<![CDATA[Female player participation in Southeast Asian e-sports continues to increase, including in Valorant competitions. However, the dominance of masculine culture in FPS games still creates gender stereotypes that impact their playing experience and position in the competitive environment. This study aims to analyze the forms of stereotypes experienced by female players, their impact on in-game performance and communication, and the strategies they use to survive in the competitive arena. The study used a qualitative approach with a case study method through in-depth interviews with female players and coaches who have participated in official tournaments such as VCT Game Changers and FSL. Analysis was conducted through open coding and triangulation. This study used Representation Theory (Stuart Hall) to examine the construction of stereotypes, the Spiral of Silence Theory (Noelle-Neumann) to understand players' communication responses, and Motivation Theory Deci & Ryan to explain the factors that keep them competing. The results show that female players face verbal harassment, doubts about their abilities, and objectification, which affect their playing comfort and confidence. However, team support, competitive achievements, and intrinsic motivation are factors that encourage them to persist in Valorant competitions. Partisipasi pemain perempuan dalam e-sports Asia Tenggara terus meningkat, termasuk pada kompetisi Valorant. Namun, dominasi budaya maskulin dalam permainan FPS masih menimbulkan stereotip gender yang memengaruhi pengalaman bermain dan posisi mereka dalam lingkungan kompetitif. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bentuk stereotip yang dialami pemain perempuan, dampaknya terhadap performa dan komunikasi dalam game, serta strategi yang mereka gunakan untuk bertahan di ranah kompetitif. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode fenomenologi melalui wawancara mendalam kepada pemain perempuan dan pelatih yang pernah mengikuti turnamen resmi seperti VCT Game Changers dan FSL. Analisis dilakukan melalui open coding dan triangulasi. Penelitian ini menggunakan Teori Representasi (Stuart Hall) untuk melihat konstruksi stereotip, Teori Spiral Keheningan (Noelle-Neumann) untuk memahami respons komunikasi pemain, serta Teori Motivasi (Deci & Ryan) untuk menjelaskan faktor yang membuat mereka tetap berkompetisi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemain perempuan menghadapi pelecehan verbal, keraguan atas kemampuan, dan objektifikasi yang memengaruhi kenyamanan bermain serta kepercayaan diri. Meskipun demikian, dukungan tim, pencapaian kompetitif, dan motivasi intrinsik menjadi faktor yang mendorong mereka tetap bertahan di kompetisi Valorant.]]>
