Congratulations on your new role at Warwick! Can you tell us a little bit about esports and your new position?

Thank you! This project has been in train for a few years. It's surreal to see esports at Warwick take off and even more so to be appointed as the Head of Esports . My job will be to oversee the centre and to develop initiatives to make sure that the West Midlands becomes an epicentre for growth in esports.

Esports is competitive video gaming. I think the best way to describe it is like if you went out to play football and it was a kickabout in your garden, that would be a 'game', but when you compete in a league or represent a club, that's when it becomes 'sport'. The same applies for esports - many games have head-to-head modes such as FIFA, along with more popular and lucrative team esports like League of Legends. This phenomenon has created a billion-dollar global industry that is creating thousands of jobs. Warwick's Esports Centre is the University's inaugural move to support students and the region's young people in their pursuit of this career path.

What are your plans for esports at Warwick?

I want to make the Centre a cornerstone for grassroots esports in the region. After founding Warwick Esports society as a student, our members have had some amazing opportunities, including becoming champions of British University Esports. My hope is that this success and opportunity is something that can be shared with even more students and beyond into the local area. We're planning inclusivity initiatives, engaging with local schools, and bringing on influential partners.

What’s the future of esports in education?

For me, the future of esports in education is the same as sport. I think scholarships and modules that allow people to apply their study to esports in a more diverse way is the future. In the same way that an aspiring sports analyst may study Data Science here and take sport related modules or be part of clubs and attend talks that help them pursue that in their research, I see esports going the same way. We're not too far off of that either.

What advice can you share for getting into a career in Esports?

Look after yourself. Esports is a really fast moving and exciting industry but it can be a double-edged sword. You get lots of cool experiences in a lot of areas and most people multiskill which is a great asset to have, but all of this drains you! It's important to take time off, not to work too late (despite the nature of the business) and to monitor burnout. Check in on yourself and your friends, that's my advice!

How can Warwick students get into esports?

Take a look at our website to see how you can get started! There will be much more to come over the years. And you can always get in touch with questions or ideas! You can reach out via our website, email or through Warwick Esports society who are working closely with us and who are running plenty of initiatives of their own.

Where’s your top holiday/bucket list destination?

My number one location right now is Italy. After two years of being stuck I really want to just swim in the med, eat good food, and drink good wine! Hopefully it'll happen soon enough but that's what's on my mind the most these days!

What’s your favourite meal to cook?

My favourite meal to cook is probably ramen. I've cooked a lot in lockdown and would like to say I've gotten pretty good, especially French and Italian food. But my longest-standing recipe has been ramen which my Japanese flatmate approved of back when I was a student here! Ever since I've been perfecting it and I can adapt it to my mood or to the weather and it never misses. Ramen is the one!

Where’s your favourite spot on campus?

An easy one - the Esports Centre is my favourite spot on campus, it's my proudest achievement! But Cafe Social holds a special place in my heart. I studied Linguistics and I'd go there quite a lot. It's right next to the cute pagoda and all the staff and students that chill there are so nice.

What’s your favourite animal?

Penguins! I've loved them ever since I was little and my mum loves to buy me penguin related gifts for Christmas so I couldn't stop liking them if I tried. They are so cute and just seem to be permanently vibing. A close second would be otters for the same reason. They are just so chill and so fluffy!

What do you do to relax?

Read or paint! Reading satisfies the mind and painting allows me to be physically expressive, I find it really detoxes me. Things like this allow me to fill my mind with something that isn't work or other stressful things. I'd say that's really important to make time for self-care, make sure there is at least one block of time every week where you empty your brain of what is stressful. I try my best to do it each weekend.

Congratulations on your new role at Warwick! Can you tell us a little bit about your new position?

My new position is Esports Centre Coordinator. I'll be arranging tournaments, building external relationships and exploring the Esports Centre’s accessibility for local people and partners as well as people based on campus.

What are your plans for esports at Warwick?

I’ve worked in the esports industry for two years since, so I'll be bringing this experience to Warwick, to explore more potential opportunities for university esports. If possible, I also hope to create opportunities for international university tournaments.

What’s the future of esports in education?

I think we need academics, professionals and business people to help the industry grow. esports needs to create and take advantage of the same interest, investment and opportunities as the sports industry enjoys.

What advice can you share for getting into a career in esports?

Firstly, be curious - always explore more in this industry. Esports isn't nine to five. You need to devote yourself to it.

Secondly, as a female, you might hear “the environment is toxic” or “this industry is dominated by men”. And so, I advise women to get stuck in and take opportunities, follow your passion. We absolutely need more women to be involved in this industry, and as more come on board, this creates a better environment and more career paths for more women.

How can Warwick students get into esports?

As Jack says, check the website for opportunities, join the society, and come along to the centre to have a look around!

Where’s your top holiday destination?

Is my hometown at the moment. Because of COVID-19, I haven’t been back to China for more than three years. This year I really missed the traditional Chinese mid-autumn festival where we eat moon cake and food with family. Luckily, I got moon cake in London and was able to see the round moon and share the pictures with my mom. Even though we couldn't be together, we saw the same moon.

What’s your favourite meal to cook?

Just some random easy Chinese dishes, actually I learned these since I left China. I also learned lots of simple western recipes from YouTube or foodie blogs.

Where’s your favourite spot on campus?

I like the Library where I can explore what I want, in my own time. I’m excited to visit the Warwick Arts Centre now it's open again!

What’s your favourite animal?

Cats! I am so lucky because I live with my roommate who has three cats. Cats are amazing animals and very spiritual.

What do you do to relax?

I play electric guitar. I'm still a beginner, but it helps me a lot when I get nervous or tired.