Starcraft.jpg (Photo : Reuters)
Chinese pro gamer Ma "Mayuki" Xue won first place in the StarCraft II tournament at the e-Sports World Championship 2014 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Developed by American game developer Blizzard, StarCraft II is a science fiction real-time computer strategy game. It has gained widespread popularity particularly in Asia, with tournaments offering prizes of $10,000 and up.
The 23-year-old reached the top spot in the women's category of the tournament, which was hosted by the International e-Sports Federation (IeSF). She took home a championship medal along with a $2,500 cash prize.
"The prize money is not what's important; it's the honor that counts," said Ma on her winnings.
Several businesses have also approached Ma with endorsement and collaboration opportunities, with one company giving her 8,000 yuan ($1,286) for attending a game developer's promo event.
The State General Administration of Sports, the government body responsible for sports in the country, also expressed their congratulations via their official website. It was an unprecedented move given the Chinese government's history of strict regulation on video games.
"My father is glad, as he has finally stopped saying that I should find a proper job," said Ma, noting that her other family members are no longer critical of her career choice.
As for her future in competitive gaming, Ma is positive in her prospects.
"There is a better environment now for competitive gaming. In the past, professional gamers would secure only minimal salaries," Ma said, adding that she also plans to host e-sports TV programs or become a personal agent for other e-sports players once she retires from competitive gaming.
"No matter what the case may be, I won't be leaving the e-sports world," she said.
