Discover how female gamers are transforming esports—explore global teams, top streamers, tournament wins, and the future of women in competitive gaming.
The Rise of Women in Esports
As a teenager growing up in Kingston, Ontario, Sasha Hostyn began her journey into competitive StarCraft II, eventually becoming one of the most accomplished women in esports.
By 2018, Sasha, now known globally as “Scarlett,” would make history by winning IEM PyeongChang against South Korean pro- Kim “sOs” Yoo Jin, becoming the first woman to claim a major title in one of esports’ most demanding strategy games.
Scarlett’s victory wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a signal. A signal that the esports world, long dominated by male competitors, was beginning to shift.
From quiet rooms to roaring stadiums
Girls around the world were joining games—not just for fun, but to compete. In Myanmar, the all-female squad Terror Queens trained with precision and passion for the Esports World Cup 2025, where they captured global attention by securing third place in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational. Their fearless team fights and sharp tactical execution earned them not only admiration but also a $50,000 prize, proving that their gameplay was as profitable as it was powerful
In France, Team Vitality’s female squad swept the finals 4–0, taking home $150,000 and proving that European women weren’t just participating—they were dominating.
These weren’t isolated stories. From LATAM’s DreamMax Girls to WAOW GG Esports from Africa, women were stepping into the spotlight, not as tokens, but as contenders.
Skill Over Stereotypes
Despite making up 46% of the global gaming population, women represent only 8% of professional esports players. The gap isn’t due to lack of talent—it’s systemic. Many female players face harassment, underrepresentation, and limited access to sponsorships. Yet, they persist.
Take Li “Liooon” Xiaomeng, who became the first woman to win the Hearthstone Global Finals. Her victory wasn’t just a win—it was a rebuttal to every forum post that questioned women’s ability to compete at the highest level. After winning the title, she said,
“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.”
In VALORANT, players like Melanie “meL” Capone and Alexis “alexis” Guarrasi have each made over $130,000 by leading their teams in tough Game Changers tournaments. Their success shows that tactical shooter games aren’t just for guys—these women are proving they can compete and win at the highest level.
Streaming as a Stage
While some women battle in tournaments, others build empires on platforms like Twitch. Pokimane, with over 9 million followers, has become one of the most recognizable faces in gaming. Her streams blend gameplay, commentary, and community—showing that influence in esports isn’t limited to the scoreboard.
Others like Loeya, KittyPlays, and AriGameplays have carved out niches in Fortnite, PUBG, and GTA V, attracting millions of fans and lucrative sponsorships. These women aren’t just gamers—they’re entrepreneurs, entertainers, and cultural icons.
The EWC 2025: A Turning Point
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational at EWC 2025 was more than a tournament—it was a statement. With 16 teams from regions including Türkiye, Mongolia, China, and Africa, it showcased the global reach of female esports.
| Team Name | Country/Region | Placement | Prize Won |
| Team Vitality | France 🇫🇷 | 🥇 1st Place | $150,000 |
| Gaimin Gladiators | USA 🇺🇸 | 🥈 2nd Place | $90,000 |
| Terror Queens | Myanmar 🇲🇲 | 🥉 3rd Place | $50,000 |
| WAOW GG Esports | Africa 🌍 | Top 16 | $10,000 |
For many of these players, it was their first time playing on a big international stage. For the fans watching, it felt like a sneak peek into the future of esports.
Sponsors Are Watching
More and more sponsors are getting involved in women’s esports—and it’s not just to be seen. Female teams bring loyal fans, new audiences, and real stories that people connect with. These players stand for things that matter: strength, creativity, and determination. That’s exactly the kind of energy brands want to support.
What Comes Next
The path forward isn’t just about more tournaments—it’s about integration. Mixed-gender competitions, better funding, and safer online spaces are essential. Initiatives like VCT Game Changers, ESL Impact, and the GirlGamer Festival are laying the groundwork.
And as more girls see players like Scarlett, Liooon, and the Terror Queens succeed, they’ll know that esports isn’t just a dream—it’s a career.
Conclusion: Not Just Players—Pioneers
These women aren’t just showing up—they’re setting new standards. From Scarlett’s strategic dominance in StarCraft to Team Vitality’s clean sweep in the finals, their performances speak for themselves: they’ve earned their place.
The conversation isn’t about whether women can compete with men—they’ve already proven that. The real challenge is whether the industry and its audiences are ready to recognize and support them fully.
For Similar Read:
Is It Just a Game? The Truth Behind Esports Obsession – Esports Planet
Why PUBG Mobile, Free Fire & COD Mobile Were Banned in These Countries? – Esports Planet