Shaping a More Inclusive Future for Esports
- Gabriel Chan
- 23 minutes ago
- 3 min read
From Dota 2 gold to championing equity for women and youth, GEF Champions Circle alum Josselyn Abusabal is showing the world what’s possible when esports becomes a platform for opportunity, leadership, and belonging
At the heart of the Global Esports Federation’s Champions Circle is a generation of young game-changers—and Josselyn Abusabal is exactly that. A trailblazer on and off the stage, the Peruvian esports athlete isn’t just here to compete. She’s here to make space.
Josselyn turned heads as part of the first-ever all-women Dota 2 team to win gold at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Esports Championships. She also helped power the team to a silver medal finish at the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia that year. It was more than just a podium finish—it was history in the making.
“Participating in the first all-women Dota 2 team and winning the gold medal… has been one of the most empowering experiences of my life,” Josselyn shares. “These achievements were more than just personal victories. They are a significant stride forward for greater equity and representation in esports.”
The impact she has made goes beyond just playing. In 2024, she represented GEF to speak at the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum. She shared insights on how video games have the power to break down barriers and open doors for education and professional growth, especially for young women and those from underserved communities who are often excluded from these conversations.
“I shared how esports can bridge opportunity gaps and create new pathways for young women and underrepresented groups to thrive in technology and leadership,” she says.
Josselyn has also stepped into the spotlight as an ambassador for the Global Esports Federation. As Vice Chair of the GEF’s Athletes, Players & Community Commission, she actively promotes diversity, inclusion, and youth empowerment through gaming, amplifying the voices of players worldwide and advocating for greater accessibility for all.
Her story has been widely covered in Peru’s national media, including on Latina TV, América Televisión, RPP, Diario El Comercio y Canal 7—testament to her growing influence as a role model in a traditionally male-dominated scene.
At the heart of Josselyn’s journey is her passion for Dota 2, one of the most strategically complex games in the world.
“It’s been called the modern chess of gaming. The level of coordination, decision-making, and tactical thinking it requires is intense,” she explains.
To succeed, Josselyn maintains a disciplined regimen—physical fitness, tactical training, mental wellness, and teamwork—just like any elite athlete.
“Esports has taught me to lead, to manage emotions, to rise after every defeat. It’s transformed me,” she reflects.
She’s also seen how gaming can change lives, helping people heal from personal challenges, build confidence, and find a community where they belong.
“For many, video games are more than entertainment—they’re a lifeline,” she says.
For Josselyn, esports is so much more than a competition. It’s a global platform that allows young people to showcase their unique talents, transforming them into high-performance athletes, creators, and leaders. Her dream? To continue inspiring and building pathways for others, especially women and young people, to rise in the industry.
Beyond the competition, Josselyn is passionate about the broader career pathways that esports can offer. She believes that esports serves as a springboard to a wide array of future opportunities, including event management, broadcasting, content creation, marketing, team coaching, game development, and beyond. She is determined to one day lead initiatives that create inclusive tournaments, design mentorship programs for young people, and foster a thriving esports community where talent from all backgrounds can succeed.
“I want to help shape the future of esports. I want to build programs, create opportunities, and lead with purpose, beyond just competing,” she says.
“Esports are an essential part of who I am. They’ve made me the person I am today,” Josselyn says proudly. “I’m honored to be part of this #worldconnected community and to serve as an inspiration for women and for everyone who dreams of making their mark.”
The Global Esports Federation is proud to celebrate changemakers like Josselyn, individuals whose determination, leadership, and vision are helping to build a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future for esports where everyone has the opportunity to lead, succeed, and be seen.