Kayane, a female Soul Calibur 6 pro, made it into the Top 8 at Evo 2019 and had something to say to those who say women can’t compete in esports.
Karma is always sweet, especially when you’re the one that is directly dishing it out.
After Kayane was able to reach the Top 8 at Evo 2019 playing Soul Calibur 6, she took a not-so-subtle jab at the people out there who don’t recognize women as serious competitors in the esports world.
“I often read comments: women can’t make TOP 8 at majors,” she tweeted. “Recently there were some stupid comments about the women FGC panel at EVO, and I read people saying we can’t have the level to compete. So my tweets (are) directed to those players!”
Of course, one person comes right to mind from this based on their earlier comments and that’s Slayer.
I often read comments: women can’t make TOP 8 at majors.
Recently there were some stupid comments about the women FGC panel at EVO, and I read people saying we can’t have the level to compete. So my tweets is directed to those players !
No offense, its not the majority !
— Kayane @ EVO (@Kayane) August 4, 2019
Slayer once said women aren’t able to compete in fighting games and that drew a lot of criticism from members of the community, including Sonic Fox.
The video game world has largely been dominated by men but real progress is being made in esports by women whether it’s Kayane reaching Top 8 or FaZe Clan signing their first female player.
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FOR CONTEXT SLAYER SAID WOMAN CANT MAKE TOP 8 AND HE JUST LOST AAAA
— FOX | SonicFox (@SonicFox5000) June 29, 2018
“I don’t know why some feel offended whereas you didn’t say it, only those who say it should feel hurt by my tweet,” she said. “I want them to never say it again! It’s a few people saying that all the time that are really toxic, but of course most of the competitors I meet are respectful!”
There’s still a lot of work to be done but the community is definitely on the right path. Groups like Combo Queens, XO Academy, and others in the fighting game community are working daily to ensure that this is being done day by day. Advocates like Persia, Dexerto’s own Virginia Glaze, and others have made great strides towards educating both interested female players who are trying to compete and their male counterparts who might need help seeing their perspective on things.
I don’t know why some feel offended whereas you didn’t say it, only those who say it should feel hurt by my tweet :joyful: ! I want them to never say it again!It’s a few people saying that all the time that are really toxic, but of course most of the competitors I meet are respectful!
— Kayane @ EVO (@Kayane) August 4, 2019
The crowd at Evo burst into applause when Kayane was able to secure her spot in the Top 8 and on the main stage. She was the only woman who reached that point.
Kayane with the ring out and win over Student qualifies for Top 8! #SCVI #SOULCALIBURVI
We’ll see you on the main stage of history: https://t.co/ZoDAbanZaz pic.twitter.com/sut9ImfraN
— BANDAI NAMCO ESPORTS (@BNEesports) August 3, 2019
Now all Kayane has to do is come home with the first-place prize so she can really shut everyone up.