Pioneering Women in Esports: Madiha Naz's Journey and Advocacy

Women in Esports

 Madiha Naz, a professional esports player affiliated with Galaxy Racer Esports in Dubai, is breaking barriers and advocating for female representation in the gaming industry. As the UAE's first female to join a professional esports team, Madiha's journey reflects her passion, perseverance, and commitment to challenging stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated domain.

After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Communications in 2019, Madiha unexpectedly found herself immersed in the world of esports. Despite initially exploring conventional job opportunities, she embraced gaming as a career path, captaining the first all-female Middle Eastern esports team in 2020. Since then, Madiha and her team have achieved remarkable success, making a significant impact in the League of Legends Female MENA scene.

In an interview, Madiha shares insights into her journey and offers advice to aspiring female gamers:

Breaking into the esports scene was a testament to Madiha's passion and dedication. Growing up playing video games, she never envisioned gaming as a professional endeavor. However, receiving a contract marked a pivotal moment, validating her hard work and dedication. It also represented a breakthrough for women in the Middle East and Southeast Asian esports community, showcasing their potential for excellence in the field.

The transition from gaming as a hobby to a full-time career posed both excitement and challenges for Madiha. While gaming initially served as a recreational activity, she soon realized its potential as a professional path. Balancing gaming with other responsibilities and overcoming skepticism from doubters were significant hurdles. However, Madiha's focus, goal-setting, and support network were instrumental in overcoming these challenges.

As a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry, Madiha emphasizes the importance of self-belief and perseverance for aspiring female gamers. Despite the industry's intimidating nature, she encourages women to enter competitions, seek mentorship, and network within the gaming community. Continuous learning and skill improvement are key to success.

Madiha attributes her success as a professional esports player to her robust support system, including mentors, teammates, and professional training resources. Access to such resources is crucial for aspiring gamers, facilitating skill development and industry understanding.

Increased representation of women in esports holds the potential to make the industry more inclusive and diverse. It encourages diverse perspectives in game development, marketing, and storytelling, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community both locally and globally.

Throughout her journey, Madiha has encountered stereotypes and misconceptions about female gamers. Despite common assumptions questioning female gamers' skill and dedication, Madiha lets her performance speak for itself. By competing fiercely and maintaining professionalism, she aims to challenge these stereotypes and change perceptions over time.

Looking ahead, Madiha envisions the UAE's esports scene evolving into a hub for international competitions and talent development. As an ambassador for women in esports, she hopes to inspire more women to join the industry, nurture local talent, and contribute to its global growth. Madiha's dedication to her craft and advocacy for female representation exemplify her commitment to shaping the future of esports in the UAE and beyond.