Episode 58: Geek Discussion: VKLiooon, & the Future of Women in eSports

eSports history has been made when VKLiooon won the Hearthstone Grandmasters during Blizzcon. Not only was she the first woman to win an international Hearthstone tournament, she was the first woman to win an international eSports tournament ever!

So first of all: BIGGEST CONGRATS TO VKLIOOON! You’re incredible and a true inspiration.

Just check out her speech:

“I want to say for all the girls out there who have a dream for esports competition, for glory. If you want to do it and you believe in yourself, you should just forget your gender and go for it. This is the best way to strike back at those people who doubted me only because I am a girl. It proves that girls can be strong pro players, just as guys do.”

And we’re totally feeling this. All of this.

Not only this, VKLiooon said that at one of her first Hearthstone tournaments, a guy told her she didn’t belong there and to leave. What bullshit is that even?? VKLiooon has obviously proven herself and shown that women do belong in eSports.

As we’ve talked about with previous guests, girls were never nurtured to play video games the same way the boys were. But we’re out there. We play video games. And we’re down with eSports.

Women playing professional eSports is on the rise. We already have legends like VKLiooon and past guest Pathra, a whole host of badass women playing Hearthstone in smaller tournaments, and women joining professional Overwatch and NBA2K teams.

The future of eSports is bright for women and we are HERE. FOR. IT.

If you’ve enjoyed this episode, please check out some of our others!

• Geek Discussion: Hong Kong Protests, Blizzard Entertainment, & Cancel Culture
• Geek Interview: Life as a Hearthstone Pro & Not Feeding the Trolls with Pathra Cadness
• Geek Interviews: Mental Health and Real Life Rep Grinding with Thyst

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Geekily yours,
Amanda & Monika