In the dynamic and often challenging world of professional esports, few stories are as compelling as those of pioneers who carve out spaces for others to follow. Hadeel "Velvet" Abouelftouh and her Falcons Vega MENA teammate Asmaa "Names" Thabet are doing exactly that. In a recent interview, the two Egyptians opened up about their inspiration, the realities of entering a traditionally male-dominated field, and their hopes for the future of women in gaming.

For both competitors, the path to the professional ranks was paved by a lifelong passion for esports. Velvet recalled her early interest, highlighting that for her, gaming transcended mere entertainment. "It's more about skills and decision making", she explained. This deeper strategic layer is what made the pursuit special, creating a unique understanding shared by those who compete at the highest level.

Names reflected on how her drive stemmed from a powerful belief "that women can compete as a professional". Her most unforgettable career moment underscores this conviction – the pride of representing her country on a global stage, an honor that fuels her competitive spirit.

Entering the esports scene was not without its challenges. Both players acknowledged the initial difficulty, with Velvet admitting she began her journey "with shaky hands". She faced the prospect head-on, driven by high hopes and a determination to try regardless of the odds.

Their strategies for overcoming skepticism and earning respect, however, were rooted in focus and performance. Names shared that she concentrated on "improving and proving myself in this field". By letting her results speak for themselves, she gradually earned the respect of her peers.

Both gamers expressed admiration for the development of women's esports in China, impressed by the strong organizational support and the large number of female players. They already share personal connections with competitors from teams like TLG, exchanging gifts and fostering cross-cultural friendships.

Beyond their own careers, Velvet and Names are strong advocates for expanding opportunities for women in all areas of esports. They believe the industry must actively create more roles for females not just as players, but also in management, production, content creation and casting.

"To give them equal access to resources, and also visibility, so they could feel like, okay, I have a chance at this", Velvet urged. Such visibility is key to inspiring the next generation to see a place for themselves in the industry.