Rose Romanova is a community manager, cosplayer, competitor, and one of the women of the FGC. She continues to gain popularity as a skilled commentator with deep knowledge of fighting games. Learn more about her journey onto the microphone, plus tips for how to brush off trolls and why you should always work hard.

When did gaming become something more than casual for you?

I entered a tournament before I started playing fighting games. It was a Halo 3 tournament at my college. Our team came in 3rd place and we got a $75 gift card.

I got into fighting games after being a cosplayer for the ESL Mortal Kombat X Pro League Season Two finals. I was hired to cosplay as Cassie Cage and I was hanging out with fans and taking pictures and watching the tournament and my eyes lit up. I saw the complex layers and the hardcore side of the game.

I had been playing Mortal Kombat since I was a little kid and thought I was good but I was just mashing buttons. I saw the layers of gameplay and got interested in the competitive side. I saw the top 16 and none of them were women.

I never thought I’d make it but I said, ‘at least I’m one more woman joining the scene.’

How was your first tournament experience?

It was Combobreaker in May of 2016. It was rough; I only had a couple of months of training. I went 0-2. It was nice to learn about it and about tourney nerves.

Do you feel like you’ve faced any struggles because you’re a woman in the industry?

I didn’t really have many struggles. A lot of people were very welcoming and I felt supported. I never face discrimination offline. Online is where I see it and it’s usually a no-name profile picture account saying how women can’t do things. They would say things like “Are you a little boy with that girly voice” or “oh you’re a girl, get in the kitchen.” I didn't let it affect me. I let it roll off like water off a duck’s back.

I just worked really hard to get where I am. I went from cosplaying at a tournament to offline tournaments. I worked a bit for Netherrealm on Injustice 2 and I got really into frame data. I found my niche to commentate and was a sucker for analytics.

How are you able to brush off online harassment so easily?

It’s not always easy. There are going to be men and even women out there who have not come to terms with their hatred and how it stems from jealousy when they see people in the spotlight they don’t identify with or know. It’s important to remind yourself that you’re there for a reason and they would be there if they put in the work you did to get there, but they don’t.

Tell me about your journey as a commentator.

I started commentating at local tourneys. I lived in Chicago and did local tournaments for Injustice 2 in 2017 at the Galloping Ghost Arcade. I made a reel and that led to me being able to get on bigger events. I started doing Dragon Ball locals too. I did CEOtaku in 2018 and then the East Coast Throwdown Injustice 2 Pro Series Qualifier.

After that, I made a new reel and commentated Top 8 for Dragon Ball FighterZ at Final Round! Then my dream major which was Combobreaker in 2019. I went on the DragonBall World Tour First Attack Season 2 in Puerto Rico as well.

In early 2020 before the pandemic hit I was selected to be on the commentary team for the Dragon Ball FighterZ World Tour Finals in France.

What was your most memorable moment on the mic?

When I got to be on the desk at the Dragon Ball FighterZ World Tour Finals. Being able to commentate one of my favorite Android 18 players’ games (Shanks) was an absolute honor and my first time abroad!

What do you do to prepare to commentate on a game?

I lab the game and stream it. I’m always trying to play. I still compete to keep myself sharp. I think the best commentators are those who play their games.

Any advice for someone looking to break into commentating?

It’s going to be a small start. Start at locals or online events where you might be able to wiggle yourself a spot on the mic. Build your first reel and with enough experience, you can get on a major tournament.

It’s going to be the same amount of work regardless of what you identify as, but definitely don't be afraid if you are from a marginalized group to reach out to others for support, it can always be harder climbing up. I was very fortunate to be recognized early on.

Do you battle with self-doubt?

I deal with imposter syndrome. It’s ongoing. I try to remind myself I’m out here grinding this game. Whether these people see that or not I know I’ve put in the work to be there. When people are negative 9 times out of 10 it’s their own jealousy that they’re not there and you are.

How do you deal with your imposter syndrome?

I like to feel I deal with imposter syndrome best with the help of my friends. I am thankful every day to have friends like Damascus, LoganSama, Tyrant, and others who remind me I’m there for a reason when I doubt myself receiving opportunities. It’s nice to have good people in your corner when you are as hard on yourself as I can be.

What’s the biggest obstacle you face?

Learning to not look at Twitch chat and not feed the trolls. That’s my biggest challenge personally that can get me down.

What do you do to get in a better mood when something gets you down?

When trolls get me down I usually take it out at the gym. This year I have been doing Muay Thai for the last 6 months and that has helped with my mental peace of mind so much. Getting the frustration out through sweat and work is always a good solution I feel.

You wear a lot of hats. What do you do when you’re not commentating or streaming?

I’m a community manager at a video game company.

How would you say the gaming industry is changing?

Things have gotten better but there are still long strides to go to be inclusive to not just women, but Black women, women of color, and the lgbtq+ community.

Women have had struggles but I’m not the best example of those women. I’ve had struggles here and there but it’s nothing worth talking about and it’s nothing that’s held me back.

I’ve always believed if you work hard enough for something the juice is worth the squeeze. Eventually, if you keep at it you’ll be able to taste the success from all your hard work paying off. And you’ll make some great friends along the way.