DotaValkyries is a new project and initiative that aims to support women in casual Dota 2 as well as in the pursuit of a professional career.
A woman on the stage of TI? Hasn't been achieved yet, but DotaValkyries is looking to change that —and the overall experience for women playing Dota 2.
The organizers believe that despite the current state of women in the scene (read severe lack of) that can be changed.
"(...) Anyone can perform at the highest level with enough dedication and support, and we are attempting to pave the way for women in Dota to be accepted and sought after for the best teams in all the regions."
It's 2021 and there are many women within the esports and Dota 2 scene, but most of them are filling roles in the background or support functions. Competing? On a Tier 2 or higher level? Like finding a needle in a haystack. Elusive, hidden – if not denied to exist – among the male-dominated industry.
BRIEF History of Women in Dota 2
In September 2012, Virtus.Pro formed an all-women’s squad known as Virtus.Pro Ladies.
On June 11th, 2013, Na’Vi picked up an all-female team. They took first place in the CGAMES female Cup against VP.Ladies.
There was even a Female Dota 2 LAN in Kiev, on July 9, 2013, in which Na’Vi Ladies seized the title.
RoX.KIS and LGD Gaming were among the organizations to join in on signing female players, in 2013.
A year later, the concept of female squads in Dota 2 seemed to disappear without a whimper or fuss.
Harassment
More often than not, on any given day, one can find that more women are engaged behind the scenes, out of the constant spotlight and path of hurling insults and onslaught of abuse.
Roles taking on stats, social media, content creating, editing, team management, public relations, COO, photography are filled with exceptional women. Fewer females go into casting, interviewing or playing competitively – realms where the already typical gender-based harassment becomes exacerbated due to the public exposure.
Gender seems to become the focal point anytime a woman appears within the scene – as opposed to focusing on mechanics, skill, or talent.
So something needs to change, and there are some attempting to do just that.
Changing of the Tides
Tammy "Furryfish" Tang Zhao En knows a bit about competing as a woman in a male-dominated industry. The Singaporean has been pushing her way into the esports space for well over two decades.
In 2004 she co-founded a team turned-organization that has since been rebranded as Asterisk*. The team's first official event was at the World Cyber Games Grand Finals in Singapore in 2005, where the team claimed victory at the event's stage showcase match.
Since its inauguration, Asterisk* has been featured on magazines, leading esports portals and television, making regular appearances at Thailand's annual games convention, the Electronic Sports Thailand Championship, and actively participating in local and regional tournaments, conventions and forum panel discussions.
For many women through the years, Asterisk* has been a place where those who are serious about competing can connect with like-minded peers, embrace their passion and focus on achieving success.
So Tammy filled her plate with more and extended her reach to create FSL — a Female esports league based out of Singapore
Through the opportunity to compete in ongoing events that were broadcasted and sponsored, women could start to develop professional experiences and mindsets. They could network, find mentors, practice, and grow.
Like FSL, DotaValkyries is working to create a space for women to develop their skills, opportunities, and growth. Through education, mentorship, coaching, sponsorship, and exposure DotaValkyries will provide the necessary environment for thriving —and eventually reaching the highest level of competition.
Evil Geniuses has recently announced their new Valorant team —and it is mixed gender!
With the introduction of mixed rosters within an iconic organization and projects such as FSL and DotaValkyries a woman on the TI stage in the near future might no longer just be a dream.
