“You don’t look like a gamer.”
It’s a phrase too many girls and women have heard online, at events, or even from classmates and colleagues.
But the truth is: gamers look like all of us.
According to the 2024 Bryter Women Gamers Study, nearly 48% of women say gaming is a big part of their identity, and 46% of the global gaming community is female. Still, many women feel unseen, face bias, or navigate spaces that weren’t built with them in mind.
This article isn’t about proving anything to anyone. It’s about owning the space, building representation, and expanding opportunity without pushing anyone else out. It’s about growing a better, more inclusive future where everyone thrives, together.
Whether you’re a young woman interested in esports, a teacher supporting digital media pathways, or a parent exploring what’s next for your child, this is for you.
Gaming Is for Everyone, But Access Isn’t Always Equal
Let’s be clear: no one is saying men don’t belong in esports. This industry has been built by passionate people of all genders. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy for everyone to enter or succeed.
For many women, the challenges are subtle but persistent:
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Fewer visible role models.
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Higher rates of online harassment.
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Less encouragement or recognition from school, peers, or family.
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Stereotypes that say “girls aren’t competitive” or “gaming isn’t for you.”
These aren’t personal attacks, they’re structural issues. And the good news? They’re changeable.
Breaking the Mold: Real Women in Esports
Visibility matters. When young girls see women succeeding in esports, it sparks something powerful: possibility.
Here are a few women who’ve broken through:
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Sasha “Scarlett” Hostyn – One of the top StarCraft II players in the world. Scarlett didn’t just succeed as a woman—she succeeded as a player. Full stop.
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Yinsu Collins – A leading voice in esports journalism and broadcasting, Collins is known for her sharp interviews, analysis, and passion for storytelling.
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Aerial Powers – WNBA player and gaming ambassador. She blends her background in sports with gaming, advocating for inclusion through Team Liquid and her own platform.
These women didn’t take space away from others, they added to the industry by showing what’s possible.
For Young Women and Girls: Claim Your Space
If you love games and are curious about esports, you don’t need anyone’s permission to be here.
You belong. Here’s how to start building your path:
Explore What You Love
Not everyone in esports is a pro player. You might be great at:
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Streaming or content creation
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Shoutcasting (commentary)
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Coaching or strategy
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Game design
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Team management
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Marketing and social media
Find the lane that excites you, and learn everything you can about it.
Join Supportive Communities
There are groups made for you:
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Women in Games
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The*GameHers
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Black Girl Gamers
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Valorant Game Changers
These spaces aren’t about exclusion, they’re about belonging. About building your skills, your confidence, and your network.
Keep Learning
Watch tournaments. Learn from streamers. Take free online courses. Follow the people doing what you want to do, and reach out. Most will be happy to share advice.
Show Up Authentically
You don’t have to act like someone else to fit in. You don’t need to “prove” anything. Just show up, play, create, lead and keep going.
For Educators and Career Advisors: Why It Matters
When you support girls in exploring esports, you’re not just helping them game. You’re helping them:
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Develop critical thinking and teamwork.
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Build digital fluency and media skills.
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Explore real career pathways in STEM, broadcasting, business, and wellness.
Esports is one of the fastest-growing sectors and girls deserve a seat at the table.
How to Support:
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Talk about esports as a legitimate career path.
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Encourage mixed-gender or inclusive teams.
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Promote female role models in digital media.
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Invite guest speakers or alumni working in the field.
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Connect students with esports scholarships or programs (like those from NexGen Careers).
You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to open the door.
For Parents and Guardians: Yes, Esports Is a Real Career
We get it, gaming can feel like a world apart. But it’s not just about playing games. It’s about mastering systems, growing communities, and building skills that translate into real careers.
From production and editing to event planning, graphic design, and even psychology, esports is rich with opportunity.
Here’s What You Can Do:
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Ask about your daughter’s gaming interests, listen with curiosity.
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Encourage healthy habits: breaks, balance, focus.
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Learn about the industry together.
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Celebrate her wins, even the small ones.
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Explore programs that offer structure and growth (like NexGen Careers or school-based esports teams).
Your support could be the reason she keeps going.
For the Industry: Growth Means Inclusion
Inclusion isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about creating spaces where talent, passion, and potential can shine, no matter someone’s gender.
What’s Already Working:
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Valorant Game Changers: Riot Games’ program for women and marginalized genders.
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Super Girl Gamer Pro: An all-female competitive series building visibility.
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Twitch Women’s Guild and Twitch Safety Advisory Council: Addressing online safety and harassment.
But we can go further. Industry leaders can:
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Prioritize inclusive recruitment.
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Fund mentorship programs.
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Set clear anti-toxicity policies.
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Amplify women’s voices at every level—on-stage and behind the scenes.
When the esports world grows more inclusive, everyone benefits.
For School Clubs and Youth Programs: Tips for Inclusion
If you’re running an esports club or after-school program, here are some simple ways to make it more welcoming:
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Create a code of conduct that values respect and inclusion.
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Have female coaches or leaders where possible.
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Mix teams or offer both mixed and girls-only opportunities.
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Celebrate diverse successes, not just tournament wins.
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Make feedback part of the culture—listen to what your players need.
The goal isn’t to separate, it’s to support.
This Isn’t About Taking Space, It’s About Making It
Let’s be clear: empowering women in esports doesn’t mean leaving anyone out. It means adding more seats to the table. It means recognizing potential in all forms. And it means building a future where no one has to ask, “Do I belong here?”
Because the answer is yes.
If you’re a young woman dreaming of a career in esports, know this: the industry needs you. Not just for your skills, but for your voice, your vision, and the future you’ll help create.
And if you’re a parent, educator, or mentor, your encouragement can turn those dreams into reality.