WHO ARE YOU AND HOW DID YOU GET INTO ESPORTS?
I’m Stella “solar” Gottfried and I got into esports in 2016 through the KITSC eSports university group. I played in the Prime League and Uniliga for several years, and was one of the first women to play in the top league. I’m now studying esports management and work as an LoL in-game observer.
WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS FOR YOU AT THE EQUAL ESPORTS FESTIVAL?
My personal highlight was meeting GrabbZ (ex-coach of G2) and getting a private coaching session from him. It was just super cool to meet so many pro players and people from the eSports scene in person, and have an opportunity to chat with them. They all had time for us and answered all our questions Other highlights for me were the coaching sessions with Arvindir and Rocklho, and the panel discussions with Amazing.
WHAT INSIGHTS AND EXPERIENCES DID YOU TAKE HOME WITH YOU FROM THE THREE-DAY EVENT?
- Being successful in eSports is about much more than just in-game talent.
- Mental health is a really important issue in eSports and deserves to be taken more seriously.
- The majority of LoL players are really cool and friendly in person – there was absolutely no sign at the festival of the allegedly toxic community that has given the league a bad name. :P
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FOR THE ESPORTS AND GAMING WORLD – ESPECIALLY FOR NON-MALES
I think the biggest challenge is not to get worked up about stupid comments and prejudices. Unfortunately, women have to deal with this sort of stuff a lot and feel that they have to prove themselves – that generates enormous pressure and stress, and certainly doesn’t help you improve your game. Unfortunately, it often takes a long time to earn respect and for people to understand that there really are good female players out there.
WHAT ARE YOUR WISHES FOR THE FUTURE – FOR YOURSELF AND FOR EVERYONE ELSE IN THE ESPORTS AND GAMING INDUSTRY?
I would like for everyone in eSports to feel accepted and to be treated equally, no matter what their gender is. I also really wish that women with the potential to get to the very top would be noticed and given the opportunities they deserve. I guess it’ll take a few years before we see the first woman at the Worlds – but that day will come.
