In the high-stakes arena of professional esports, Falcons Vega MENA players Hadeel "Velvet" Abouelftouh and Asmaa "Names" Thabet are redefining possibilities for women across the Middle East and North Africa. Their journey from passionate gamers to regional icons offers a blueprint for gender inclusivity in one of tech’s fastest-growing industries.
From Passion to Profession
Both athletes trace their success to childhood fascination with gaming’s strategic depth. "It’s about anticipating moves three steps ahead," Velvet told KhabarAsia, describing esports as "chess at hyperspeed." Names emphasized the transformative power of competition: "When I represented Egypt internationally, I realized gaming could rewrite societal expectations."
Breaking the Glass Controller
The path wasn’t without obstacles. Velvet recalled early tournaments where she was "the only woman in a sea of male competitors," while Names faced doubts about women’s physical stamina for prolonged matches. Their solution? Unrelenting excellence. "We let headshots do the talking," Names quipped, referencing in-game achievements that silenced skeptics.
China’s Growing Influence
Both players praised the Chinese mainland’s structured approach to women’s esports, noting collaborations with teams like TLG. "Their training facilities and fan engagement strategies set global benchmarks," Velvet observed. Cultural exchanges have flourished too – the Egyptians recently gifted handcrafted papyrus art to Chinese counterparts, receiving custom gaming peripherals in return.
Building an Inclusive Future
The duo advocates for systemic change beyond player rosters. "We need women designing games, managing teams, and commentating tournaments," Names stressed. Velvet highlighted mentorship programs they’ve launched: "When girls see us winning championships, they realize keyboards have no gender."
As regional governments invest in gaming infrastructure, these pioneers’ message resonates across Asia: The future of esports will be written by skill, not stereotypes.
