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Throughout history, traditional sports have largely separated men and women in competition. This makes sense, as physical differences often create an uneven playing field. Gender-based categories allow women to compete fairly and strive for excellence against their peers. 

However, the rise of Esports presents a new landscape. This rapidly growing sport focuses on skills like precision, reflexes, and strategic thinking, rather than raw physical strength. This creates a unique opportunity for women to compete directly with men on a more equal footing.

Unlike traditional sports, esports relies on skills that aren't limited by biology. In Esports, skill trumps strength. This is a prime example of how dedication and practice can overcome physical limitations. 

Competitive video gaming opens doors for those who wouldn't necessarily have found a place in traditional sports. Age, gender, and physical stature become less relevant. In Esports, anyone can compete at the highest level, regardless of background. 

In fact, in a study conducted by Niko Partners in 2023, 53% of gamers in Southeast Asia are female. This is more than the average in Asia, which is 37%. Looking at countries in the area, the Philippines has the most female gamers in Southeast Asia, with a notable 63%.

With the growing number of female gamers, numerous opportunities and career pathways have expanded within the gaming industry for women. Today, more women are embracing careers in video game development, occupying various roles including producers, artists, publishers, marketers, and analysts.

According to an article published by One Esports on “Exclusive: The rise of female gamers in SEA — despite the challenges”, Lisa Cosmos Hanson, President and CEO of Niko Partners, observes that despite this progress, the Esports market remains predominantly male-dominated, and encouraging female participation in competitive gaming requires focused effort. 

The establishment of a womens-only league, especially on amateur and semi-professional levels paves the way for rapid growth without negative influence which has plagued the scene in general. This platform allows the female gamers to be the major focus for their performance and abilities rather than due to their gender. 

By offering opportunities for proper competitive experience, including structured competitions with governance, women can develop their skills and showcase their talents without facing the same barriers they might encounter in mixed-gender leagues.

Moreover, representation in broadcasted matches is essential for promoting gender diversity and inclusion in Esports. Highlighting female gamers in mainstream broadcasts not only provides visibility but also inspires other women to pursue careers in competitive gaming.

Creating a women-only league ensures that female gamers are the primary target audience, shifting the focus from gender to performance and abilities. This platform allows women to be recognized and celebrated for their skills, rather than being defined solely by their gender.

Be it from the amateur to semi-professional levels, it would be wise to provide a safe and welcoming ecosystem, far from negativity which tends to be associated with the video games crowd. 

Esports is poised to be a major force in the future of competitive gaming, offering a level playing field where anyone can excel based on skill and dedication. As the industry continues to grow, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of this exciting new frontier in athletic competition.  This will ensure that Esports truly lives up to its promise – a place where anyone can compete and thrive, regardless of background.