My Journey with XSET: Rising to the Top in Women's CS:GO

It's been almost six years since I joined XSET, and what a journey it's been. Back in late 2020, our all-female championship-winning squad was acquired from Originem, marking XSET's first entry into the competitive Counter-Strike scene. Looking back now in 2026, I can't help but feel proud of how far we've come and how much women's esports has evolved.

The Beginning of Something Special

Remember when female CS:GO players were still fighting for recognition? Our team was formed by some of the most decorated women in the scene. Julia "juliano" Kiran and Zainab "zAAz" Turkie, both Swedish veterans with careers dating back to 2010, brought incredible experience to our roster. Having won Intel Challenge Katowice together with WeRunThisPlace and later Team Secret in 2016 and 2017, they were the backbone of our competitive edge.

Michaela "mimi" Lintrup, who had shared those victories with juliano and zAAz, was also part of our original lineup. The team was completed by Anastasia "kr4sy" Khlobystina and Petra "Petra" Stoker. Before joining XSET, we had already proven ourselves by winning the Ambush Female Invitational, DreamHack Showdown Summer 2020 Europe, and the Galaxy Racer Female Invitational.

But have you ever wondered what it's like to be part of an organization during its growth phase? Let me tell you—it's exhilarating.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Space

Training alongside my teammates has been both challenging and rewarding. We've spent countless hours perfecting strategies, analyzing opponents, and honing our reflexes. The question that drove us forward was simple yet powerful: Why shouldn't women be competing at the highest level of CS:GO?

Our debut under the XSET banner at DreamHack Open December 2020 feels like a lifetime ago. I still remember the butterflies in my stomach as we prepared for our first match. Would we live up to expectations? Could we prove that XSET's investment in women's CS:GO was worthwhile?

The answer, as the past six years have shown, is a resounding yes.

Evolution of Our Team and Organization

XSET wasn't just investing in CS:GO back then. The organization was expanding rapidly, signing a competitive VALORANT team and bringing on rapper Swae Lee as an investor. They were also hosting teams in PUBG Mobile, Rocket League, Fortnite, and Call of Duty: Warzone.

But what does it mean to be part of an organization that believes in diversity? For me, it meant opportunity. It meant resources. It meant support.

Over the years, our roster has evolved. Some players moved on to coaching or content creation, while new talents joined our ranks. Each change brought fresh perspectives and strategies to our gameplay. Isn't it fascinating how a team can maintain its identity while constantly evolving?

The Challenges We've Overcome

Let's be honest—the path hasn't always been smooth. We've faced our share of setbacks:

• Technical issues during crucial tournaments

• Adapting to major game updates that changed the meta

• Managing the pressure of representing women in esports

• Balancing competitive play with content creation and community building

There were moments when doubt crept in. Times when a devastating loss made me question everything. But that's the beauty of being part of a team—you're never alone in your struggles.

Our Greatest Triumphs

The victories taste so much sweeter when you've fought hard for them. Some of our proudest achievements include:

1. Our first major international tournament win in 2022

2. Defeating several top-tier mixed-gender teams in open competitions

3. Setting a new record for longest winning streak in women's CS:GO

4. Being voted Team of the Year by the community in 2024

5. Our recent victory at the 2026 World Championship Series

Each trophy on our shelf tells a story of perseverance, skill, and teamwork. But the achievement I'm most proud of isn't measured in prize money or trophies—it's the impact we've had on the next generation of female gamers.

Inspiring the Next Generation

When young girls message me saying they started playing CS:GO because they watched our matches, it fills my heart with joy. What greater accomplishment could there be than inspiring others to follow their passion?

The landscape for women in esports has changed dramatically since 2020. More organizations are investing in female talent, tournament opportunities have expanded, and the skill gap continues to narrow. But there's still work to be done. How can we continue pushing boundaries and creating opportunities?

For one, we've started mentoring programs for up-and-coming female players. We regularly stream our practice sessions and share insights into our strategies and communication. And we advocate for more mixed-gender competitions where skill, not gender, is the only criterion for participation.

Looking to the Future

As we move through 2026, I'm excited about what lies ahead. Counter-Strike continues to evolve, and so does our approach to the game. The competition gets fiercer each year, with new talented teams emerging from regions that were previously underrepresented.

Our goals for the remainder of 2026 and beyond include:

• Defending our World Championship title

• Expanding our presence in Asian tournaments

• Launching our own invitational tournament series

• Continuing to break down barriers between men's and women's competitive scenes

The question I ask myself every morning before practice is: How can we be better today than we were yesterday? It's this mindset that keeps us hungry for improvement and success.

Final Thoughts

Six years with XSET has taught me more than just how to be a better CS:GO player. I've learned about leadership, resilience, and the responsibility that comes with being a role model. I've experienced the highs of championship victories and the lows of disappointing defeats.

But through it all, one thing has remained constant—my love for this game and my belief in what our team represents. We're not just playing for ourselves; we're playing for every girl who's been told that gaming isn't for her.

So here's to the next six years of competition, growth, and breaking barriers. The story of women in esports is still being written, and I'm proud that XSET and our team are helping to write it.

Are you ready to join us on this journey? Because we're just getting started. 🎮👑