Samantha “Persia” Hancock is a fighting game veteran, Producer at Gamespot, and well-known commentator in the community. She also founded XO Academy, an organization dedicated to helping women grow in the FGC.

This interview follows Persia’s appearance as the host of Women of the FGC: Street Fighter V Edition. Let’s dive into what sparked her interest in fighting games, how she got into commentary, and why passion is the best motivation regardless of your goals.

How did you get into competitive gaming?

I played Halo 2 a lot with my brother and we had a sibling rivalry going. I couldn’t stand losing but got better and then he couldn’t beat me, so I played on Xbox connect until my parents let me get Xbox Live.

I won a few small tournaments at our local Game Crazy that really sharpened my competitive edge and pushed me to keep going. I was 13 and everyone was like “who is this?”

What happened next?

I got into fighting games. Fighting games are one-on-one. It was me against the world.

Where did that “you against the world” mentality come from?

I wanted to be just as good at fighting games as I was at shooters.

It was me against the world in terms of actually competing but I also felt that way about life in general at the time. I just turned 18 and with this newfound freedom, I moved to New York, away from family or any friends, and took a chance on putting my competitive edge to use.

While I did grow up playing video games with my parents, I don't think they were very happy about where my dreams were taking me... so in the process, it was exactly like starting over. I’m happy they’ve come around since then.

How did you get into game commentary?

I was entering a lot of local and regional tournaments, and back then getting on the mic was nonchalant. I would just ask if I could hop on.

I was waiting on results at one of those events and Spooky was like “do you wanna hop on” and people were enjoying what I was doing. Big E noticed and eventually said, “You need to do more. I think you have something here.”

What set you apart from the run-of-the-mill local commentator?

I was knowledgeable of the game but also well-spoken and conveyed information quickly and easily. I had my own quirky humor.

I tend to do more play-by-play commentary but the ongoing joke for a while was that I could make any of my co-commentators look good.

I think it comes down to how mindful I am of both me and fellow commentators so we can put on a great overall show because it's always better when both people on the mic are having a great time.

Tell me about your first experience commentating for UMVC3.

I definitely felt in my element. I commentate the same way I break down games with my friends when we're hitting the lab for hours on end. Trying to find different perspectives, different options, different reasons for why things happen are all a part of what makes doing so on the mic feel easy.

When it comes to competing, nothing can quite match up to that level of adrenaline, but commentating sure does come close. Being able to convey that understanding to viewers gives me a different kind of rush both as a spectator, like everyone at home, and also as a competitor.

What’s the highlight of your commenting career so far?

It was the first time I commentated at EVO. I didn’t know I was the first woman to do it until EVO staff told me right before I went on the mic. They were like, “No pressure.”

It was really cool. I didn’t realize it would have any impact.

What are some of the obstacles you have to deal with as a woman in the FGC scene?

I feel like my obstacles were fairly common ones that happen to women all the time - not just in gaming.

I knew I had a passion and worked hard but felt it was hard to put a dollar amount on that. Then I’d go to an event and find out my co-commentator was making three to four times more than me and it opened my eyes. It was then that I knew, if I did it right, I could do this for a living.

For me it was about the love of the games but to turn my passion into a career I learned I had to look out for myself and know my worth.

Money can be a real issue in esports. How do you overcome that?

I worked full-time at a bakery for about 5 years as I was traveling to events on the weekends and fitting in commentary any time I could. I ended up finding a new job at a catering company for another two years when I finally got to a point where I was picking up enough gigs to try and do commentary and hosting work full-time.

It was scary and in hindsight, I shouldn't have tried to go full-time on freelancing so soon but in my heart, it was really what I wanted and what made me happy. If it weren't for my close friends who are pretty much family - I definitely wouldn't have succeeded.

You created something called XO Academy to help women competing in the FGC. Tell me about it.

I feel like when it comes to succeeding in esports it’s more than just playing the game. You can do more with your ability like content and I wanted to encourage that for other women in the scene who want to learn more from credible sources.

We’ve sponsored nearly a dozen women in the community so far and just ran our first 8 week course. Students get gameplay training with a pro player and coaches. It covers everything from physical therapy and hand stretches to media training and marketing.

What advice do you have for people following in your footsteps?

Asking for help means reaching out to other people and being a part of the conversation. It can be tough but putting yourself out there to pursue your dreams is the first step.

And remember, always do it for the love of the game not for the money or fame. Do it for the game and everything comes after that.