Sam Wright, better known as TechGirl, shows that talent knows no borders or gender. From a local South African gamer, TechGirl has transformed into one of Counter Strike’s most respected desk hosts.
Beyond helping her make her own mark in the industry, her journey of passion and dedication has allowed her to pave the way for women in esports as well.
From Journalism to Gaming
Before the bright lights and global stages, Wright worked as a news editor at YFM after earning her degree in BA Journalism. When she first ventured into esports, South Africa had barely recognized competitive gaming as an industry. Yet, TechGirl saw potential where others saw limitations.
She started by making video content about South African esports, and soon, her talent caught the attention of international commentators. This became the beginning of her career in the industry. Since then, she slowly began being recommended to global companies and ended up being involved in some of the biggest tournaments worldwide.
Her biggest achievement came in May 2023, when TechGirl served as the desk host for the BLAST.TV Paris Major, the final Major for Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). The same year, she also hosted one of the biggest annual Counter Strike 2 events, IEM Cologne, even returning to the desk this year as well.
Encouraging Women in Esports
TechGirl was creating a bigger impact outside her making waves in esports broadcasting. One of the very few women in Counter Strike broadcasting, she opened more opportunities for women in pro play by initiating the Valkyrie Challenge in South Africa. The tournament showcased the country’s female talents in CS:GO and also became like an eye-opener to the South African esports scene. It encouraged more organizations to support all-female teams as well as created new leagues that embraced the involvement of women gamers.
While there are debates on whether all-female competitions should be held, TechGirl’s perspective is a mix of practical and innovative. Female leagues are being questioned for reportedly lacking the skills compared to male gamers, yet, women in esports do need safe spaces that can be offered by these women-exclusive leagues.
Bridging the Gap
TechGirl encourages the integration into mixed leagues for a fair environment and skill-based participation, while still supporting women’s leagues for the safety and comfort it provides. It proves that women can compete alongside their male counterparts and even exceed them in gaming, and at the same time provides a more comfortable starting ground for women pro players who want to display their talents without discrimination and ridicule.
TechGirl has collaborated with Gamedock and ESEA in supporting the initiatives that bridge this gap, like the Female Team Cup introduction in the ESEA League Season 35. This offered women players to compete in both women-focused tournaments and mixed teams addressing the skill gap while still giving women a supportive environment.
She also extends her influence in actively helping teams to grow. She looks for emerging teams and helps them through sponsorships and covers registration fees for those who couldn’t otherwise compete. She supports the industry with her roles in broadcasting for global events and creating content that would showcase developing talent.
Changing the Game
TechGirl’s talent is seen in a lot of titles, spanning from PUBG to FIFA. However, her impact has made the most prominent mark in Counter Strike esports. Along with her achievements in the field, a bigger goal that she tries to fulfill is encouraging the diversity of voices heard in the scene. Today, her influence is still paving new ways for other aspiring women to follow.
TechGirl, through her rise in Counter Strike, is showing that skill and passion mean more than gender. She continues helping other women and female teams to prove themselves as well, surpassing industry expectations.