Vivian Indrawaty: Leading the Charge for Women in Mobile Legends Esports

Vivian 'Vivi' Indrawaty, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) world champion, isn't just playing games—she's changing the game. As a Roamer for Team Vitality, she clinched the title at the MLBB Women's Invitational in July 2025, and she's on a mission to prove that skill and hard work trump gender any day. Vivian tells it straight: 'I hope that women's leagues and teams inspire more women to pursue esports and show that it's all about grinding and dedication.' Her journey from Indonesia, where MLBB is a massive hit, to the global stage is a testament to how esports is evolving, but it's not without its hurdles. From casual sexism to dismissive attitudes, Vivian has faced it all, yet she keeps leveling up, using those challenges as fuel. This story dives into her experiences, the role of women's leagues as safe havens, and why esports has a bright, inclusive future ahead—if we all step up and play fair.

The MLBB Phenomenon in Southeast Asia

MLBB isn't just another MOBA—it's a cultural sensation in Southeast Asia, where PC gaming often takes a backseat. Vivian's Team Vitality, an all-Indonesian squad, dominated the 2025 Women's Invitational, beating out teams from the Philippines, Burma, Mongolia, and Malaysia. Why the hype? Well, MLBB's mobile-first approach makes it accessible and fast-paced, perfect for regions where not everyone has a high-end PC. Vivian explains, 'Being a professional gamer is accepted in Indonesia to some extent, but it's still a work in progress.' With urbanization and economic growth softening patriarchal views, Indonesia is shifting, yet Vivian notes that women often get underestimated just 'cause they're women. It's a classic case of old-school thinking clashing with modern hustle.

Battling Misogyny in the Gaming Arena

Let's not sugarcoat it—women in esports face a ton of bias, and Vivian's been through the wringer. She recalls, 'Yes, unfortunately, I've experienced misogyny before. It was challenging at times, but it also motivated me to prove myself and keep improving.' From casual sexism in her pre-pro days to dismissive comments during scrims against men's teams, it's a grind. For instance, some folks still spout myths like women shouldn't compete during their periods because they 'get too emotional.' Vivian shuts that down hard: 'Periods affect women differently, and for our team, it's never been a barrier. We practice and play competitively without problems—those comments are just based on myths, not reality.' It's this kind of ignorance that makes women's leagues essential incubators, providing a safe space to hone skills without the extra baggage.

Why Women's Leagues Are a Game-Changer

Women's leagues aren't just about competition—they're about empowerment and proving the haters wrong. Vivian puts it bluntly: 'Women's teams provide a safe space where women can pursue professional esports careers, showing that games aren't just for men.' These leagues tackle social hurdles head-on, like societal norms and patriarchal attitudes in male-dominated spaces. The result? Teams like Team Vitality are crushing it, winning almost every tournament they enter, including the Asian Esports Games 2024 and the IESF World Esports Championship. Vivian emphasizes that seeing all-women teams succeed challenges the false notion that women can't be top-tier gamers. Here's a quick rundown of the key benefits:

• Safe Environment: No dealing with everyday sexism during practice or matches 😊

• Inspiration Factor: Encourages more women to join the esports scene, boosting diversity 💪

• Skill Focus: It's all about performance, not gender—'talent and dedication matter more,' as Vivian says

Positive Shifts and Future Dreams

Despite the challenges, Vivian's had awesome experiences too, like her time on mixed-gender rosters. She shares, 'From my experience on a mixed team, I didn't encounter any sexism when getting a spot—it was all about skill and performance. That was a great experience!' It shows that esports, with its younger, progressive fanbase, has the potential to be a real equalizer. Vivian and Team Vitality are now focused on dominating women's tournaments, but she teases about possibly joining mixed leagues someday. Looking ahead, she adds, 'To all our fans and the community, thank you so much for your support. Please keep cheering us on—it means the world!' The future? It's bright, as long as we keep pushing for inclusivity one match at a time.

Key Takeaways for Aspiring Gamers

For anyone dreaming of going pro, Vivian's story is pure gold. Here's a quick cheat sheet based on her insights:

Vivian's final word? 'Skill and hard work matter more than gender—so keep leveling up!' With esports evolving rapidly, her journey is a rallying cry for change. Game on, folks!