Sjokz has been a staple of the esports business for the final 10 years. As one of many very first ladies 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 12 months up to now and now that Sjokz is again from her a lot wanted break, followers might be eager to see what’s subsequent on the agenda. We acquired the possibility to talk to Sjokz in the course of the ENCE vs Vitality recreation at IEM Cologne and talked about all issues gaming, ladies in esports and psychological well being.
Credit score: Adela Sznajder through ESL
You’ve been to a variety of Cologne occasions over time. How does 2023 measure up?
Cologne has been unbelievable, it’s an occasion I sit 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, after all, been working for a few years in League of Legends in addition to CS:GO. Do you could have a choice by way of crowds or occasions?
Nicely, 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 at all times superb. I wasn’t there for the BLAST.television Main. However I’ve been in a position to do a variety of exhibits there with League of Legends and it’s at all times superb. Lanxess is, after all, excessive up on that record as nicely. As a result of I believe that it transcends esports borders in that everybody is aware of how enjoyable it’s right here.
I at all times meet folks right here who don’t even observe Counter-strike that a lot, perhaps they do different esports or perhaps by no means however they at all times have an incredible time. After which there’s Brazil after all, I believe it’s nice to go to Brazil and have Counter-strike occasions there significantly. I imply, to look at CS stay, 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 ladies evolve throughout that point?
Nicely, I’ve seen it evolve fortunately in course however I believe it’s going perhaps somewhat bit too slowly. Compared to after I began 10 years in the past, I used to be the one girl on broadcast I believe for League, at the least at that time. After all, 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. Usually, I believe there’s extra understanding. Folks do get known as out extra in the event that they do put down ladies 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 lots much less however I don’t know if that’s to me as a result of I’ve been there for therefore lengthy so folks sort of know what I’ve executed. So I hope that that’s one thing we’ll go away previously quick sufficient. We’re moving into course, we simply must go somewhat sooner.
You may have been fairly outspoken about experiencing psychological well being issues previously and just lately. How have you ever discovered the neighborhood response in addition to esports organizers reminiscent of ESL?
Very, very supportive. That is additionally one thing that I believe is fortunately moving into a greater course total. As a result of I believe 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 and so they have been very understanding. It’s very nice as a result of I see it not simply in me. Numerous my colleagues as nicely who’re going via powerful instances. It’s simply been an insane couple of years for everyone. I really feel actually empowered in that regard.
With ESL, we’ve an exquisite 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: It will be hard but I believe we can win
