Born: 1993 (Kingston, Ontario)
Biography:
Sasha Hostyn, better known by her username Scarlett, is a Canadian professional video game player. Born in December 1993, she rose to fame as the first woman to win a major StarCraft II tournament. Her journey to becoming a renowned figure in the gaming world has been marked by determination, talent, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Hostyn hails from Kingston, Ontario, where she spent her formative years. Gaming had always been a hobby for her, but it wasn’t until 2011 that she decided to take her skills to a competitive level. Participating in tournaments became a turning point in her life, ultimately leading her to a professional gaming career.
One remarkable aspect of Hostyn’s story is her identity as a transgender woman. Despite societal expectations and prejudices, she has steadfastly maintained that her gender identity has no bearing on her ability to compete. Hostyn has always strived to make her gender a non-issue in the gaming realm, focusing solely on her skills and passion for the game.
In 2012, Hostyn’s talent in StarCraft II gained widespread recognition. She made headlines by defeating several highly ranked professionals at an event in Las Vegas. As she climbed the global rankings, Hostyn reached an impressive 21st place and claimed second position at NorthCon in 2013. By mid-2014, she had secured first place in seven tournaments, elevating her to the position of the second-highest-paid professional female gamer at the time. Her exceptional achievements in StarCraft II earned her a reputation as the queen of StarCraft II, Korean Kryptonite, and The Queen of Blades. The New Yorker even hailed her as the most accomplished woman in e-sports.
While still at the pinnacle of her StarCraft II career, Hostyn decided to venture into new territories. In February 2015, she transitioned to playing Dota 2, citing the desire to excel in both games as her driving force. However, a love for StarCraft II eventually led her back to the game in June 2015, joining the Dead Pixels team and competing in Korean leagues. This move showcased her unwavering dedication and resilience.
2018 proved to be a groundbreaking year for Hostyn. In February, she emerged victorious at the Intel Extreme Masters tournament, held as a precursor to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. This groundbreaking win earned her the distinction of being the first woman to win a major StarCraft II tournament, solidifying her place in gaming history.
Hostyn’s outstanding achievements have not gone unnoticed. In October 2016, she was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records for having the highest career earnings for a female competitive video game player. This accolade serves as a testament to her skill, determination, and impact on the gaming community.
Scarlett’s journey has not been without its challenges. As a pioneer and woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry, she has faced scrutiny and the pressure to prove herself repeatedly. However, her unwavering dedication, extraordinary skill, and barrier-breaking accomplishments have paved the way for aspiring gamers and continue to inspire future generations of women, leaving an indelible mark on the history of women in gaming.
Awards:
– Guinness World Record: Highest career earnings for a female competitive video game player (October 2016)