Cuddle Core talks TEKKEN 8, Evo 2024, and beyond: “I used to want to make a difference all the time as a kid.”

At Evo 2024 in Las Vegas, there was no lack of skilled competitors, such as Jeannail “Cuddle Core” Carter from Red Bull eSports. In the midst of all the excitement, Cuddle Core took a break to chat with esports.gg during an interview. Topics included TEKKEN 8’s current gameplay dynamics, her experiences as a professional gamer, and additional intriguing subjects. You can find the complete interview here.

Cuddle Core talks TEKKEN 8 meta at Evo Las Vegas 2024

At Evo Las Vegas this year, Cuddle Core finds herself reunited with dear friends within the fighting game community (FGC). This gathering holds a unique significance for her, marking her first experience of the tournament scene for TEKKEN 8. Witnessing an array of players and their characters, particularly given the novelty of the game, brings her immense joy.

At Evo, Cuddle Core expressed her views on TEKKEN 8’s competitive scene, mentioning that it’s become more aggressive. However, she pointed out that this time around, players are handsomely compensated for accurate reads, specifically with the Heat Burst feature. In earlier versions, activating Heat Burst would make it impossible to evade an attack, leading to a slower match flow. Consequently, the recent update is vital as it strikes a harmonious balance between offense and defense, enabling players to capitalize on their reads and employ Power Crush tactics.

She explained her preparation process for participating in major tournaments like Evo. “I work closely with a coach,” she shared. “We discuss various aspects of the game to be aware of during competitions. For instance, we identify frequent characters and matchups, such as Dragunov, Feng Wei, and Victor.” She added, “Characters can be intricately designed, making it challenging to tackle every detail while competing.”

To keep her concentration sharp, Cuddle Core participates in regular online competitions and examines her gameplay to enhance her tactics and devise effective responses against various opponents. Going up against experts of diverse characters broadens her experience, making her more adept at handling match-ups.

Cuddle Core on the FGC and creating spaces for women in esports

As a passionate TEKKEN 8 gamer, Cuddle Core finds herself irresistibly attracted to the thrilling allure of competition. Her affection for the game extends beyond just playing, as she relishes the process of honing her skills through rigorous training. The unexpected turn towards esports has brought new discoveries and connections with like-minded individuals who share her ambitions.

Cuddle Core expressed that the feeling of belonging and connection, which she didn’t encounter through gaming before, was unique. Instead, it came in a different form. The sense of teamwork and friendship, or camaraderie, significantly contributed to her development within the game. It was an essential factor driving her progress and success.

Although being a woman in the gaming community (FGC) wasn’t easy for me, I managed to carve out my unique space and build a supportive network around me. This means I feel secure, valued, and respected at all times. However, not every corner of the FGC is inclusive and welcoming. Sadly, some individuals may make it challenging for certain groups based on their backgrounds, including women. Overall, the gaming community is diverse, but we must acknowledge that not everyone experiences the same level of acceptance and respect.

Cuddle Core shared that many players express to her that her involvement in competitive gaming or playing TEKKEN motivates them. This comes as a surprise and leaves her feeling humbled. She takes pride in bringing more people into the community and positively impacting it. As a child, she harbored a desire to make a meaningful difference.

“She expressed her continual surprise yet delight, an occurrence not unfamiliar to her. ‘Amazing,’ she exclaimed, ‘I’m grateful for the impact I’ve made.’ The imprint she left will attract more individuals. Pleased to have played a part in enhancing this place, she reflected on her childhood dreams of making a difference, now realized in unexpected yet fulfilling ways.”

From Kingdom Hearts 2 to carpooling to Red Bull eSports

The player recounted growing up with her father, playing a diverse range of games together. Memories of long summer afternoons are filled with titles like Kingdom Hearts 2, igniting her love for role-playing games. Participating in Evo as Red Bull’s representative marks a significant milestone in her career and personal development – an achievement she could hardly imagine during her childhood trips to local tournaments.

Now, when Cuddle Core shares that she’s a pro gamer, she might instead say that it’s similar to being a conventional athlete, involving media engagements and regular training regimens.

In conclusion, Cuddle Core pondered over her self-image and more. “My identity as a woman, a Black woman, and a professional gamer was seldom discussed until my public status. I am all these things, yet they aren’t always apparent. It’s only now that I truly value and cherish every aspect of myself, knowing there are those who embrace and celebrate it. It’s not just about identity, but also my skills and achievements. They acknowledge the whole package.”

Discovering the world of professional gaming over the past few years has been an enlightening and fulfilling experience for me. It has broadened my horizons and made me more open-minded. I am truly thankful for this chance to be a part of it, and grateful to those who encouraged me to embrace this new aspect of myself.