Maxine Esteban, a Paris 2024 Olympian, showcases her gaming prowess, besides Fencing, by achieving Immortal rank in Dota 2, one of the most popular games in esports.
(Image credit: Maxine Esteban Facebook)
The Philippine-born fencer, who represented Ivory Coast in the Paris Games, said that she started playing Dota 2 during the COVID-19 pandemic under the tutelage of her father, who taught her the ropes of the game.
She even mentioned playing Dota 2 until 5 a.m. because her training regime was cancelled due to COVID-19. Eventually, the grind led to Esteban hitting the peak rank of Immortal in the game, a feat which only a few can reach.
“Every time we played, we were super happy. It’s one of the most memorable moments in my life,” said Esteban.
She enjoyed playing support heroes and playing in the mid-lane with her most played Dota 2 heroes being Wind Ranger, Witch Doctor and Ogre Magi.
Besides playing Dota 2, she also played Mobile Legends: Bang Bang with her sister Mia and won the best medal in the video game – a 10-star Mythic rank – and she did that during her resting period from training.
Esteban said, “Because in Germany when we have nothing to do, when we rest from training, we play.”
Esteban bowed out of the Paris Games 2024 after a loss to France’s Pauline Ranvier, 7-15, in the table of 32 at the women's individual fencing competition on July 28, 2024. Disappointed with her Olympic performance, she felt she could have achieved more in Paris.
“I always felt like I could win for them and make both my homes proud,” concluded Esteban.
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