The trajectory of an elite athlete in the esports scene requires much more than quick reflexes. In the case of Paula, known worldwide as bstrdd, this path involved several challenges, from geographical hurdles to a radical change of country. Recently, in an exclusive interview with Exitlag News, the pro player detailed her journey of overcoming obstacles.
Currently, she shines as an Exitlag ambassador and a fundamental pillar of MIBR. However, the success we see today on the VALORANT stages began humbly. The Chilean found in video games much more than a refuge; she found a solid career that inspires thousands of new talents.
The awakening of talent in shooting games
Paula’s passion for electronic games arose through the direct influence of her father. During her childhood in Chile, she explored various titles on classic consoles, such as the PlayStation. Thus, titles like Dragon Ball Z and The Sims were part of her daily routine.
However, it was in first-person shooters (FPS) that she demonstrated an atypical ease. While most players take years to level up, she reached high levels quickly. Regarding her start in CS:GO, the player recalled her meteoric evolution during the conversation.
“I think I don’t know when I discovered I was good at shooting games. Because I remember that when I started, back in 2015, I was already Global Elite. And I think the following year, I was already like level 20 on Gamers Club,” stated bstrdd.
This competitive base was essential for her later transition to VALORANT. The pro player proved that raw talent, when combined with discipline, generates impressive results. Because of this, she quickly became one of the most coveted pieces by major esports organizations.
The fight against latency and high ping
One of the most severe obstacles in Paula’s career was the connection infrastructure in southern Chile. Living far from the main competition servers imposed a constant technical disadvantage. Additionally, the physical distance required mental resilience, something few young players can maintain.
During the interview, she explained how logistics affected her performance in competitive matches. The effort to stay at the top, even with unfavorable conditions, molded her resilient character. With this, she learned to value every opportunity to play in low-latency environments.
“So I started playing there in the south of Chile, which had much higher lag (compared to Santiago). Like 3 hours on the bus, just to give you an idea of the distance. That’s when I played with a lot of lag. For example, my ping was between 70 and almost 80 on a good day,” the athlete shared.
This negative experience with the connection was one of the reasons that brought her closer to optimization tools. Today, as a brand ambassador, she understands the importance of a stable route for high performance. After all, at the professional level, milliseconds determine who wins the duel.
New life and the warmth of the Brazilian public
The decision to move to Brazil transformed not only her career but also her worldview. Paula had to deal with the language barrier and the intensity of São Paulo. However, the welcome from the Brazilian fans greatly facilitated this cultural transition process.
The player highlighted that the energy of local fans is incomparable to any other region. This emotional connection has become fuel for her performances inside the server. Thus, she feels at home, even being miles away from her homeland.
“I think Brazilians are more from the heart, they are nicer, they are like happy,” she commented with enthusiasm. This positive perception reflects the symbiosis between the athlete and her new fan base.
Despite the happiness, urban adaptation in São Paulo still generates constant surprises. She compares the frantic pace of the Brazilian capital with the more contained organization of Santiago. Finally, she admits that the Brazilian infrastructure for the VALORANT scene is a competitive differentiator.
How to handle pressure at the top of the scene
Staying at the peak for so long generates a considerable emotional burden on any athlete. For bstrdd, the greatest pressure does not come from external sources, but from her own ambition. She describes herself as a born competitor who has grown accustomed to the taste of victory.
During the talk, she revealed that self-criticism is a constant tool for evolution. However, this same characteristic can make defeats more bitter than usual. Therefore, psychological work has become as important as daily aim training.
“I think I don’t feel much of this pressure to perform well, but I feel this pressure to win, because it’s something I like. I think I got used to it the wrong way, because I started dominating everything in the scene, right?” bstrdd confessed about her competitive mentality.
Additionally, she emphasizes that mental balance is what sustains performance in decisive moments. In high-tension matches, clarity of thought is worth more than isolated technique. Thus, the athlete invests time taking care of her mental health to avoid burnout.
Future plans and legacy in the inclusive scene
Although she still has plenty of energy to compete, Paula already glimpses paths for the future. Interest in fashion and content creation appear as possible horizons—only after retirement, of course. However, her immediate focus remains entirely on Game Changers and world titles.
She believes that the inclusive scene still has room to grow and become more professional. The hegemony of her former team, Team Liquid, serves as a goal for other organizations seeking the top. Therefore, the renewal of talent is fundamental to keeping the ecosystem healthy and competitive.
“I think I will still compete, because I think I have a lot of things to achieve. I hope to be able to continue competing until I’m about 30. However, in the future, I would like to work with the internet,” she revealed about her long-term plans.
For young girls who wish to follow in her footsteps, Paula’s message is one of total commitment to the goal. The path requires personal sacrifices and an exhaustive training routine. With this, only those who have a genuine passion for the game can endure the challenges of professional life.
The story of bstrdd is an example that borders can be broken with dedication. Whether facing high ping in Chile or the pressure of crowded stadiums, she stands firm. Finally, her legacy in VALORANT is already written as one of the greatest athletes in history. And of course, it will continue to be marked with each new achievement.
