Since her “debut” to the League of Legends community as VETV’s new host, accompanying VCS in Spring 2021, Mai Dora (Trương Vũ Quỳnh Mai) has been warmly welcomed by fans. She has not disappointed the gaming community by excellently fulfilling her role as the tournament host, connecting players with the audience. At the same time, she has made a significant impression on colleagues and players.
Currently taking a break and preparing for new projects, Mai Dora had the opportunity to chat with GameK.vn and reflect on her journey to win over the audience after her first “term”.
Reporter: After experiencing your first VCS season with the mic, what are some memorable moments for you, Mai?
Mai Dora: The most memorable thing for me is holding the mic and witnessing the different emotions of players after they finish a match, as it clearly reflects what I, as a host, need to observe and pay attention to.
If I had to pick the most memorable moment, it would probably be when I interviewed GAM after the finals. It wasn’t just about asking questions but also about conveying the team’s victorious emotions, the enthusiasm of the audience, and balancing the interview with Bảo Ngọc afterwards. This required me to be skillful and in control of the situation, which is something I always remind myself to master in this job.
In the beginning, people noticed you for your appearance rather than your hosting skills. How did that make you feel?
Honestly, I wasn’t too surprised at first, but I still focused on preparing meticulously for each time I hosted and my expertise in the game. I believe that while appearance may be the first impression, long-term success in this job relies primarily on skill.
Not to mention, I truly feel insecure about my appearance; I never dare to think I have any beautiful or outstanding traits that would attract attention.
If you were to evaluate yourself, what do you see as your strengths and weaknesses?
My strengths include confidence in front of the camera and a bit of humor, enough to make interviews more enjoyable and not rigid or constrained by professionalism. As for weaknesses, I might not be confident about my appearance. Especially when I once accidentally read some rude comments about my appearance, I felt even less attractive.
Of course, that doesn’t make me retreat; excelling in my role as a host is what I aim for, but it does affect my mood somewhat.
Can you share more about your feelings during instances of body shaming?
I believe I am not just body shamed but compared to many other horrible things.
Initially, I wrapped myself in a blanket and cried for several days and nights; I even called my mother crying: “Mom, people say I’m ugly…”, with many rude comments about my bust. Gradually, I learned to focus only on constructive criticism about my work, the encouragement, and support from those who care about me.
Pursuing a sexy style, many might think you are strong and resilient in the face of harsh comments, yet you still cried live on air. Can you share your feelings at that moment?
That was a “new experience” I had never faced before.
At that moment, I was experiencing the terrifying side of social media for the first time, too naive and unaware of where I went wrong to incur such rude opinions. I felt confused, unjustly accused, and helpless. I tried to go live to reassure everyone, but when more people joined my stream to continue with rude words, I couldn’t take it anymore, so I cried live on stream.
Friends and colleagues comforted me a lot, and I know that if I haven’t done anything wrong, I have nothing to fear. However, the pressure and many false accusations were overwhelming. My Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube were flooded with negativity, and it was a terrifying feeling. Perhaps this unforgettable experience makes me more cautious about statements that can be easily misunderstood.
So, what experiences have you gained from your encounters in this profession?
In the beginning, all the negative information felt like a bucket of cold water poured over my head; it was my “new experience”. The lesson I learned is to ignore discourteous comments online and focus on my work, myself, friends, family, and set daily goals and motivations to strive for.
Many viewers believe that the quality of VCS in particular and Esports tournaments in general are significantly affected by the toxic and uncivil behavior of a substantial portion of the audience. As a professional in the field, what are your thoughts on this issue?
Perhaps I am not the only one speaking out about this issue. Whether little or much, this will affect not only professionals like me but also the true fans of Esports. I think we should focus on positive aspects, because out there, many young people who love and aspire to a civilized Esports community exist. I sincerely hope that this positive energy will spread, helping Esports in Vietnam to grow even more.
Many of your colleagues have shared about the pressure and feeling of loneliness in this profession, facing difficulties. Have you ever regretted your decision to apply to be an Esports host?
I have never regretted applying to be an Esports host. The difficulties and malicious comments may have saddened not just me, but they also serve as motivation for me to strive harder in my career. “Real gold doesn’t fear the fire.” I will always do my best for those who have loved and trusted me. This job is not something just anyone can do; I have been given the opportunity, which means I deserve it, and there is no reason to step back.
Do you have any advice for young people who want to try their hand at this profession?
Have a strong spirit, a sense of responsibility, and a smile on your face.
In the near future, do you have any work plans or activities you want to share with the readers?
I will create vlog content or share about myself on my personal YouTube channel. Please subscribe and look forward to some small surprises *smiles*.
Thank you, Mai, for these candid and interesting insights. I wish you will leave new impressions on the audience in the future!
