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“There is room for everyone in esports.” Exclusive Q&A with Ashley Washington, Head of VCT Game Changers

Published

3 years ago

October 18, 2022

Reading Time: 6 minutes

There is an old, now-defunct saying in football that women can’t understand the offside rule. While there was no such explicit quote, the feeling has been pretty much the same in esports, if you go by the low number of women playing the sports.

Now, who will do something to change the gender disparity in esports? Enter VCT Game Changers.

VCT Game Changers is an esports program exclusively for women where gamers play Riot Games’ hit video game VALORANT. The Game Changers tournament is into its third edition this year.

We have here with us Ashley Washington, Head of VCT Game Changers. She talks about, well, the game-changing situation in esports. Her responses are insightful and stats-rich. Don’t miss it.

Q. Let’s start with a quick intro. How did you land in the gaming industry?

A. This is a very reductive version of the story but I was working in account management and sales in NYC after graduating from New York University. Though I did study game design, I wasn’t really sure of myself when it came to making a career in the industry. There was an evening in January of 2016 when I’d just paid my rent—a paycheck and a half—and I just decided that I wanted to move to Berlin. I knew it was fun and cheap because I studied abroad there. I bought a one-way ticket and did that. Berlin is the kind of place where you can make almost anything happen for yourself career-wise, so I chased my dreams and made the switch! I’ve done quality assurance work, data science, journalism and, it turns out, I’m strongest as a product leader.

Q. Tell us about Valorant Game Changers: Mission, vision, mode of operation and all that?

A. VCT Game Changers is a program meant to introduce women to the VALORANT ecosystem, guide them in the cultivation of their skills and, ideally, see them make their way out of the program and into the rest of the VALORANT competitive space. The goal is to have a diversified ecosystem where people from a variety of identities and backgrounds can excel at the highest levels of play. So far, we’ve set out to achieve this by running the tournament circuit that most are familiar with but, in the future, we are working to find additional ways we can make this vision into a reality.

Q. How do you analyse your performance so far? Could you talk about the changes you have brought about in esports, especially in terms of the participation of women?

A. I think there are some obvious things we are looking at and some less obvious things. Really high on the list is participation. We recently maxed out signups for the first time with 130 teams registered out of 128, meaning two teams were on the waitlist when signups closed. Ultimately we saw 126 teams participate, this is over 600 players which is great to see. We set out to create a safe space, so seeing more and more women choose to enter it is absolutely a win. One of the other stronger indicators of success, at least from my perspective, is to see women in rosters in the rest of VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA . Whilst it’s not yet exactly standard, mixed rosters can already be seen in third party VALORANT tournaments, like BLAST Spike Nations, and that’s a beautiful thing as well.

Q. Valorant Game Changers tournament is into its third series now. How has the tournament evolved and progressed over the three series?

A. Growth is probably the biggest evolving factor for Game Changers at this stage. For example, just this year, we saw 91 teams participate in the second series. In the third series, we had 126 teams. In addition to more teams, we are seeing the strength of the teams grow as well. The players are becoming increasingly more skilled and the competitive spirit among EMEA teams is a lot more dynamic. There are a lot of really interesting team and player stories developing and a notable increase in participation from regions that are usually not represented like Turkey and MENA (and some parts of Europe). So, the community that we’ve grown with the tournament is maturing in many ways.

Q. The number of women participating in esports is still low, with reference to an ideal scenario. What do you think are the hindrances women face in entering and excelling at esports?

A. I’ve spent a lot of time talking to women in the scene playing different titles and coming from different backgrounds. The things I hear referenced the most come down to the lack of opportunities (both perceived and actual—they’re equally as bad when the result is the same) and a fear of career instability should they decide to go all in with esports. Many of these women have a hard time convincing orgs to give them a chance or, when they do, getting adequate pay that allows them to focus on doing their best. The women end up needing to maintain their studies or another job so that they have a backup plan in the event that things don’t work out. This happens in esports in general but it would seem that this is a very common experience for women entering the space.

It’s very important that any organisation interested in providing these opportunities to women is also committed to investing in their careers as well. Bringing a group of women together just to have that roster there without paying any mind to what they need to thrive and grow is a costly and painful mistake. It leaves its mark and it can be incredibly discouraging for those that it affects.
Of course I also hear from women who have terrible experiences due to toxicity and the lack of confidence that can come from that or just not seeing enough representation in general. This kind of thing can strike when they’re so young that they don’t even consider trying to play competitively when they get older. It doesn’t end with players either, underrepresentation is happening in every area—women working in talent or esports-related companies might also face these issues.

Q. What kind of activities is Valorant Game Changers undertaking for training and mentoring women in esports?

A. Our approach to this varies regionally. Since Game Changers is still young, not every region has a training supplement, EMEA included. But we are hoping to introduce something like this relatively soon. The most important thing is finding something that is best suited to the region and what the Game Changers community is looking for, so we’ve been doing a lot of listening for now.

Q. How are you looking into the future regarding women’s participation in esports? In which countries do you hope to see a surge in numbers in terms of women players?

A. EMEA is already so strong when it comes to this. The interest in esports among women is high and every year, the landscape for opportunities to play is looking brighter and brighter. Continuing with this is the first thing I hope and fully expect to see. When it comes to regional representation, I dream of higher numbers from MENA—so North Africa and the Middle East. This is already happening so tapping into what players from these regions need to feel comfortable taking the leap is one of many focus points I have looking ahead to the future. Though I can safely say that I wouldn’t complain about an increase from any space in the region. This is one of the rare occasions in life where more is absolutely better.

Q. Finally, what kind of initiatives do you want to see in the esports industry in general –- by governments and other organisations — to ensure the number of women in esports continues to increase?

A. I would love to see more support for younger fans who are curious about playing or being in the industry in general. I think it’s very easy to write off “gaming” as a viable job option but I think that has a lot to do with how few resources there are for school-aged players and their families to have an idea of what this could really look like—whether that’s playing, organising or being part of a broadcast. I mean, I have a pretty standard job that I’m pretty sure my parents never imagined would fall under “working with games”. I think they’re not the only ones.

And, ultimately, I would love to see more initiatives tap into intersectionality. It’s so important to help women feel comfortable in the space, but once that’s begun, there are so many groups within this identity that could use a bit of a lift. For example, I didn’t see many other black women in the industry growing up and it’s a lot of the reason why I didn’t bother doing anything beyond studying games for a while. Eventually, I felt brave enough to go for it anyway but there are so many others like me who won’t even make it that far with it without knowing for sure that it’s possible. Initiatives connecting young players from underrepresented groups is one way to kind of combine both of these things. There are already programs like this out there and I am really excited about seeing that continue to develop in the future.

There is room for everyone in esports. If they truly want to be there, they can be—I really do believe that.

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Esports World Cup 2025 Unveils Official Song of the Year and Full Opening Ceremony Line-up

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Til My Fingers Bleed” featuring DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith to debut live alongside Post Malone, Alesso, and Tina Guo at the Opening Ceremony in Riyadh on 10 July

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the release of “Til My Fingers Bleed”, the official Song of the Year for Esports World Cup 2025, alongside the full artist line-up for the tournament’s Opening Ceremony. Taking place on 10 July in Riyadh, the ceremony will feature live performances from DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of The Word Alive, as well as GRAMMY-nominated producer and electronic music sensation Alesso, virtuoso cellist Tina Guo, and global music icon Post Malone, who headlines the event.

“Til My Fingers Bleed” is a high-energy, cross-genre collaboration that fuses K-pop, hip-hop, and rock, capturing the emotion, ambition, and global spirit of the world’s largest esports event. DINO, genre-blending rapper Duckwrth, and metalcore frontman Telle Smith each bring deep ties to gaming culture, from major esports performances to in-game collaborations.

Their live debut of the track will help open a seven-week tournament that is redefining the role of gaming in mainstream culture. The song was written and produced by Alex Karlsson and T.Ma, known for their work with BTS, G.E.M. and ATEEZ, along with Jared Lee (Duckwrth), who wrote the track’s rap verse.

“At its heart, the Esports World Cup is a global celebration of community – where gaming, creativity, and culture converge on the world’s biggest stage,” said Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “EWC Music, our official song, and the Opening Ceremony help define the identity of the tournament. They reflect the spirit of shared passion and the connective power of music and esports, setting the tone for an unforgettable summer and celebrating how music can elevate competition and deepen fans’ emotional connection to the sport.”

Of the exciting new track, Telle Smith of The Word Alive commented ‘Gaming has been a part of my life for as long as music has, so getting to bring a genre bending song to a global stage like this feels surreal. I’m honored to share the moment in Riyadh with Duckwrth and Dino, I think fans all over the world will love “Til My Fingers Bleed”’.

“From day one, the Esports World Cup has been created as a global stage for gaming culture across all genres.”, said Ariel Horn, Executive Producer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “Each artist on ‘Til My Fingers Bleed’ brings a unique sound that connects with players, whether they’re into sports, fighting, or action games. We’re excited to see how players and fans pick this track up around the world and hope they will embrace it.”

Viranda Tantula, Executive Creative Director, EWC Music, added: “Music is a universal language, and this is something it shares with gaming. What inspires us at this intersection of music and esports is the opportunity to shape new sounds for a truly global audience. We’ve always been drawn to creative experimentation, and with “Til My Fingers Bleed’, we wanted the collision of genres and international artists to reflect the same global mix of games and players that defines the Esports World Cup. The whole team has poured their hearts into this project, and we hope the community, k-pop, hip-hop, and rock fans feel the energy in both the track and the show.”

Now available across all major streaming platforms, the song is accompanied by a cinematic visualiser on YouTube, and will be featured throughout EWC broadcasts, social content, and live performances throughout the seven-week event.

The release follows “Ascension (Alesso Remix)”, a reimagining of the Esports World Cup’s orchestral theme by Alesso, featuring acclaimed cellist Tina Guo. Both tracks are part of EWC Music, a long-term initiative launched in April 2025 to develop an original music identity for the tournament. The programme began with the recording of a four-track suite at Abbey Road Studios by award-winning composers 2WEI and Hollywood Scoring, and continues with global artist collaborations and live performances.

Through original scores, artist-led tracks, and live performances, EWC Music aims to elevate every moment of the Esports World Cup – from broadcast highlights to trophy lifts and stadium shows.

The Esports World Cup 2025 Opening Ceremony will be headlined by Post Malone. A nine-times diamond-certified artist and lifelong gamer, he has deep ties to the esports world – from streaming Warzone and PUBG to collaborating on in-game events, including his recent Apex Legends crossover. His exclusive performance at EWC 2025 will blend chart-topping sound with a tribute to gaming culture on the world’s biggest esports stage.

The official Song of the Year artists also bring strong music ties to gaming: Duckwrth’s “Start a Riot” featured on the Spider-Verse soundtrack, while The Word Alive’s “RISE” was the 2018 League of Legends Worlds anthem, now streamed over 300 million times.

The Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite the global esports community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, bringing together over 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from more than 100 countries. Players will compete in 25 tournaments across 24 titles for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool – the largest in esports history.

Tickets, including access to the Opening Ceremony, are now available at esportsworldcup.com.

To learn more about the Esports World Cup, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn. Esports World Cup: Level Up, the five-part documentary directed by Emmy Award-winner R.J. Cutler, is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

The post Esports World Cup 2025 Unveils Official Song of the Year and Full Opening Ceremony Line-up appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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LGUs, state university get Php20-M emergency vehicles from PAGCOR

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation on Thursday, June 26, turned over ten Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) worth Php20 million to several local government units and a state university to enhance their emergency medical services.

During the turnover ceremony at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City, six PTVs were awarded to the municipalities of Palanan, Quezon, San Isidro, Cabagan, San Mariano, and San Pablo, all in Isabela province.

The City of Parañaque, the municipalities of Tanauan in Batangas and Balabac in Palawan as well as the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Ilocos Norte also received one PTV unit each.

Each vehicle is fitted with a GPS navigation system and essential medical equipment such as an ambulance stretcher, oxygen tank, wheelchair, and first aid kit.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco joins officials from nine local government units and the Mariano Marcos State University for a photo opportunity during the turnover of 10 Patient Transport Vehicles (PTVs) last June 26, 2025.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the PTV distribution is part of the agency’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery and to enhance access to medical services especially in geographically isolated communities.

“We want to ensure that even remote areas have the means to respond to medical emergencies. This is part of PAGCOR’s commitment to reach communities that need government support the most,” Mr. Tengco said.

“‘Yan po ang hangad ng PAGCOR; salamat sa pagkakataong makatulong at makapaglingkod sa inyo,” Mr. Tengco told the PTV recipients during the turnover event.

PAGCOR Vice President for the Corporate Social Responsibility Group Ramon Stephen Villaflor (2nd from left) and Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Services Eric Balcos (far left) hand over the ceremonial vehicle key to Atty. Christopher A. Mamauag (3rd from left), Mayor of Cabagan, Isabela.

Mayor Christopher A. Mamauag of Cabagan, Isabela – a town where travel to tertiary hospitals takes several hours – expressed gratitude for the assistance and said the vehicle will significantly boost the town’s emergency response capabilities.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat kay President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at sa PAGCOR, sa pamumuno ni Chairman Alejandro Tengco, sa pagpapaunlak sa aming kahilingan na magkaroon ng Patient Transport Vehicle para sa aming mga kababayan sa bayan ng Cabagan.

“Malaking tulong po ito at gagamitin namin ito ng wasto,” he said.

Each patient transport vehicle donated by PAGCOR is equipped with a GPS navigation system, an ambulance stretcher with mounted restraining system, medical oxygen, a wheelchair, and a first aid kit.

The post LGUs, state university get Php20-M emergency vehicles from PAGCOR appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Evolution Launches First Live Casino Studio in the Philippines

Published

3 hours ago

June 30, 2025

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Evolution has announced that its first-ever live casino studio in Asia went live today.

Located in Cebu, the Philippines, the studio marks a significant milestone in Evolution’s Asia-Pacific expansion and serves the regulated Philippine online gaming market, which is the first licensed iGaming jurisdiction in Asia.

The new operation launches in partnership with One Visaya Gaming Corporation (OVG), an industry leading company which operates with strict adherence to PAGCOR’S (Philippines Amusement and Gaming Corporation) code of conduct. This collaboration allows Evolution to offer its trusted live casino content to operators licensed in the Philippines.

Evolution’s state-of-the-art live casino studio in Cebu will initially offer Baccarat tables. Lightning Roulette and other game shows — including Marble Race and the standout Super Color Game, designed especially for players in the Philippines — are due to launch later this year. This new studio marks a major step in Evolution’s commitment to delivering localised, fully compliant entertainment tailored to regional markets.

Gionata La Torre, Evolution’s Chief Executive Officer for Europe, said: “We’re proud to launch our first live casino studio in Asia in the Philippines and be part of its regulated online gaming market. This new studio is a major milestone in our long-term commitment to the region. Partnering with OVG allows us to deliver world-class live content tailored to local preferences through licensed operators.”

La Torre added: “With player favourites available from day one and more exciting titles on the way, our focus remains on quality, innovation, and localisation — the keys to building trust and lasting engagement in any market.”

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The post Evolution Launches First Live Casino Studio in the Philippines appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.