Sjokz has been a staple of the esports business for the final 10 years. As one of many very first girls to be concerned in broadcasting in each League of Legends and CS:GO, she’s one thing of a legend round right here. From MSI to IEM, it’s been a busy yr to date and now that Sjokz is again from her a lot wanted break, followers can be eager to see what’s subsequent on the agenda. We obtained the prospect to talk to Sjokz through the ENCE vs Vitality recreation at IEM Cologne and talked about all issues gaming, girls in esports and psychological well being.
You’ve been to quite a lot of Cologne occasions over time. How does 2023 measure up?
Cologne has been unbelievable, it’s an occasion I stay up for yearly. If I can’t work it, I come as a fan as a result of it’s simply that a lot enjoyable. I misplaced my coronary heart to Cologne as a result of it’s the primary place I moved for esports so a few years in the past and there’s actually nothing just like the Lanxess. The hours have been fairly intense for the group stage and for the play in stage however it’s what it’s.
You may have, in fact, been working for a few years in League of Legends in addition to CS:GO. Do you’ve got a choice when it comes to crowds or occasions?
Properly, clearly I don’t have a choice between League and CS however I do have occasion choice, I might say. For example, going to Paris is all the time superb. I wasn’t there for the BLAST.television Main. However I’ve been capable of do quite a lot of exhibits there with League of Legends and it’s all the time superb. Lanxess is, in fact, excessive up on that listing as nicely. As a result of I feel that it transcends esports borders in that everybody is aware of how enjoyable it’s right here.
I all the time meet individuals right here who don’t even observe Counter-strike that a lot, perhaps they do different esports or perhaps under no circumstances however they all the time have a tremendous time. After which there’s Brazil in fact, I feel it’s nice to go to Brazil and have Counter-strike occasions there notably. I imply, to observe CS reside, there’s nothing prefer it.
You’ve been concerned within the esports business for 10 years now. How have you ever seen attitudes in the direction of girls evolve throughout that point?
Properly, I’ve seen it evolve fortunately in a very good path however I feel it’s going perhaps slightly bit too slowly. Compared to after I began 10 years in the past, I used to be the one girl on broadcast I feel for League, at the least at that time. In fact, there was additionally Rachel and Zoe at instances however solely when it turned the LCS so to say.
And now it’s a lot better and that’s superior. Typically, I feel there’s extra understanding. Folks do get referred to as out extra in the event that they do put down girls for the traditional “do you even play video games?” and “why are you even right here?” and stuff like that. I really feel like that has occurred rather a lot much less however I don’t know if that’s to me as a result of I’ve been there for thus lengthy so individuals type of know what I’ve achieved. So I hope that that’s one thing we’ll depart previously quick sufficient. We’re moving into a very good path, we simply have to go slightly sooner.
You may have been fairly outspoken about experiencing psychological well being issues previously and just lately. How have you ever discovered the group response in addition to esports organizers akin to ESL?
Very, very supportive. That is additionally one thing that I feel is fortunately moving into a greater path total. As a result of I feel that in the previous couple of years, lots of people have been much more outspoken about it the place previously, or undoubtedly 10 years in the past, that wasn’t essentially the case. I really feel actually empowered to speak to the businesses that I work for.
Additionally, my administration firm and my followers or my followers so to say, about that too they usually have been very understanding. It’s very nice as a result of I see it not simply in me. Loads of my colleagues as nicely who’re going by robust instances. It’s simply been an insane couple of years for everyone. I really feel actually empowered in that regard.
With ESL, now we have a beautiful expertise supervisor Kinga. She’s been superb and the crew as nicely. They simply say hey, if it doesn’t work, tell us and we’ll determine it out. That’s been so nice.
Learn additionally: Spinx at IEM Cologne: Will probably be arduous however I imagine we will win