From the high-stakes boardrooms of global franchises to the technical frontlines of world-class broadcasts, these pioneers are dismantling long-standing barriers and taking on core roles in the esports industry. In this International Women’s Day special, The Esports Radar celebrates those whose expertise, grit, and innovation continue to propel the competitive gaming world into its next era.
This list is by no means exhaustive; there are countless women across the sector performing exceptional work at every level and in a vast array of roles. While we have highlighted these specific leaders whose impact is well known to the team at The Esports Radar, they represent only part of the talent driving our industry forward. We would love to hear your shoutouts for others we haven’t mentioned—who else is making waves in your corner of the esports world?
Alice Whorley, Head of Operations at British Esports: Alice is a key advocate for the UK’s domestic competitive scene and grassroots development. Her work centres on educational initiatives and the Women in Esports committee, where she helps create clear career pathways and opportunities for women entering the sector.
Allie Young, Chief Revenue Officer of the*gameHERS: Allie has helped to create and build out a vital platform dedicated to empowering women and non-binary gamers. Her work focuses on building safe spaces, fostering professional networks, and highlighting the significant economic and social impact of women within the global gaming industry.
Anna Rozwandowicz, Co-founder of The Story Mob and strategic advisor to the EWCF: Anna is one of the industry’s most respected communications authorities, having spent over a decade professionalising the narrative of esports. She previously served as the VP of Communications at ESL (now ESL FACEIT Group), where she was also part of the creation of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).
Anne Banschbach, Programme Director for Valve and Supercell Ecosystems at BLAST: Anne oversees the strategic and operational delivery of flagship global properties such as BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam. Bringing a wealth of experience from her previous tenure as Director of Esports at Team Vitality, she is now a key voice in shaping how major tournament organisers interact with fans and professional stakeholders.
Cary Lambert, Global Marketing Lead for Esports at Logitech G: Cary leads the “Designed with Pros” initiative, where she heads the intensive scientific research and product development for the brand. By translating data from human performance labs and direct feedback from hundreds of professional athletes into technical gear, she ensures that Logitech’s innovations meet the highest competitive standards.
Celsa Wu, Head of Esports Business at ZOWIE (BenQ): Celsa is the steward of the ZOWIE brand’s professional legacy, dedicated to a “players-first” philosophy. She ensures that ZOWIE hardware remains the elite standard for professional FPS athletes by focusing on technical reliability and performance-driven design tailored to the needs of the pro circuit.
Danny Tang, Co-founder and CEO of Hero Esports: Danny has been a pivotal force in the Asian market, helping Hero Esports become one of the largest tournament organisers in the world. Under her leadership, the company produces thousands of matches annually and has been a primary driver behind the global expansion of mobile esports.
Heather “sapphiRe” Garozzo, Founder of Raidiant and VP of Talent for Dignitas: An Esports Hall of Fame 2019 inductee and former world champion player, Heather has transitioned from a legendary in-game observer to a top executive. She focuses Raidiant’s efforts on producing high-quality broadcast events and platforms specifically designed to champion women in competitive gaming.
Heloísa Passos, CEO and Founder of Trexx: Heloísa is a leading entrepreneur bridging the gap between gaming, Web3, and social impact. Based in Brazil, she has built one of the region’s largest gaming communities, fomented events and discussions around the local esports ecosystem, and continues to develop creative, technology-driven projects that explore the future of digital ownership in gaming.
Kelly Ong, Co-owner and Chief Strategy Officer of Alliance: Kelly is a foundational pillar of one of Europe’s most storied esports organisations. Based in Sweden, she oversees the brand’s global expansion and strategic direction, ensuring Alliance remains a top-tier competitor and a commercially sustainable force across multiple game titles.
Kendryx Linscott, CEO of ENorth: Kendryx is a creative strategist with a deep background in marketing, including a significant tenure as CMO of Women in Games International (WIGI). They focus on building inclusive digital ecosystems and innovative brand narratives that resonate with the modern gaming audience while driving commercial growth.
Kirsty Endfield, Founder and Director of Swipe Right PR: Kirsty has built a premier communications agency that guides global gaming brands, such as ESL FACEIT Group and Team Vitality, through the nuances of community engagement. Beyond her agency work, she became a member of the Women in Esports committee in 2024, using her expertise to advocate for greater inclusivity and professional standards across the UK industry.
Monica Dinsmore, Senior Director of Esports Brand and Ventures at Electronic Arts (EA): Monica is responsible for the brand identity and fan engagement strategies of global titles like Apex Legends and EA FC. Her leadership has been pivotal in rebranding major competitive circuits and driving record-breaking viewership through innovative content and commercial partnerships.
Roberta Coelho, CEO of MIBR: Roberta leads one of the most culturally significant and historic brands in esports. She has successfully modernised the organisation’s operations and commercial strategy, leveraging on MIBR legacy and strengthening its connection with a passionate global fanbase.
Rawan AlButairi, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF): Rawan is a primary architect of the Kingdom’s “National Gaming and Esports Strategy.” Her leadership focuses on building international partnerships and executing the vision to establish Saudi Arabia as a premier global hub for major esports events and infrastructure.
Sabrina Ratih, Chief Operating Officer at G2 Esports: Sabrina oversees the day-to-day operations and commercial scaling of one of the world’s most influential esports brands. Drawing on her extensive experience in global partnerships, she is responsible for driving G2’s growth as it evolves into a broader global entertainment powerhouse.
Vladyslava Zakhliebina, Team Manager at OG Esports: Vladyslava is an essential figure in the professional Counter-Strike circuit, managing the daily operations and welfare of OG’s rosters. A former player and journalist, she provides the critical infrastructure and support needed for athletes to compete at the highest international level.
