The world of gaming and Esports can be a complicated one for noobs, but just to break it down, we have the help of an Esports presenter or host who talks avid watchers through professional games being played. Think of it like any sport, because it is, except it includes more graphics, intensity, and tactical play that we could never try to replicate (yes, that includes Sims).

Ahead of the BLAST Premier World Final in Abu Dhabi for Counter-Strike, teams from around the world will be going head to head to win a whopping $1 million cash prize, and for those visiting the Etihad Arena, they’ll be able to play in Esports tournaments, check out a VR park, meet and greets, and so much more.

We caught up with Esports presenter Freya Spiers to discuss all things gaming, her career journey, and what she’s most looking forward to covering at the BLAST Premier World Final. Scroll down below to read more…

Here’s how Freya Spiers got her job as an Esports presenter…

Cosmo ME: How did you get started in the world of esports presenting, and what inspired you to pursue this career path? 

Freya Spiers: I’ve always been an avid gamer from a young age. Growing up with my dad, we used to play a lot of Call of Duty, so gaming has always been a massive part of my life. However, I didn’t think about it as a career path until I went to Gamescom, which is a big gaming convention that happens in Cologne every year. This is a place where new games get announced and we get a taste of what is coming out later that year. 
 
It was there that I came across my first Counter-Strike tournament – the 2014 Major. It was accidentally amazing to stumble across this kind of competitive space, where it felt like it was such a unity between all members of the community. 
  
I then entered a competition for Season 4 of the Esports Championship Series which was held in Mexico in 2017 by FACEIT, where they held a competition for the biggest ‘superfan’ to come and join the experience in Cancun. Sadly I didn’t win, but the organisers liked my entry, and it was from there that kickstarted my career. I got asked to record voiceovers and host more FACEIT tournaments throughout 2018 and began branching out to more events in 2019. 
 
Overall, it’s been a great journey so far and I’m very fortunate to be at the right place at the right time. 

Esports presenter

Cosmo ME: Can you share some of your favorite moments or experiences from your time as an Esports presenter?

Freya Spiers: There are so many! One of my favourites has to be my first interview with Zywoo who, back in 2018, was the next big thing in Counter-Strike. It turned out to be one of the funniest interviews ever. Later in 2023 when he won the Paris Major, I interviewed him again and I remember thinking to myself how he has come so far in his career but also as a personality. 

As a host, it’s amazing that we get to watch a lot of talented players grow up and reach the peak of their careers. I’ve seen players come in at such a young age with so much skill, and it’s wonderful that we get to share some of the best moments of their lives while sharing their inspiring stories with the masses. 

Cosmo ME: How do you prepare for live broadcasts and interviews in the fast-paced world of esports, and what advice would you give to aspiring Esports presenters?

Freya Spiers: For me, it is key to work closely and have a lot of trust with the production staff. I think this is super important as before every top-tier event, we have a pre-production meeting with the broadcast team to understand their vision for the show, while at the same time, I get to bring my knowledge and expertise to the world of Counter-Strike. 
  
Additionally, I encourage people to write down everything – whether that is on an iPad or a piece of paper. This massively helps me memorise everything from quick key points to longer scripts from every tournament I work in – you’ll never know when you’ll need to look back in your notes! 

Cosmo ME: What do you believe are the key qualities and skills that make a successful esports presenter?

Freya Spiers: Firstly, people need to have a passion for whatever game that they find themselves in. In this day and age, fans are very quick to know when something is authentic and can see when someone is really interested and loves what they’re doing.  

Flexibility is another quality. As much as everything may have been prepared perfectly, occasionally, things don’t go to plan, and you’ve got to take that in your stride.

And thirdly, attention to detail is key. People need to have a keen eye, to notice the small things which may go overlooked to ensure the whole production is polished and smooth.

Cosmo ME: Are there any particular teams, or players that you are especially excited to cover at the BLAST Premier World Final?

Freya Spiers: I would say with s1mple departing NAVI, w0nderful has a lot of eyes on his impact within the server now, and has had such an interesting story. He’s had a tough time recently as he had to move locations due to the ongoing political conflict, so it’s great to see him take this step up in this Tier One squad and I’m intrigued to see what he can deliver in Abu Dhabi. 
 
Another player I’m looking forward to seeing is Mezii for Team Vitality. He’s a player that some underestimate, and now he is stepping into one of the best teams in the world. I hope he can find his footing for the team, and it would be great to see a UK player at the top of the Counter-Strike again!Â