Spotlight on LGBTQIA+ Creators in 2XKO

As a TO, player, and content creator, TerrAko’s mission is to “spread that joy of fighting games to other people.” Through their organisation, Force Block, TerrAko builds spaces that cater to everyone from competitors to casuals. Whether they’re hosting weekly events like Tuco Tuesday or the hilariously chaotic Oops All Blitzcrank bracket, TerrAko is all about creating memorable moments that bring people together. This week, they’re hosting a special Senna Week at Force Block, with nightly events in honour of the Redeemer’s impending release.

TerrAko’s advice for newcomers breaking into the scene emphasises a self-starting mentality. “Find a friend or community of players that want the same things you want outta fighting games... and if you find that that community doesn't exist, then make it yourself.” 

Register for TerrAko’s Senna Week events on start.gg, and play every night this week at 4pm PT/7pm EST. Check out their other work at @ForceBlockFGC.

Saki Sakura is versatile—creator, commentator, frequent contributor to the Weekend Warmup—but their work cultivating a dedicated community (affectionately known as their “mews”) shines through the hot takes in my feed. Through their tournament series, Sakura Shrine, they have created a uniquely warm, chill environment for participants. For Saki, the ultimate reward is hearing that their streams, charity events, and tournaments have helped their community members feel safe and confident enough to step into the broader FGC.

Reflecting on the supportive groups that helped them understand who they were when they first started, they advise new players: “Creators and TOs continue to provide better spaces for all skills, orientation, and personalities... finding [your space] is so crucial in the first step to getting into fighting games, so [you] can start their journey in growing and leveling up while feeling accepted and supported.”

Want to join the Sakura Shrine or become one of Saki’s mews? Find all of their socials at sakisakuratv.info!

This is pure nepotism because I am literally his manager, but JulezJP is the GOAT. By day, Julez works behind the scenes on 2XKO, writing patch notes, cooking up memes, and bringing coveted swag (like those pins and lanyards) to live events. By night, he’s a die-hard competitor dragging friends into heated moneymatches, drowning in pools, and bugging Yohosie about champ balance.

For Julez, fighting games are at their best when you celebrate the small victories. His ultimate advice to new players? Look for wins beyond just the dub: “Start enjoying and finding fulfillment in landing a parry, using retreating guard right, landing your combo in a match for the first time... I enjoy landing a swaggy combo even if it’s not optimal!”

Want to see how Riot is supporting grassroots locals and online brackets? Check out the program Julez built by visiting the 2XKO Community Events page!

As a powerhouse TO duo, Mayu and Samantha (collectively known as SaYuuVT), are the creators of a weekly tournament series based out of Brazil called Dragon’s Palace. Sustaining focused spaces that provide a consistent platform helps make players better, quicker, and they see it happen live during their broadcasts. “We have hosted many tournaments, and it is always really fun to watch players improve between tournament editions,” the duo notes.

For Mayu and Samantha, they relish the organic, once-in-a-blue-moon fun moments that can only happen in fighting games, and they sent me a ton of clips highlighting them. For newcomers who might feel intimidated by the learning curve, their advice is simple: stay the course and enjoy the ride. “Don’t give up. Keep learning little by little and focus on having fun. 2XKO is an active and amazing game, so you’ll find matches to keep challenging yourself and having fun along the way.”

Catch their teamwork clips or competitive brackets by following Samantha or Mayu on X. You can also watch all of their past events via their official 2XKO Tournament playlist on YouTube!