'As a girl gamer I was told 'you're in the kitchen' – now I'm a professional at the Esports World Cup'
RIYADH: The players of Team Falcons Vega MENA said that their participation in the “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's Invitational” in the Esports World Cup was an inspiration for girls in the area who want to become professional esports players.
Saudi Arabian club Team Falcons Vega MENA got off to a tough start at MWI on Thursday as they were defeated by Russian team Victory Song Gamers, who topped Group C, and Vietnam's Zino Lilies.
But with a pool of $500,000 up for grabs, the largest in the history of women's sports, the stars of the team say that simply participating in such a prestigious competition on the biggest stage around is success – and an inspiration to others.
The tournament is played in front of a crowd of over 8,000 at the SEF Arena on Riyadh City Boulevard, with millions of fans from around the world.
Velvet, a player for Team Falcons Vega MENA from Giza in Egypt who has been a professional for eight months, said: “I find it very competitive. We could have done better, but that was only because we were busy. We have the experience we need to go further and learn how we can be better in the future.
“The scope is huge. It's really special to play on such a big stage — it's really glorious. We will take it to our graves. Fortunately, we got out here and did our best in the first two games, even though we didn't win.”
When asked if he really thought he would ever be a professional esports player, let alone play in the World Cup of Esports, Velvet, whose real name is Hadeel Mahmoud, replied: “Never or when.
“I'm living the dream. I had no idea that esports would become so popular that it would become a high-paying profession. I didn't even think of it as a professional thing.
“I always thought I was going to do a regular job 24/7. And it's great that we can make something cool into something you pay for.”
Velvet, 21, hopes that young actresses in Egypt, Saudi Arabia or wherever she is in the region will follow her example. “Yes, they can, they all can,” he added.
“I used to be a girl that no one took seriously, and everyone would say to me, 'Oh, you're just a girl, you'd better not go on like that — the kitchen is where you belong. . belong' and other types of comments.
“But that didn't stop me. I continue my journey and I want to prove everyone wrong because I want to be an inspiration to little girls and everyone around. So, I'm just sending a message that they can do it if I did it. I play in the World Cup of Esports, the biggest stage in the world.
“That's the way the world works. You will not come easy. You're going to get toxic comments and things like that, but that doesn't have to stop you from doing what you want. You just have to be patient and try your best and don't let any comments get you down.”
His Egyptian counterpart FVVN echoed his sentiments. “When I grew up, I played to spend time doing something I really enjoyed and to make new friends,” said fvvn, real name Alaa Ayman.
“But I never thought I'd have the chance to play in a world-class tournament like this with my friends.
“I think women's sports should be more accessible to girls and women across the Middle East — especially so that the pool allows us to be more independent and learn from experience.” like this.”
He added that he admired the fans in Riyadh. “The support we've had is tremendous,” he said. “There were fans cheering for us everywhere, in the hotel and in the stadium. Their support was the highlight for us during the competition”.
The MWI is an important addition to the Esports World Cup, which started at Riyadh City Boulevard on July 3 and runs until August 25. in Saudi Arabia.
The $60 million Esports World Cup, the largest in esports history, features a unique cross-game format pitting top clubs and players against each other in 22 world tournaments in 21 major games.
More than 1,500 players, representing over 60 countries, are battling it out at this summer's Esports World Cup. This week's four-week tournament includes “PUBG Mobile” and “Overwatch 2.”
