One of the biggest reasons Jayna Bhula is able to take her esports seriously is her financial support – The 20-year-old gamer is one of the up-and-coming stars, and is grateful to have the support of her loved ones as she continues to make waves in esports.
Bhula says she is blessed to be able to rely on family when funding is needed but she is well aware this is a luxury not all women in esport have access to.
“I’m fortunate in that I’ve had strong support from my family, especially when managing school fees and my hobbies. They’ve always had my back, and that’s made a lot of things easier for me but I recognise that this isn’t the case for everyone.”
UCT student and aspirant Esports International, Jayna Bhula
The topic of funding for women in sport and sportswomen is something that is always top of conversation in the fight to close the gap and ensure gender parity across the board. The playing field will never be equal until this is done.
Understandably, Bhula says having the financial pressure off means she can focus on what she loves to do which will also help her perform at her best.
“I haven’t had to compete in anything that required massive funding yet, but when I do, I know I’ll have my parents’ support, which does take a lot of pressure off. It will allow me to focus on improving my skills and performing my best without the stress of figuring out financial logistics.”
“I feel so blessed to know that they’ll always have my back, and I know that not every aspiring esports player has this kind of backing, which is why sponsorship opportunities are so important for the growth of the scene.”
The UCT student wants to encourage possible sponsors to throw their financial bagging behind the women of sport because, as Bhula explains, they make for a dependable investment.
“While esports is a fast-growing industry right now, female players are still underrepresented, well, there are female players, but in comparison to men, there are very few when it comes to funding and sponsorships.”
“Female players bring skill, dedication, and unique perspectives to the scene, and giving them the same opportunities as their male counterparts will only help the industry grow more inclusively and diversely. So I believe that if brands step up and start training and supporting female players now, they’ll be ahead of the curve in an industry that’s only getting bigger.”
Bhula has been part of the esports world for three years now, and related that she started with very little experience, but gave competitive gaming a go when entering a tournament. Playing in that event ignited something so strong in her, she was hooked from that point.
“My journey started in September 2022 when I entered a Tekken 7 tournament at Comic Con, despite only having two weeks of experience with the game. I wasn’t expecting much, but when I stepped into that environment, the rush I felt was something I couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t about winning; it was about feeling like I had found something I could pour myself into. From there, I started practicing more, and gradually improved, participating in more tournaments.”
When it comes to a code, esports is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country and it boasts a fair number of female players, and Bhula has noticed the uptake in women entering the gaming space.
“There has been some significant growth in recent years, but the journey is far from over. More women are entering the scene, which is great, but we are still a minority, and we face challenges that others don’t.”
“There’s a shift happening though; more women are pushing through and making names for themselves, like Zahraa Khan. But I think it will take time for the industry to become truly inclusive. I’m hopeful for the future, and I want to do my part in pushing that forward,” she said.
Bhula is one of the players of colour in esports and says she has a personal duty to be the much-needed representation that the gaming world needs.
“Being a woman of colour in esports is both humbling and empowering. It’s a reminder that I’m part of a much larger movement, and I carry the responsibility of being a positive representation for others who may not see people like them in this space. It’s also been incredibly rewarding to be in a position where I can make a difference. I don’t take my place here for granted.”
She has echoed what most women in sport feel when it comes to closing the gender gap in sport. Bhula says an inclusive, safe, and supportive environment is what is needed to ensure women see the value of being part of the esports world.
“We need to start with creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, especially in online spaces, where the toxicity can be overwhelming,” says Bhula. “It’s important for women to feel safe and respected in esports communities, if we want more of them to consider competing. I also think that providing more resources like mentorship programs and funding is essential.”
In saying that, Bhula is urging women and girls who are thinking about joining Esports not to doubt themselves. She says the females of esports have created a welcoming environment for the newcomers to the sport.
“The most important thing is not to let anyone or anything hold you back. It can be intimidating, especially in a space where women are still underrepresented, but if you enjoy gaming, then you have every right to be here. I’ve been lucky to have had a supportive team like Playbell, which has made a huge difference, but even without that, you need to have confidence in your abilities. Don’t worry about the people who doubt you, just focus on your growth and trust the process! You belong in this space.
The 20-year-old has big plans for the year ahead, and is hoping her performances take her to the world stage, while also balancing her academic goals.
“In 2025, I want to take my competitive journey to the next level, which is why I want to participate in the IESF World Championships, and perhaps other tournaments that would allow us to gain recognition on a bigger scale. Before this year, I only focused on local tournaments, so this will be a step up.”
“I’m quite nervous for this year because, as much as I plan to achieve big things in esports, I also need to do well in my academic studies. It may be difficult, but I plan to balance both responsibilities.”
“I want to continue pushing myself, learning, and evolving as a player. It’s not just about winning tournaments or getting recognition; it’s about improving and always striving to be better than I was yesterday,” said Bhula. “In the long term, I hope to make a real impact in the esports scene – not just as a competitor, but as someone who can help shape the future of the industry, especially for women.”
Main Photo Caption: One of the biggest reasons Jayna Bhula is able to take her esports seriously is her financial support. The 20-year-old gamer is one of the up-and-coming stars and is grateful to have the support of her loved ones as she continues to make waves in esports. All Photos: Supplied
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
