From the BZ editorial team
Mari Preradovic, aka “MissPhoenix”, was the first woman to win a console game in the virtual Bundesliga. In the BZ interview, the Hertha gambler talks about her success and her goals.
Mariana Preradovic (22) achieved something historic: The eSportswoman from Hertha BSC was the first woman ever to win a game in the “Virtual Bundesliga” (VBL), beating leaders Hansa Rostock 3:2 in doubles. In the VBL, the players in the video game FIFA compete against each other. BZ reporter Moses Tolkemitt spoke to Hertha’s gambler heroine.
BZ: How surprising was the win against the league leaders?
Preradovic: I didn’t expect to be able to win against Hansa Rostock, so this success came as quite a surprise to me. I’m very happy about that. We put in a strong team effort and I’m grateful for the support of my teammate Tom Bismark.
Do you remember where you first played FIFA?
About two years ago I played FIFA for the first time with my friends. That’s when I played FIFA21 and discovered my passion for it.
How did your passion for gaming develop after that, and how did you come to eSports and Hertha?
My brothers got me into football and gaming. I joined Hertha BSC through Dennis Krüger (Head of eSport Hertha BSC; ed.) came. At the time, he contacted me on Twitter and presented me with a Hertha BSC eSports vision in a personal conversation, which immediately convinced me. Going to Hertha BSC was the best decision I’ve made to date.
You are studying to become a teacher. Which subjects?
I’m studying English and Pedagogy (Scientific Psychology). But my dream is to one day gain a foothold in sports journalism. That will be my next step then.
How much do you train in a team and how does your training go? Does everyone play from home?
I currently live in Cologne, but I want to move to Berlin. Once a month I’m in Berlin for a week. Then we see each other as a team every day in the Hertha BSC eSports room “HWP eFootball Arena” in the office. Our day then consists of FIFA training with the coach and content production for the Hertha BSC eSport channels.
There are also training sessions with the pros’ athletic trainer, Henrik Kuchno, who also gives us nutrition tips. This is also important for eSports players and should not be neglected.
How many hours of FIFA do you play per week?
Since I stream on Twitch TV several times a week, I always associate it with playing FIFA. FIFA comes out once a year and I’m playing more at the beginning than I’m currently playing. At first it was around six to eight hours and now it’s more like two to four hours.
The gaming scene is still dominated by men. Has it ever happened that other players underestimated you?
You were definitely underestimated by one or the other, but after my first appearances in the Virtual Bundesliga and after the win against Hansa Rostock, I only got positive feedback from the eSports scene.
Many eSports players then sent messages and expressed congratulations. I was able to show that women can compete in FIFA. That makes me incredibly proud. At the end of the day, what counts in FIFA eSports is the performance on the controller and not whether you are male or female.
Would you wish for more women in eSports and the VBL? Can you be a role model for young girls in this regard?
Yes, 100 percent! I want to be a role model for other women and girls. With the milestone I have reached, I want to show that everything is possible in eSports and encourage other women to dare and show their talent.
Your VBL season is now over. How is your personal eSports career progressing?
My personal goal is to win an individual victory with Hertha BSC next VBL season. I will train a lot with the team and give everything for that. I would like to continue being an eSports athlete, but the content on my channels is also very important to me.
For example, I love to stream and interact with my community. Hertha BSC gives me the chance and the time to try everything. I am very grateful for that.