CS:GO Fans Outrage As No Women Are Cast In PGL Talent Line-up
The calendar year of esports is coming to the most tantalising climax, especially as a long-winded saga of the online era of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) finally moves behind us. A period of transition for CS has taken its toll on the scene as a whole, but the off-field economic problems will be placed in the past when the first smoke lands on Dust at the PGL Major in Stockholm on October 26.
However, the lead-up to the Major's kick-off has taken a controversial turn for the worse, as the line-up for the talent has been revealed, bragging an all-male cast despite leading with the company strap-line of being an "innovative esports company".
A range of CS:GO casting veterans have been confirmed in the line-up, such as host Richard Lewis, caster Daniel "ddk" Kapadia, and many more, however, fans are now raging at the lack of women in the line-up who have previously been stalwarts in the production.
A range of overlooked female casters and observers have now spoken up against the lineup - and the lack of representation that can potentially stunt the growth of women within the scene.
Lauren "Pansy" Scott, one of the most successful hosts in CS:GO, took to Twitter to express her displeasure. Although Pansy has switched to VALORANT, she said, "let's be honest, it's not hard to hire one woman for an event."
One of the most notable absences is Heather "SapphiRe" Garozzo, who is recognised as one of the best observers in esports and will be in Stockholm for the event, regardless of being overlooked.
The line-up has been credited for being one of the best line-ups in years, in terms of talented hosts and casters, however, Frankie Ward also commented on the fact that just because they are "the best in the business", tournament organisers know they will be making a loss in revenue and could have opened at least one more slot to include a woman.
Frankie said that it is important that aspiring players, fans, and viewers see women at the "biggest CS event of the year", especially in a game that can be already hostile to women.
As one of the more notable casters in CS:GO, Frankie also couldn't attend the PGL Major, although many others could have made the list.
PGL have yet to comment on the lack of women in their talent line-up.
The PGL Major will kick off on October 26 at the Avicii Stadium, Stockholm, where top-ranked Gambit Esports and Natus Vincere will look to fend off competition from the likes of Team Spirit and many more for their shot at the $2,000,000 prize pool.