“I know some kick-ass women in esports. We need more and more of them coming”. Frankie on being a mom, CS community, and Major storylines

Escorenews correspondent Maria Gunina conducted an exclusive discussion with Frankie Ward during PGL Major Antwerp 2022. Their conversation explored Frankie’s transition into motherhood, her professional dedication, and advocacy for gender equality within competitive gaming.

This insightful interview occurred on semifinals day at the Belgian esports spectacle.

— For me, you’re the real MVP of this Major because I really can’t imagine how hard it must be to be a working mom, to be with the baby at the event. Tell me a bit about your everyday routine here. How are you handling that?

— Receiving substantial advance notice from PGL proved incredibly valuable for planning purposes. Unlike typical sports broadcasting schedules that often provide minimal lead time, I learned in mid-February about their interest in my participation. After consulting my family about potentially returning when our baby reached approximately six months old, they recognized the significance of this Major opportunity.

I secured an Airbnb accommodation for my husband, infant daughter, and grandparents throughout the initial week. My daily pattern involved morning feeding sessions, commuting through the park to the venue, with periodic visits to our hotel for additional breastfeeding or milk pumping sessions supplemented by formula feeding.

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My group stage responsibilities focused primarily on personality-driven content highlighting competitors and broadcasting personalities. This flexible scheduling approach allowed me to occasionally view matches from my room while PGL demonstrated remarkable accommodation regarding my maternal circumstances. For this critical stage week, my daughter returned home on Monday to ensure my complete focus during the arena broadcasts, with tremendous familial support enabling this arrangement.

Following my Monday return home, I’ll resume full-time motherhood responsibilities. June will involve minimal hosting commitments beyond potential streaming activities, with full professional reintegration scheduled for July.

— Did your expectations of being a mom match reality?

— Regarding professional continuity post-childbirth, PGL’s unwavering confidence in my capabilities despite recent motherhood surprised me significantly. Their proactive approach in consulting me first, rather than making assumptions about my availability, demonstrated exceptional industry leadership.

Concerning the personal adjustment to motherhood, the most challenging aspect involves adapting to reduced velocity for someone accustomed to constant motion. Consider the automotive analogy: enthusiastic drivers experience disorientation encountering reduced speed limits, yet eventually appreciate the enhanced scenery available at slower paces. While still acclimating to this different rhythm, our delightful daughter makes the journey profoundly rewarding.

— Oh, she’s probably the youngest major attendee ever!

— Absolutely correct. She’s interacted with several competitors voluntarily, with our makeup artist enthusiastically requesting cuddle sessions. We even created humorous baby Pick’Ems content where she matched my performance with four correct predictions from nine matches.

— Your opening ceremony speech definitely has been one of the highlights of the whole event for me. What about the creative process behind that show? How did this idea come to you?

— Organizational leadership invited me to present the opening ceremony due to absence of designated trophy presenters. While NAVI represented the obvious choice as previous champions, their ongoing tournament contention made this inappropriate to avoid potential jinxing implications.

When asked to deliver brief remarks, I reflected on Fer’s emotional response following Imperial’s elimination. Witnessing him with his head in his hands recalled Brollan’s similar posture during Katowice 2019 when fnatic exited the Challengers stage. This universal “head in hands” imagery became my foundational concept due to its powerful visual resonance.

Counter-Strike’s inherently visual nature extends beyond gameplay to encompass raw emotional displays. My ceremonial address aimed to capture collective community experiences rather than solely focusing on professional competitors, examining what distinguishes elite players from recreational enthusiasts. Having participated in numerous global events, I recognize that Majors, Katowice, and Cologne represent the triple crown that every organization aspires to claim.

— I’m not a person who cries over melodramatic movies, but when there is some kind of opening ceremony, I always go: “Oh my god.”

— Observing Carmac’s masterful audience engagement demonstrates ideal pacing and presentation techniques. Previously experiencing imposter syndrome made me question my stage legitimacy compared to traditionally celebrated figures.

Being PGL’s primary selection with substantial creative freedom allowed me to implement deliberate pacing strategies despite enthusiastic Vitality supporters. Maintaining composure requires remembering that audiences genuinely want to hear your message without premature conclusions.

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— Imposter syndrome is a pretty common thing for women in esports, don’t you think so? Because it feels like the audience actually makes you feel like you don’t really belong here.

— Certainly prevalent among female professionals. Early career achievements around 2018 received limited recognition initially. Following major 2019 tournament appearances, community acceptance gradually developed. While recognizing that not everyone appreciates my style, that represents acceptable personal preference rather than justification for abusive behavior or derogatory commentary.

— What’s your favorite storyline at this Major?

— Team Spirit’s Dota 2 championship parallel creates fascinating competitive symmetry. Their younger roster members demonstrate remarkable LAN composure, potentially fueled by years observing these tournaments as spectators before participating professionally.

Spirit’s impressive performance following Stockholm elimination difficulties showcases resilient organizational rebuilding. Replacing mir with Patsi transformed their sixth player into a superstar alongside degster as their primary carry players.

NIP’s second LAN appearance resulted in quarterfinal advancement, seriously challenging FaZe before strategic errors emerged during the decisive map. FaZe’s extensive championship experience and synergistic coordination, enhanced by ropz’s strategic intelligence and existing karrigan chemistry.

— What do you think about CS:GO season format?

— The RMR system replacing Minors creates intriguing competitive dynamics. Initially skeptical about top-eight teams not receiving automatic Legends stage qualification, discussions with fellow broadcasting professionals revealed the importance of maintaining competitive integrity between Majors.

Annual double-Major scheduling benefits the ecosystem despite congested tournament calendars creating player welfare challenges. The semi-open qualification structure enables unexpected contenders like Spirit’s top-four achievement that might not occur under different systems.

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— Trust me, it’s better than one TI and nothing in between.

— Kyle’s influential blog post highlighted TI’s potential limitations for Dota 2’s sustained development. While CS:GO community members occasionally advocate for increased Major prize pools, both TI and Majors represent pinnacle competitive achievements beyond financial considerations.

Professional competitors prioritize championship validation over monetary rewards, with elite organizations providing substantial compensation alongside year-round tournament earnings opportunities.

— You talk a lot about women’s rights in esports. Ten years ago, when I started my career, it wasn’t really the thing. You know, people don’t really accept it. Why do you think pushing these ideas is still worth it even though people are not ready for it?

— Fundamental principles of equality guide my advocacy approach. Recent social media commentary accused me of inconsistent morality and perceived rudeness, though documented examples of discourteous behavior remain scarce.

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— But sometimes, when you’re just trying to defend your borders, people think: “Oh, you’re rude.”

— Exactly! Establishing professional boundaries during TI involved explaining why Reddit feedback doesn’t guide my decisions. Social media’s overwhelming nature creates unnatural emotional burdens that human psychology didn’t evolve to manage effectively.

Addressing criticism requires balancing personal well-being with constructive dialogue. During PGL Major Stockholm talent selections, I suggested potential content roles for qualified female professionals.

Sjokz’s industry leadership and Freya’s sustained excellence demonstrate the caliber of women deserving Major participation. Learning from Sjokz’s mentorship throughout my career development has been invaluable.

— If one day your daughter tells you that she’s going to do esports, how would you react? And maybe you have some tips for many other young girls who probably want to do it.

— Career path considerations depend significantly on specific roles. Professional gaming demands early serious commitment alongside balanced lifestyle considerations.

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Ensuring organizational support systems, LAN assistance provisions, and balanced educational development would guide my approval process.

Broadcasting career aspirations would receive enthusiastic support with reasonable restrictions: no international travel before age 18, completion of secondary education, and participation in domestic competitions like UK’s Insomnia events.

My parental guidelines prohibit rugby participation due to concussion risks and ballet due to potential body image concerns, despite recognizing ballet’s artistic merits.

— Don’t you think that the environment we have in esports, at least for now, is kind of toxic for women? It might be harmful to her.

— Potential risks exist, but I refuse to let hypothetical dangers deter ambition. Beginning my hosting career around age 29 provided maturity advantages compared to immediate post-education entry.

The expanding community of accomplished women in esports creates growing support networks. Valorant Game Changers initiatives and Endpoint’s recent female Rocket League team signing indicate positive industry trajectory for female representation at elite competitive levels.

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Exclusive from Antwerp.

“I know some kick-ass women in esports. We need more and more of them coming”. Frankie on being a mom, CS community, and Major storylines

Escorenews reporter Maria Gunina conducted an exclusive interview with Frankie Ward during PGL Major Antwerp 2022. Their conversation explored Frankie’s experience as a new mother in the esports industry, her professional approach to broadcasting, and advocacy for gender equality in competitive gaming.

This discussion occurred on semifinals day at the Antwerp Major, capturing insights from one of esports’ most respected female voices.

— For me, you’re the real MVP of this Major because I really can’t imagine how hard it must be to be a working mom, to be with the baby at the event. Tell me a bit about your everyday routine here. How are you handling that?

— I received exceptional advance notice from PGL, which is quite unusual in live sports production. Learning in mid-February about their interest gave me crucial planning time. After discussing with my family, we agreed this Major opportunity justified an earlier return than originally planned.

We secured an Airbnb for my husband, baby, and grandparents during the initial week. My morning routine involved feeding, then walking to the venue while maintaining breastfeeding through scheduled visits or pumping sessions. This required careful coordination between hotel facilities and family support systems.

“I saw a bit more of the real s1mple. He’s always someone I can rely on”. James Banks’ interview
Friendship with s1mple, Bad News Eagles venture, and career.

My group stage responsibilities focused on player personality content, allowing flexible scheduling that accommodated maternal needs. PGL demonstrated remarkable understanding about integrating family into professional esports environments. For the playoff stage, my daughter returned home Monday to ensure complete focus during critical matches.

I’ll resume full parenting duties upon returning home, with minimal professional commitments through June before gradually increasing workload in July. This phased return represents a balanced approach to career and family commitments in high-pressure environments.

— Did your expectations of being a mom match reality?

— Professionally, PGL’s continued confidence despite my new maternal status was profoundly encouraging. Many industries hesitate to employ recent mothers, making their proactive invitation particularly meaningful.

The personal adjustment from constant activity to maternal pacing proved most challenging. Like transitioning from highway speeds to scenic route driving, adjusting to this new rhythm requires conscious effort. While challenging initially, this slower pace offers valuable perspective and appreciation for different life dimensions.

— Oh, she’s probably the youngest major attendee ever!

— Absolutely. She interacted with several players voluntarily, never forced upon anyone. Our baby Pick’Ems segment featured her predictions, matching my own accuracy at four correct from nine matches.

— Your opening ceremony speech definitely has been one of the highlights of the whole event for me. What about the creative process behind that show? How did this idea come to you?

— Organizers invited me for trophy presentation duties since previous champions remained in competition. Observing Fer’s emotional reaction after Imperial’s elimination sparked the core concept. That universal “head in hands” moment connects every gaming participant regardless of skill level.

The speech aimed to capture Counter-Strike’s visual emotional language that transcends mere gameplay. Having participated in global events worldwide provided perspective on what makes Majors uniquely significant within esports culture.

— I’m not a person who cries over melodramatic movies, but when there is some kind of opening ceremony, I always go: “Oh my god.”

— Studying industry pioneers like Carmac revealed the power of deliberate, audience-focused communication. Early career stages involved significant imposter syndrome, questioning whether I truly belonged on major stages.

Being PGL’s first choice for this responsibility marked a turning point. Managing crowd energy while maintaining speech pacing requires practiced confidence. Remembering that audiences want to hear your message is essential for overcoming self-doubt.

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— Imposter syndrome is a pretty common thing for women in esports, don’t you think so? Because it feels like the audience actually makes you feel like you don’t really belong here.

— Early career work in 2018 received limited recognition initially. Significant visibility increases around 2019 established broader industry acceptance. Understanding that not everyone will appreciate your work helps maintain perspective. While criticism is inevitable, abusive behavior crosses acceptable boundaries.

— What’s your favorite storyline at this Major?

— Team Spirit’s parallel Dota 2 championship narrative creates compelling drama. Younger competitors often thrive in LAN environments rather than succumbing to pressure. These players grew up watching major events, making their participation feel natural rather than intimidating.

Spirit’s roster reconstruction after Stockholm demonstrated strategic vision. Replacing mir with Patsi transformed their sixth player into a superstar performer alongside degster.

NIP’s second LAN appearance showed promising development despite inexperience. FaZe Clan’s veteran roster exemplifies how established synergy and strategic intelligence create championship teams.

— What do you think about CS:GO season format?

— The RMR system replacing Minors ensures only currently qualified teams reach Legends stage. This maintains competitive integrity between Majors as roster changes occur. While the packed calendar challenges players, the semi-open qualification structure enables unexpected successes.

This system enabled Spirit’s top-four achievement that might otherwise not occur. The fundamental appeal remains that any team can potentially win a Major through proper preparation and performance.

“If we kick all Russians out, then you can forget about NAVI for a long time”. NAVI COO on club’s future, players’ wives, and roster changes
What’s up with NAVI?

— Trust me, it’s better than one TI and nothing in between.

— TI’s prize pool concentration creates sustainability challenges for Dota 2’s annual circuit. CS:GO’s distributed prize structure supports broader ecosystem health while maintaining Major prestige.

Top professional players prioritize championship validation over financial rewards. This competitive purity represents the core essence that should remain unchanged about Majors.

— You talk a lot about women’s rights in esports. Ten years ago, when I started my career, it wasn’t really the thing. You know, people don’t really accept it. Why do you think pushing these ideas is still worth it even though people are not ready for it?

— Advocacy stems from fundamental principles of fairness and inclusion. Social media creates unnatural emotional burdens by providing constant access and opinion bombardment.

CS:GO summer reshuffle. Transfers and roster changes after PGL Major Antwerp
Roster changes and rumours.

— But sometimes, when you’re just trying to defend your borders, people think: “Oh, you’re rude.”

— Establishing professional boundaries became essential during major events. The emotional intensity of constant feedback requires deliberate management strategies. While open to constructive dialogue, misinterpretation sometimes occurs despite respectful communication.

Previous Major talent selections demonstrated excellent qualification across all roles. Suggesting additional content opportunities for qualified women represented constructive feedback. Progress requires continued advocacy while acknowledging the journey ahead.

You look at this event, you’ve got Sjokz, who’s basically at the top of the game in terms of esports. She’s the most followed esports talent, at least for the English language broadcasting. And obviously, Freya has been killing it for years. They are two women who very much should be at this event. And I’ve learned so much from them, Sjokz has been so supportive for my entire career, so it was amazing to get to work with her.

— If one day your daughter tells you that she’s going to do esports, how would you react? And maybe you have some tips for many other young girls who probably want to do it.

— Professional gaming requires early serious commitment with balanced lifestyle support. Ensuring team environments provide proper LAN support and wellness focus becomes crucial for young competitors.

For broadcasting roles, I’d encourage exploration of shoutcasting and content creation. However, international travel would wait until completing secondary education with strong academic foundation.

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Educational completion remains non-negotiable regardless of career path. University attendance remains optional, but A-level completion provides essential foundation. Certain activities like rugby and ballet face restrictions due to injury risks and body image concerns.

— Don’t you think that the environment we have in esports, at least for now, is kind of toxic for women? It might be harmful to her.

— Potential challenges shouldn’t deter participation when proper support systems exist. Beginning my hosting career at 29 provided maturity and perspective lacking in earlier entry. Initial part-time involvement allowed gradual immersion without immediate overwhelming pressure.

Current industry includes numerous accomplished women providing mentorship networks. Emerging programs like Valorant Game Changers create additional pathways for female competitors. Organizational initiatives like Endpoint’s female Rocket League signing demonstrate growing institutional commitment.

Seeing successful women competing inspires younger generations to take gaming seriously. Increased high-level female participation creates essential role models for future talent development.

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Exclusive from Antwerp.