaging content, Tarik has not only made a name for himself in the eSports arena but has also amassed a loyal following in the gaming

community. In this exclusive interview, we delve into his journey, experiences, and

I have been involved in the eSports industry for about 7 years now. I started my journey back in 2016 and it has been an incredible ride ever since.

I joined Sentinels in 2021 because I saw them as an organization with a lot of potential and a strong commitment to excellence. I wanted to be a part of a team that could help me achieve my professional competitive goals and represent a well known top-tier organization in the eSports world.

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I’m really happy with Sentinels, and they’ve been incredibly supportive. As of now, my plan is to continue representing Sentinels.

They’re a fantastic organization, and I see a bright future here.

Avoiding burnout is crucial, and I try to strike a balance between practice, streaming, and personal time. It’s important to take breaks, stay active, and spend time with friends and family. Plus, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and switching things up in-game helps keep things fresh and prevents burnout.

While waiting for games, I like to keep it simple with some healthy snacks. Fruits like apples or bananas are a go-to for me, or I might grab a protein bar for a quick energy boost. Staying hydrated with water or an energy drink is also important to keep me focused and ready for the next match.

Who is your favorite person to play with in the eSports scene?

What would you be doing right now if you were not a streamer?

Which agent in Valorant do you enjoy playing?

Do you see potential in Valorant eSports continuing?

I enjoy playing a variety of agents in Valorant, but if I had to pick one, it would be Yoru. Their playstyle and abilities suit my preferences and complement my team’s strategies really well. It’s important to be versatile in this game, but having a go-to agent you’re comfortable with is always a plus.

Absolutely, I believe Valorant has incredible potential as an eSports title. The game has a strong foundation, and Riot Games has a track record in the eSports scene. I see Valorant eSports continuing to grow and thrive, and I’m excited to be a part of that journey.

Do you get to hear about releases prior to everyone?

Is there anything you would like to say to the fans who enjoy watching you?

It’s tough to pick just one favorite, but I’ve had some amazing teammates and friends in the eSports scene.

Playing with Sentinels has been fantastic, and I’ve built strong bonds with my teammates. If I had to choose one, it would probably be Shroud. We have great synergy both in and out of the game, and it’s always a blast competing alongside them.

As a professional player and content creator, I do occasionally get some insights into upcoming releases or updates before they’re officially announced. Riot Games often collaborates with players and content creators for feedback and early testing, so we can provide input and help shape the future of the game. However, the information I receive is typically subject to non-disclosure agreements, so I can’t share details until they’re revealed.

What motivates you to stream?

Valorant is a game I’m deeply passionate about, and I enjoy sharing my gameplay and experiences with my fans. The community support and the love I receive from my viewers is a huge motivation for me to keep streaming. Plus, it’s a great way to interact with the community and have fun together.

If I weren’t a streamer, I might have pursued a career in game development or worked in a related field within the eSports industry. I’m passionate about gaming, and I’d love to contribute in different ways, whether that’s through creating games, coaching, or something else.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my fans who support me day in and day out. Your enthusiasm and encouragement mean the world to me. I couldn’t do what I do without you. Thanks for being a part of this incredible journey, and I promise to keep delivering the best content I can for all of you.

D ND E EN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TARIK RADIANT

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REVIEW

TOP

5

VALORANT MUSIC VIDEOS

RANKED BY FANS

1

Die For You GRABBITZ

Released on November 22nd, 2021, the song was used to promote the very first Valorant Champions Tour. The music video was animated by The Line, a London-based animation studio.

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2

Entertain Me Ylona Garcia

Released on January 5th, 2022, the song was used for the character release of Neon, making Entertain Me her theme song. The song was then released on 88rising five days after.

VISIONS Safari Riot

X

eaJ

Released on January 5th, 2023, the song was featured in Valorant’s cinematic “Revelation” episode 6. It featured a cliffhanger between Astra and Harbor, and showcased a new map called Lotus.

4

3

Fire Again Ashnikko

Released on August 22nd, 2022, the song featured the opponents competing in VCT 2022. This release also came hand-in-hand with a new skin collection that was also VCT themed.

Can’t Slow Me Down GroovyRoom

Released on February 15, 2022, it followed up with a later release of a music video of Jett roaming around the streets of Seoul in South Korea. It served to prove Jett’s confidence as a duelist.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE GUARD

FEATURE

EVIL GENIUSES BEAT PRX 3-1!

HOW DOES PRX APPROACH THIS LOSS? An insight into alecks and potter on their own teams as they reflect on their new beginnings, and what that would mean for future VCTs.

by Tacti Bear

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VCT Pacific team this season, winning the league and placing in the top three at VCT Masters Tokyo.

They are also fighting to win at Valorant Champions 2023 and is set to take on Evil Geniuses in the upper bracket final on August 24.

The squad has gone through some minor roster changes this season. The organization brought Russian Ilya ‘something’ Petrov and benched IGL Benedict ‘Benkai’ Tan months later. Paper Rex also had to field a substitute during its Masters Tokyo run, playing without something as the star duelist had issues securing a visa for the tournament.

Roster changes for the squad look like they will persist into the 2024 VCT season. The team’s head coach confirmed in a recent interview with Round Up Gamers that Wang ‘Jinggg’ Jing Jie won’t be on the roster next year.

“

“

PAPER REX HAS BEEN THE BEST

We want to lift the trophy with him.

“We want to lift the trophy with him,” alecks said.

Jinggg joined Paper Rex in 2021 after spending time with Team SMG and Reality Rift. The 20-yearold player broke through on the international stage in the 2022 season, as Paper Rex qualified for every international event.

Jinggg has been an integral component of Paper Rex Valorant roster to their success. He had an ACS of 227 throughout the year as the main entry for playing Raze and Phoenix. Paper Rex coach Alecks confirmed that he is leaving the team for mandatory National Service which is compulsory for any Singaporean male above 18 years of Age.

HISTORY OF JINGGG

Jinggg, who is from Singapore, is completing his National Service requirement and will miss the entire 2024 VCT season.

Jinggg is leaving PRX and will not be in the 2024 season, alecks told Round Up Gamers. “We would like to send him to the army as soon as possible.

That way, he will leave the army sooner.”

Valorant Champions 2023 will be the last tournament that Jinggg will play with Paper Rex. If the team beats Evil Geniuses, it will be one victory from winning the world championship.

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WORDS FROM

ALECKS Alecks speaks candidly about the challenges faced by his young team, offers insight into their pivotal matches, and expresses gratitude to their fans. The interview provides a unique glimpse into the dynamics of a team on the rise and the leadership steering its path.

Commiserations on the loss, but it was an incredible year and run for you guys. How would you guys reflect on your team’s journey to the finals?

We had a very good year. Moving to a different country was very challenging.

Many underestimate how young our team members are — leaving family to pursue their career is significant. I couldn’t make such a move at 23 or 24, even with offers in China. Yet, some of our players are 18, 19, 20 and have made that transition. Ilya (something), for instance, has lived away from home for about two years.

Our experience in Korea was very enriching, and our victory there is our most notable achievement, more than any other. Surpassing DRX lets us genuinely call ourselves as their rivals; it used to be one-sided before. That was one of our happiest moments for us. After that, playing before large audiences has been great. At major events, there are two stages, and the second stage is our goal. Reaching it lets us showcase our style, and feeling the fans’ energy is humbling. It’s incredible to have such support.

Despite the outcome, are there moments during Champions that showcase the potential and caliber of your team?

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Obviously, I believe we didn’t show our best in the finals. It should have been closer. EG might have still won, as they were well-prepared, but we could have played better. But the LOUD game and the previous EG game, where we came back from a deficit, showcased our mental strength under pressure. That’s something I’m proud of. It’s also commendable how confident the team was in validating our play style (obviously, it needs to be refined). But those games make me proud.

Against Evil Geniuses, what was the difference maker? You bested them in the first match, but what would you say was significantly different between last match and the finals?

They were very well prepared — potter must have spent the whole night working before our match. And props to her. They had a clear game plan to counter our strategy, and we fell into many of their rotations and traps — they played confidently. I am actually very happy for them. They have had a challenging year, and to perform above expectations and secure this win is commendable. They should be very proud.

Thank you for your unwavering support.

We understand our role in this industry is to entertain. Every time we compete, we aim to deliver our best performance.

We’re honored to represent you in APAC and around the world. The encouraging messages and support you send us are touching and deeply appreciated.

Thank you.

From the start of the franchised leagues of VALORANT in January, the Americas league had five North American organizations for fans to follow. While NRG, Sentinels, Cloud9, and 100 Thieves have their popular players and well-known cores, Evil Geniuses were seen as a lesser squad than their very own NA counterparts.

Due to a lack of star talent, many fans put Evil Geniuses towards the bottom of their initial regional power rankings. But EG, ever since losing to 100 Thieves on April 10, have been on the up and up, taking maps against some of the best talent in the league. From a near-upset against ladder-leading LOUD, to stomping Leviatán and Sentinels on their way to a 4-5 record, Evil Geniuses are a team to keep tabs on, especially with the tribulations of the other teams in the region.

And while Evil Geniuses’ results look like a massive step-up in quality, they’re also thanks to the team overcoming a several number of hurdles from the start of the season by making these changes and maintaining confidence in themselves.

“When we were building the team coming into 2023, it was obvious that upgrades were needed, even with our team from 2022,” head coach Christine “potter” Chi told Dot Esports. “Looking across the table, it was obvious all the orgs were spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on players. If we’re comparing resources, I didn’t have those to build a super squad and purchase the players who were on the stage holding trophies last year. I’m just trying to do the best with what I have.”

different than what fans had. In their 0-2 loss to NRG on May 19, EG at least gone down swinging, getting at least a map win in each of their previous six matches, if not the outright victory. Their last regular season series against NRG marked EG’s first 2-0 loss since their series against 100 Thieves more than a month prior. It was proof that EG’s process was working; they just had to iron out some issues. And one of their biggest problems, according to potter, was finding the fit for the meta.

ROUGH START

Beginning with LOCK//IN, EG struggled to find their best starting five—the ones who would be the most comfortable on their roles for the meta. The game against Cloud9 was the catalyst for a shake-up, letting potter know that they needed to make at least one singular swap.

“We needed a change,” potter said to Dot Esports, “so that the players felt comfortable to make those moves in the server.”

That change came by benching experienced player Brendan “BcJ” Jensen and bringing in Jett player Max “Demon1” Mazanov. The change was immediate; Demon1 would lead EG to a 2-1 victory over KRÜ Esports. The team looked far more cohesive behind a 52-kill performance from Demon1, all while he played three different roles on all three maps.

Skepticism around the decision of replacing a veteran with an untested prodigy quickly diminished with his performances.

“

Even with that problem heading into the 2023 season, the team started practicing and competing against more popular teams in the region. It took time, but expectations for them internally were much

He’s got insane confidence, and anytime we’re communicating our game plan, it’s

“

THE RISE OF EG

just instant. He’s able to visualize what to do, what he’s not supposed to give up and what he’s supposed to fight for. In those times, it’s really easy with him.

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While Demon1 helped lead the team to their first win of the season, EG would lose their next two games and drop to a 1-4 record. Their series against LOUD provided a glimmer of hope, and it could have been the largest upset across all Champions Tour leagues if LOUD hadn’t woken up mid-way through the three-map series.

However, EG would fall in a close match, similar to their series against FURIA a couple days before. They really struggled against both Brazilian squads with containing star players on the enemy teams, from Leonardo “mwzera” Serrati on Furia putting up 67 kills to Felipe “Less” Basso and Erick “aspas” Santos tag-teaming for 48 kills each in their very own respective series.

CLUTCH UP

EG needed to rebound quickly to keep their playoff hopes alive, and to many’s surprise, that’s exactly what they did.

Utilizing the double duelist composition more often, with Demon1 on Jett and Alexander “jawgemo” Mor on Raze, the team grew comfortable together. Starting off by upsetting Leviatán 2-1, EG then ground Sentinels into dust with a 2-0 sweep. EG soon found themselves at a 4-4 record after defeating a slumping MIBR, maintaining their shot at qualifying for playoffs and a possible spot for Masters Tokyo.

The team’s chance to secure a playoff spot slipped away against the ever-powerful NRG team, breaking a four-game win streak and taking EG’s playoff hopes out of their own hands. Their qualification revolved on MIBR’s Thieves, where a big MIBR win would put EG in the playoffs.

THE IMPOSSIBLE

Chances of MIBR actually getting a win seemed so small that players made bets, including Demon1, who said he would go bald if his team made playoffs. Coming from the player who went from lower tier VALORANT, skipped Challengers to get signed to a franchised team, and helped revitalize them with his Jett play and coordination. It came to one of the weirdest but most entertaining series of the whole season. MIBR were playing with their sixth man André “Txozin” Saidel, who hadn’t played consistently since late 2020. His VCT 2023 season against EG was rough.

With that information, MIBR got an easy win for the 100 Thieves squad needing a victory to secure their spot.

But MIBR immediately surprised everyone by beating 100 Thieves on Fracture convincingly, thanks to Matheus ‘RgLM’ Rodigoli. On Pearl, it was an easy MIBR win 12-6, until Matthew “Cryocells” Panganiban went to win in overtime, 14-12.

Platforms to Watch VCT From (the Official Watch Party)

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All VALORANT Champions LA games will be

VALORANT Champions LA will be acces-

broadcasted live on various major platforms

sible through secondary streams, offering

such as YouTube and Twitch. For the English

multiple different language broadcasts. This

broadcast, the official VALORANT channel

provides a unique opportunity for fans of

will be streaming the matches live. Don’t

the popular first-person shooter game to

miss out on the action starting August 7-27.

witness high-level competitive play and fol-

“

Communications between these guys has

“

just been getting better and better, and

we’re able to have really dominant rounds, and that was something that we just didn’t have in early January.

SAD LOSS FOR 100 THIEVES

Just when it seemed 100 Thieves woke up, they lost on Lotus, ending at 2-1. It was Txozin who clutched the final round with a jumping knife kill onto the defuser. MIBR completed the upset. With 100 Thieves’ departure, EG snuck through, one confident Jett player had to go bald.

Heading into the VCT Americas 2023 season, nobody had EG pegged as a playoff team, especially with all the talent the franchised league had elsewhere. Because of solid changes and clutch victories at key points in their season, the squad will compete for a chance to make it to Masters Tokyo. For potter, she knows the form required to make it this far has from here on out.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE VERGE

“We’re having a couple of dominant games as well, so that’s something that we’re going to keep working on.”

low the action in their preferred language. Among the secondary streams, Tagalog, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean, Hindi, and Japanese are already available.

VCT Americas RADIANT

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ISO?

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WHO IS

FIND OUT ON THE NEXT UPDATE ON

valorant.com/play

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EDITORIAL

SUSTAINING A

AS A WOMAN IN ESPORTS

IS IT POSSIBLE? Tune in as I describe the complications of what it takes to be in eSports and how sustainable it is to be a woman on a professional team in a male-dominated field.

by Mekyla Basconcillo

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I have been in the eSports scene for five years.

I carved a unique path in the world of competitive gaming and the arts. However, I am more than just eSports champion; I am also a passionate, bright musician and talented artist.

Before eSports, I was known for being a music producer with a keen ear for creating immersive soundscapes. All in all, I have managed to harmoniously blend my love for gaming with my long creative pursuits. With a relentless dedication to both my eSports career and artistic hobbies, I have found a way to make ends meet through my passions and inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly. As you read this article, I will be sharing my valuable insights and upbringing into the challenges and triumphs of my journey, offering a small glimpse into the lives of modern-day renaissance women who continue to redefine the countless boundaries of what is possible in the world of gaming and art.

Before eSports, I had a unique upbringing that laid the foundation for my diverse talents. Raised in a tight-knit family that valued creativity and innovation, I was exposed to a rich cultural tapestry. My parents, both renowned artists themselves, encouraged my early, bright exploration of music and dance.

My natural rhythm and passion for music flourished from an early age, thanks to their mother’s background as a music instructor. As a later producer, I began with a fascination for my father’s extensive vinyl collection, from jazz to electronic music. I have had experiences and supportive upbringings and the perfect environment for me to not only excel in my individual artistic pursuits, but also develop the discipline and teamwork skills that would prove invaluable in my later eSports career. This nurturing environment became the fertile ground where my dreams took root, and I embarked on a remarkable journey of balancing gaming, art, and family.

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A Balance Between Two Lives

In a world where creative pursuits and artistic endeavors often define one’s path, there emerges a compelling story of a woman who dared to take a different road, one less traveled.

Well, that is where I come in; a passionate and creative soul who decided to embark on a thrilling and unconventional journey by venturing into the realm of eSports. For me, this decision represented a calculated risk, as I stepped into an industry where women have historically been underrepresented and faced numerous challenges. Yet, it is a story of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of a dream that showcases the inspiring potential for women in eSports.

The Creative Field Before eSports

Balancing a creative, artistic life with a demanding esports schedule can be challenging. Many esports players find themselves dedicating an amount of their time to practice, competitions, and travel, leaving little room for pursuing other creative interests. This can be particularly tough for women who may want to explore creative and artistic passions alongside their esports careers. However, some eSports professionals have found ways to incorporate their artistic talents into their gaming persona, leveraging their creative skills in content creation, streaming, and cosplay. This shows that with determination, it is possible to strike a balance between the two.

As I navigated the challenging waters of professional eSports, I found myself grappling with the dilemma of balancing my creative and artistic passions with the demanding schedule of competitive gaming. There were moments when I longed to dedicate more time to my artistic pursuits, but my commitment to esports was unwavering. Over time, I discovered innovative ways to incorporate my artistic talents into my eSports persona, harnessing my creative skills to engage with fans and create unique content that showcased my multifaceted talents. my journey underscores the potential for synergy between these two seemingly disparate worlds.

A Team Full of Support

Overall Journey

Behind every successful team, there’s often an unsung hero, and in my eSports journey, that hero was my dedicated coach.

The coach not only provided tactical guidance and training but also recognized the importance of nurturing individual passions. Whether it was my artistic endeavors or the aspirations of her teammates, the coach stood as a pillar of support.

They encouraged the team to embrace their creative pursuits alongside esports, realizing that it was not just about winning games but also personal growth. The coach’s unwavering belief in their players’ potential to excel in both their gaming careers and artistic passions was a driving force, proving that the pursuit of dreams knows no bounds, and that with the right mentor, players could reach heights in both domains.

This team has seen victories on the field, triumphing against formidable opponents and securing their place in the upper echelons of female eSports. They have also made their presence felt beyond the gaming arena, using their platform to advocate for gender equality and inclusivity in esports. By actively participating in initiatives to promote diversity and providing mentorship to aspiring female gamers, they have played a crucial role in paving the way for future generations of women in the industry. The journey of this remarkable team serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, teamwork, and a shared vision can propel a group of individuals to extraordinary heights, leaving an indelible mark on the world of esports. With women from the team persevering through stereotypes and challenges amongst this male-dominated field, we could only go up from here. What ended up being a nightmare for people ended up being our fuel.

For me and my teammates, the Female eSports League proved to be a welcoming haven in my journey. From the moment I joined the league, I was met with open arms and a strong sense of community. The league served as a vital platform where women in esports could come together, share experiences, and support each other through the challenges they faced. It was a place where female gamers felt empowered to pursue their passions without fear of judgment or discrimination. This sense of camaraderie extended beyond competition and into mentorship, with more experienced players offering guidance to newcomers; an environment where it was not just players but also leaders and mentors.

This eSports team has come a long way from its humble beginnings. What started as a passionate group of individuals with a shared love for gaming and a vision for greater representation in the esports world has evolved into a force to be reckoned with. Over the years, this dedicated team has not only demonstrated their prowess in competitive gaming but has also shattered preconceived notions about women in esports. Their journey is a testament to the progress that can be achieved through perseverance and unity.

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Male-Dominated Scenes

The eSports industry has traditionally been male-dominated, with men making up the majority of professional players, commentators, and fans. This contrast between male and female representation in eSports can be discouraging for women looking to break into the scene. However, female esports teams have emerged as a way to counter this trend. These all-female teams, such as those in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Valorant, help create a space for women to compete and excel in esports. While some argue that these teams maintain segregation, others see them as a necessary stepping stone towards gender equality in the industry.

One of the most striking aspects I noticed in my eSports journey was the stark contrast between the male-dominated scenes and the emergence of female esports teams. While the industry had been predominantly male-dominated, female teams provided a beacon of hope. I observed that these teams not only offered a platform for women to compete at the highest levels but also served as a catalyst for change.

They highlighted the need for increased gender diversity in eSports, sparking conversations about the importance of inclusivity and the value of gender-neutral competition.

Misogyny in the Field

ESports, like many other male-dominated fields, has faced challenges related to gender equality. Misogyny in eSports is a persistent issue that has been a barrier for women pursuing careers in this industry. Female players often encounter sexism and harassment, both within the game itself and in the online communities surrounding esports. These toxic behaviors can manifest as online abuse, discrimination, and a general lack of respect. While the esports community has made strides to address these problems, more work is needed to create a safe and inclusive environment for all.

As I began my journey into the world of eSports, I quickly became aware of the unsettling reality of misogyny within the industry. The toxic behavior and sexist attitudes that I encountered were, at times, disheartening. Insults, harassment, and dismissive comments were all too common. However, I did not let these experiences deter me. Instead, they fueled my determination to stand up against the discrimination and to advocate for a more inclusive and respectful environment for women in eSports.

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Opportunities for Women in eSports

The possibilities for women in eSports are steadily growing.

Although it is true that the industry has been male-dominated, women have been making significant strides in recent years.

Prominent female esports players, such as Sasha “Scarlett” Hostyn and Geguri, have shown that women can compete at the highest levels of eSports. Furthermore, organizations and initiatives are actively working to promote gender diversity in eSports. These efforts include scholarships, mentorship programs, and tournaments specifically designed for female players. As the industry continues to evolve, the opportunities for women to make it in eSports will continue to expand, creating a more inclusive and diverse landscape for all.

In my leap into the world of eSports, I uncovered a landscape of evolving possibilities. While the industry had long been perceived as a male stronghold, I witnessed a sea of change.

Prominent female esports players were proving that women could not only compete but also excel at the highest levels of the game. Furthermore, organizations and initiatives were actively working to promote gender diversity and provide platforms for women to showcase their skills. I realized that, despite challenges, the path I had chosen was filled with opportunities for women to make their mark in eSports, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse future for the industry.

light as a feather.

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