Born: 1986
Biography:
Stephanie Harvey, also known as missharvey, is a Canadian video game developer and retired professional gamer. Born on April 19, 1986, she has made significant contributions and achieved remarkable success in the world of gaming. With a career spanning over two decades, Stephanie Harvey has not only excelled in gaming but also become a prominent advocate for gender equality in the gaming industry.
Harvey’s journey in professional gaming began in 2003 when she started playing Counter-Strike 1.5. In 2004, she founded the all-female team called Canadian Divas, making her mark as a pioneer in the industry. This was just the beginning of her trailblazing career. In 2005, she joined CheckSix Divas, where she placed fifth in the Electronic Sports World Cup (ESCW). Her talent and dedication served as a stepping stone, leading her to play for SK Ladies. Over the course of four years, Stephanie Harvey won two world championships with this team.
In 2011, Harvey embarked on a new chapter by creating her own Counter-Strike team, UBINITED, with the support of her employer Ubisoft. This team went on to win the ESCW 2011 Women’s event and made a successful transition to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) the following year. Demonstrating their exceptional skills, UBINITED once again secured victory in the ESCW Women’s event. In 2015, the team signed with Counter Logic Gaming and became CLG.CS Red, winning yet another ESCW Women’s tournament.
Beyond her remarkable achievements as a player, Stephanie Harvey has been an instrumental figure in advocating for gender equality in gaming. Through her platform, she has consistently shed light on the significant gender disparity in the industry. With less than 5% of professional gamers being women, Stephanie Harvey has taken a stand against gender discrimination and works tirelessly to promote inclusivity.
In addition to her gaming career, Harvey also works as a designer at Ubisoft Montreal. Her contributions to the gaming industry extend beyond her accomplishments on the battlefield, as she plays a crucial role in shaping the development of video games. Her experience and expertise make her a valuable asset to Ubisoft and the gaming community as a whole.
Stephanie Harvey’s efforts to address the under-representation of women in geek and video game culture led to the founding of the online community Missclicks. This platform aims to create a safe space for women in gaming and encourages their active participation. Harvey’s dedication to empowering women and breaking down societal barriers has earned her recognition as an influential figure in the industry.
Over the years, Stephanie Harvey’s exceptional talent and unwavering commitment have garnered numerous accolades. Her significant accomplishments include winning five world championships in Counter-Strike and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. In 2021, she received The Esports Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to her enduring impact on the gaming community.
Today, Stephanie Harvey continues to make strides in the gaming industry. She currently serves as the Director of Business Development at Counter-Logic Gaming, further contributing to the growth and development of the gaming community. Her journey as a professional gamer and advocate for gender equality has left an indelible mark on the world of gaming, inspiring countless individuals and cementing her legacy as a true pioneer.
Awards:
– Five-time World Champion in Counter-Strike and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
– The Esports Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award (2021)