A Chance to Shine: Representing Australia at IESF Asian Championships
In July 2023, Vivienne “BiBiAhn” Quach had the opportunity to reunite with her old Counter-Strike team from Australia. Despite the scorching heat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the team breezed through the group stage of the IESF Asian Championships, securing a spot in the World Championships in Romania. BiBiAhn and her teammates were thrilled with their performance, considering the lack of international competition they had faced in over a year.
The Struggles of the Oceanic Scene
The Oceanic female CS:GO scene has been struggling in recent times. With only three teams participating in the ESEA Cash Cup and limited opportunities for female competition in the region, the scene is in dire need of support. BiBiAhn believes that the smaller player count and lack of financial backing contribute to the challenges faced by the Oceanic scene. International opportunities like the IESF championships provide a lifeline for players in the region, allowing them to showcase their skills on a global stage.
From Australia to the United States: BiBiAhn’s Journey to Success
BiBiAhn’s esports journey took off when she joined Carnage in 2019. The team qualified for the Intel Challenge Katowice Asian qualifier and competed in Poland. Although they didn’t achieve significant success, BiBiAhn was determined to pursue her CS:GO career. She joined Rooster 2, an Australian mixed squad, and became the second player to participate in an MDL squad worldwide. However, her time with Rooster 2 was cut short due to the team’s ban for ESIC betting violations.
In 2022, BiBiAhn joined Mindfreak and dominated the Oceanic scene. The team secured international qualifier spots and caught the attention of CLG Red, a top North American team. BiBiAhn received an offer to join CLG Red and eagerly accepted. Despite initial challenges in adjusting to the team’s structured playstyle, BiBiAhn and CLG Red worked hard to improve their performance. However, the team faced a setback when CLG disbanded, leaving BiBiAhn uncertain about her future.
Life After CLG: A New Home at FlyQuest
After CLG’s disintegration, BiBiAhn and her teammates searched for a new organization to continue playing together. They eventually found a home at FlyQuest, where they quickly established themselves as a top team in North America. BiBiAhn is determined to continue improving and hopes to compete at the tier two level in the future.
The Rise of VALORANT and the Future of CS:GO
VALORANT has gained popularity in the esports scene, surpassing CS:GO in terms of viewership and opportunities for female players. BiBiAhn acknowledges the appeal of VALORANT but remains committed to CS:GO. She believes that the release of CS2 could bring new opportunities and rejuvenate the scene. However, she acknowledges that the success of CS:GO will depend on the new wave of players and their dedication to the game.
Looking Ahead: IESF World Championships and Beyond
BiBiAhn is currently competing with the Australian team at the IESF World Championships in Romania. She hopes to bring home a trophy and showcase the talent of the Oceanic region. BiBiAhn’s journey in CS:GO has been filled with ups and downs, but she remains determined to succeed and make a name for herself in the esports world.
Source: DOTESPORTS
