The FIFA phenom shares what drives her to compete in a Q&A for the launch of the Olympic Channel original series "Outside The Game".
Brazil’s level of fandom surrounding football is well documented, so you could say Stephanie "Teca" Santos’ affiliation with the sport comes naturally. Although her love of the game might not be surprising, her affinity and talent for the FIFA video game in the digital space might be to some.
“I’ve been playing FIFA since I was ten,” she says, “so I can say FIFA has always been present in my life.”
She’s an accomplished competitor and streamer (over 81,000 followers on Twitch) who signed with the esports organization Astralis in September of 2020. Two of the biggest feathers in her cap? She’s the first Brazilian FIFA esports pro, and she was first woman to qualify for FIFA’s elite division.
So let’s get to know Teca a little bit more. The first episode of Outside The Game features the FIFA phenom, and below we asked Teca a little bit more about her life, gaming and ultimate goals.
How did you choose the nickname Teca as your gaming alias?
In fact it wasn't a choice. When I started my channel I didn't know what name to put it. One day there was me, my mother and my stepfather and he called me Teca. Because of that I got this nickname, apart from the sound of FifaTeca it's easy to remember.
Can you walk us through your first video game memory and how impactful it was to who you are today?
My first video game memory was watching my brother play, as it was one of his favourite things to do. I always admired him a lot so that memory is always present in me.
What impact did your brother passing have on the trajectory of your gaming career?
My brother always supported me in everything I wanted to do and I always took that with me. I know that wherever he is, he must be very proud to know that he was fundamental for me to get where I am.
Do you have a specific competitive memory that sticks with you? Perhaps a winning moment, or a match you’d love to have another chance at?
My most striking competitive memory was my victory in the final of the Playstation Platinum tournament in Brazil, in which I beat an excellent player that I admire a lot in Brazil.
What drives you to compete, and why specifically in FIFA?
I love playing football because it's a sport that I admire a lot. FIFA for me is the game that has a totally innovative proposal with the Ultimate Team, because it allows you to compete with other players.
What obstacles have you overcome to achieve your success?
Some obstacles I overcame were the lack of equipment (camera, headset, among others) at the beginning, because they were very expensive and I couldn't afford it, because only my mother and brother worked; prejudice from some people for being a woman and playing FIFA which is a game more played by men, and another obstacle was the internet which where I live is not very good.
Astralis is a significant Esports organisation. What did signing with them mean for you and your career, and how do they support you?
Signing up with Astralis was a dream for me. Seeing that such an important organisation believed in my potential and trusted my work is something I will never forget, because from then on I had a structure that I would never have imagined having so that I could evolve inside the game. Outside that I acquired new experiences, I met incredible people besides participating in game festivals.
With your success, do you see yourself as a role model for other women in Esports and gaming?
I see myself as an inspiration. I've had some experiences of girls telling me that they like to see me play and that they play too.
How has gaming improved the quality of life for you and your mother?
The games allowed me to renovate my house, travel to new countries, help my mother with the household bills, among other things that made it possible to improve our quality of life.
What is your ultimate goal within Esports?
My ultimate goal in Esports is to always represent Astralis at a high level.