In the realm of eSports, a new star has emerged. Mareike Burg, known in the gaming world as “Sayna,” has made history by becoming the first woman to compete in Germany’s top-tier “League of Legends” championship, the Prime League. Her story, one of determination, skill, and fierce passion, is inspiring the next generation of female gamers.
Written by Spezzy / Ivan Lovre Marusic
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The Rise of a Prodigy
Mareike, a computer science student, discovered her knack for “League of Legends,” one of the world’s most famous video games, about ten years ago. She honed her skills while juggling her studies and soon proved her mettle in the amateur leagues. Now, she’s a professional player under contract with the Unicorns of Love, a renowned eSports team hailing from Hamburg.
A Day in the Life of a Professional Gamer
The life of a professional eSports player isn’t as laid-back as one might imagine. Mareike and her team follow a strict schedule, practicing for up to seven hours daily. Maintaining this high level of play demands immense concentration, effort, and discipline. Beyond the training, they ensure they are eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical sports to counterbalance the mental exertion.
Breaking Barriers in eSports
In the Unicorns of Love lineup, Mareike serves as a substitute player, yet she’s consistently made it to the starting team. Unlike other sports, subs in eSports usually don’t get much limelight, but Mareike has been given regular opportunities to play.
The Battle for Equality in Gaming
Her debut in the Prime League, as the first woman, garnered much attention. Mareike hopes to see more female players establish themselves professionally and advocates for greater gender equality in eSports. Supporting her cause, initiatives like Telekom’s “Equal eSports” are promoting talented female gamers and pushing for equal opportunities.
Conclusion
Mareike has demonstrated that female gamers can indeed compete with their male counterparts. After an intense match, she recently celebrated her first professional victory. Her hope is that attitudes towards women in eSports will change and that more female players will be given the chance to display their abilities at a professional level.