“Keep fighting for your dream”: Team Vitality MLBB pro Vivian reflects on overcoming challenges and judgement to become a top esports pro

Team Vitality Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) player Vivi “Vivian” Indrawaty changed her life and her family’s by banking on her esports career. The Indonesian athlete comes from a rural household, where she struggled with insecurity and fear of judgment about her living situation throughout her childhood.

Vivian’s incredible MLBB success, however, allowed the player to buy a home for her mother.

Today, Vivian is one of the most decorated women in esports history, known as the “Mother of Tanks” among MLBB esports fans. Alongside her teammates at Team Vitality, she most recently defended the MLBB Women’s International (MWI) crown at the 2026 Esports World Cup.  

This marks the 27-year-old’s second back-to-back MWI trophy (2022-2023 and 2025-2026). Meanwhile, the 2026 edition became the most-watched MWI event to date with 565,483 peak viewers, according to esports viewership platform Esports Charts.

Vivian recently spoke to Esports Insider about her esports journey, her transition from Jungler to Roamer, and women’s esports.

ESI: Could you tell me a bit about your role and your journey to get there?

Vivian: I didn’t start off as a Roamer. I started playing as a Jungler, actually, like a damage dealer. But, eventually, as time [went by], I realized that I couldn’t fully execute that role properly. Then, after that, I transitioned to Roamer. And I realized that, [as] a Roamer, I know what the damage dealers want. 

From previously being a damage dealer and now focusing on the Roamer side, the first thing I did was expand my hero pool as a Roamer. Then, I executed my job by covering for the teammates or initiating for the team, and providing the team with as much information as I could as a Roamer.

ESI: What does a normal training day look like for you now, versus five years ago?

Vivian: Five years ago, training was mainly about gaining experience. We did not have the same resources, and I sometimes had to borrow a device just to practice. Most of the learning came from playing as much as possible and figuring things out on my own. 

We have a gaming house, good facilities, and reliable devices, so I can fully focus on training. Having a coach has also made a huge difference because I now receive clear guidance on what to work on and where I need to improve.

ESI: Given all your combined experience and accomplishments, do you still feel the nerves or the pressure of competing in a championship grand final?

Vivian: No, I didn’t feel nervous when stepping on the stage. But instead, I [had] a lot of thoughts on my mind about what I’ve achieved so far. Have I fulfilled my duties as a Roamer? Is there anything to take note of [when] stepping into the grand finals? That’s all.

ESI: You have won 34 regional and international titles throughout your competitive career so far. That is more than most male players in the scene. Do you think the industry still needs the label “women’s esports,” or are we past that?

Vivian: If you look at traditional sports, men’s and women’s categories each have an important place, and I believe the same is true in esports. The teams can have different communication styles, dynamics, and experiences. 

As the only all-women’s tournament at the Esports World Cup, MWI gives female athletes a vital global stage to compete, gain recognition, and inspire others. That visibility is essential to creating more opportunities and strengthening the women’s competitive scene.

ESI: You walked away from a stable graphics engineering career to go all-in on esports when women barely got a look in. If a young woman came to you today with that same choice, what would you tell her?

Vivian: I would tell her that if this is truly her dream, she should not let negative voices or discouragement stop her — but going all-in also means being fully committed. 

Start by competing in smaller community tournaments. They will give you valuable exposure, help you understand where you need to improve, and build the mental strength required to compete at a higher level. The journey will not always be easy, especially when people doubt you, but do not give up when things get difficult.

Keep believing in yourself, keep learning, and keep fighting for your dream.

ESI: Two years ago, you became the first MLBB women’s athlete to be showcased at The Sphere in Las Vegas, alongside former AP.Bren player David “FlapTzy” Canon. How did that feel?

Vivian: I was incredibly happy and surprised because I never expected to see myself on the Sphere. It was a real “wow” moment and honestly mind-blowing. 

Personally, it proved to me that all the hard work and struggles throughout my journey were worth it. I started as an ordinary person who simply loved playing MLBB, and I never imagined that one day my face would appear on such a global stage.

ESI: You’ve previously mentioned the shame your mother had. What would she say if she saw you compete today?

Vivian: She would probably say, “That’s my daughter — she’s amazing!”

ESI: What do you think it will take for the next Indonesian esports icon to emerge?

Vivian: It will take someone who can beat me. That’s when we’ll know the next global esports icon has arrived!