The Role of Women in the Gaming Event Scene

7 October 2025

The gaming world isn’t what it used to be. Once considered a boys’ club, the scene has evolved massively over the past decade—and a big reason for that is the growing presence of women in gaming, especially in gaming events. From esports tournaments to gaming expos and massive conventions, women aren’t just attending, they’re leading the charge, crushing stereotypes, and reshaping the narrative.

So let’s dive in and unpack the role of women in the gaming event scene, why it matters, and how their presence continues to flip the script in 2024 and beyond.

Why We Needed a Shift in the First Place

Let’s be real—gaming has had a bit of a reputation problem. For years, female gamers, event hosts, organizers, and developers were often overlooked, underestimated, or flat-out dismissed. The assumption that gaming was a “guy thing” was deeply rooted.

But were women ever truly absent? Nope. The truth is, women have always been around, whether it was dominating in online multiplayer games, working behind-the-scenes in development teams, or attending gaming events as passionate fans. They were just rarely seen in the spotlight.

Gaming events offered the perfect storm for change—a place where the community gathers, the media pays attention, and new voices can rise. And rise they did.

Women in the Spotlight: Taking Center Stage at Gaming Events

1. Players Breaking the Mold

You’ve probably heard of names like Sasha "Scarlett" Hostyn or Katherine "Mystik" Gunn. These women didn’t just show up—they conquered. Scarlett is one of the top professional StarCraft II players in the world, and Mystik was one of the highest-paid female gamers for years. They’ve competed on global stages, not just “as women” but as elite gamers.

And this isn’t a rare occurrence anymore. Women across the globe are stepping into the esports arena and proving that reflexes, strategy, and teamwork don’t care about gender—they care about skill.

With the growth of women-focused tournaments like the ESL Impact League for CS:GO, more women are encouraged to compete, raising both visibility and confidence. These forums give female players the representation that’s been lacking. And let’s be honest, representation matters.

2. Hosts, Casters, and Analysts with Real Influence

Gaming events are more than just matches—they’re experiences. And those experiences are shaped heavily by the faces and voices we see on stage.

Women have become some of the most respected hosts, shoutcasters, and analysts in the industry. Think Frankie Ward, known for her phenomenal work hosting major CS:GO and Dota 2 tournaments—or Lottie Van-Praag, who’s brought fire and energy to events like the Call of Duty League.

These women set the tone for entire events, guiding viewers, breaking down gameplay, and keeping the hype alive. They’re smart, passionate, and they know their stuff inside and out. Their presence challenges the idea that only men can “speak the language” of competitive gaming.

Behind the Curtains: Women Creating the Magic

Let’s not forget about the folks who make these events actually happen. Organizers, community managers, event coordinators—many of them are women, and their roles are just as critical.

Women like Johanna Faries, Head of Call of Duty Esports, or Anna Prosser, a former host turned executive producer and advocate, are shaping the very structure of these events. They’re making executive decisions, curating content, and ensuring that the future of gaming events is more inclusive and engaging for everyone.

Without these powerhouse women behind the scenes, many of the events we know and love today wouldn’t be as polished, professional, or community-centered as they are.

The Importance of Representation on Stage and Off

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you didn’t belong? Now imagine walking into a massive gaming convention, surrounded by ads, streamers, merchandise—all geared toward a male demographic. That was reality for many women attending their first events.

But when women see themselves on those stages—competing, hosting, building, and succeeding—it changes everything. It reminds the entire community that gaming is for everyone.

Representation sparks inspiration. It helps young girls look up and say, “Yup, I can do that too.” That shift in mindset creates lifelong gamers, developers, and event planners. The impact is real.

Tackling Challenges Head-On

Now, look—I won’t sugarcoat it. The road hasn’t been easy. From casual sexism to online harassment, many women in the gaming industry still face major barriers. At events, this can show up in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways—being talked over during panels, dismissed by fans, or treated as “eye candy” instead of professionals.

But the community is fighting back. More gaming organizations are implementing anti-harassment policies at events. Panels on gender diversity are becoming staples at conventions. There are mentorship opportunities designed specifically for women and nonbinary individuals in gaming.

And the support isn’t coming from women alone—male allies are stepping up too, calling out toxicity and advocating for inclusion. It’s not perfect yet, but progress is happening—because women refuse to be sidelined.

The Rise of Women-Led Events

One of the coolest trends we’re seeing? Women-led gaming events. Entire expos, tournaments, and conferences built by and for women.

Events like the Girls in Gaming initiative and WIGI (Women in Games International) are creating spaces where women are the default, not the exception. These events don’t just “allow” women to participate—they empower them to lead.

They feature keynote speakers, technical workshops, competitions, networking events, and career bootcamps. It’s all about building community, sharing experiences, and helping each other level up in the gaming world, both professionally and personally.

These events have become essential for women looking to break into the industry or simply connect with others who get it.

How Gaming Brands Are Stepping Up

Game developers, publishers, and event sponsors are finally catching on to the fact that inclusion isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s smart business.

Brands like Riot Games, Ubisoft, and Xbox have made real efforts to support gender diversity in their events. That means featuring women on main stages, collaborating with female content creators, and investing in scholarship and mentorship programs.

Twitch and YouTube Gaming now have dedicated initiatives to support and highlight female streamers, often giving them space at live events to showcase their talents. The days of “boys with headsets” being the only faces of gaming events? Those are fading.

Female Streamers as Event Icons

Let’s talk streamers for a sec. Love 'em or hate 'em, streamers have become some of the most influential figures in gaming today. And female streamers like Pokimane, Valkyrae, and Fuslie? They've helped redefine what a gaming celebrity looks like.

At major events, these women pull massive crowds. Their meet-and-greets, panels, and live-streamed segments attract thousands of fans. They’re not just part of the show—they are the show.

Even more importantly, they use their platforms to advocate for mental health, diversity, and safer online spaces for everyone. That kind of influence is priceless.

What the Future Looks Like

So where are we headed?

If the current trajectory continues—and all signs say it will—women will not just participate in gaming events, they’ll lead them. We’re talking about more female CEOs of gaming orgs, more tournament MVPs, more all-women panels, and more women calling the shots from behind the camera.

And let’s dream big here: imagine a future where gender at gaming events is a non-issue. Where nobody’s surprised to see a woman crushing it in a CS:GO final or leading a keynote about the future of VR.

That future’s already on the horizon. We just have to keep pushing forward.

What You Can Do to Support

Feeling inspired? Good. Here’s how you can support the women rocking the gaming event scene:

- Follow and support female streamers, casters, and developers
- Attend women-led gaming events and panels
- Call out toxic behavior in gaming spaces—don't be silent
- Encourage younger girls in your life to explore gaming
- Promote inclusive content on social platforms
- Advocate for diverse representation at conventions and tournaments

Every voice matters in this fight for inclusion, and yeah—that includes yours.

Conclusion: A New Era Has Arrived

The gaming event scene is no longer a man's world—it belongs to everyone. Women are shaping, leading, and transforming gaming events from all angles. They’re players, producers, speakers, hosts, and fans—all with powerful stories to tell and incredible talent to share.

And as the spotlight continues to widen, it’s only a matter of time before we stop talking about “women in gaming” as a novelty—and just call them what they are: gamers, professionals, leaders.

This is the new normal. And it's about damn time.