The Game is On: Gamer and Model Avori Henderson Speaks to Rival about her Road to Success
Today we sit down and talk to Avori Henderson! A former pageant queen turned professional gamer. Over the years Avori has done quite the transformation from one career into the next, and she's absolutely dominating her new path. In the world of online gaming, she's making waves with not only her skills in gaming and technology, but also by her own fashion line! We'll talk about some of her current favorites, as well as delving a bit into her past.
Hi, Avori! It's a real pleasure to get to speak with you today. You've been described as a female trailblazer in the gaming industry, and we're always down for a little girl power! I always like to start at the beginning, so tell me, what was the first video game you ever played?
I used to play A LOT of crash bandicoot as a kid but I never actually touched a first-person shooter game until the age of 21! After that, it was game over, or in my case, the game just began? I was sold and knew I wanted to game professionally for the rest of my life.
What are some of the current games that you're into?
I play call of duty warzone, PUBG, valorant the most right now. Warzone is definitely my favorite as I love the battle royale style games and the quick-paced movement In the game.
I'd love to talk a little bit about your PUBG tournament. What was the experience of running your very own tournament like? What was that process?
I thought it was going to be super easy and laid back, but the way I do things it was actually really stressful and a lot of work! I wanted it to be perfect and I really believe it was very close! I was so happy to be able to provide that level of entertainment and not only that but be able to raise $10,000.00 for charity.
Can you tell us a little bit about what it's like to be a female streamer in such a male-dominated industry?
It's honestly an honor. I know that I lot of women don't make it in the industry so I am honored to be a representative of female gamers and to be able to live out my dream.
Anything technological always comes with a learning curve. What was the hardest part of streaming that you had to learn?
The hardest thing to learn was definitely how gaming computers work and how to fix parts when the PC isn't working. It's a bit like learning how to troubleshoot and repair cars. There are so many moving parts and you really need to learn from an expert in order to be able to maintain a $5,000.00 piece of equipment.
Speaking of pageants and modeling, let's change topics just a bit. What was it that first got you interested in pageantry?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to take on the leadership role in my life. I knew I wanted to work hard, inspire, create, and ultimately enjoy life. Pageantry for me was a thing I could work hard at, inspire, and achieve while I was getting my degree. I knew it was short term, but I also knew that it would teach my skills I could have for a lifetime.
Could you give a bit of insight about your very first pageant?
My very first pageant was Miss Chatham's sweet corn festival. I got runner up and I wore my $100 prom dress. I kind of entered it on a whim and didn't expect to like it so much. From then on, I started entering into miss America pageants where I was able to take home three titles in the course of 3 years.
So these are two massively different worlds. You've really turned a corner in your career, though you have stayed involved in fashion, but we'll get into that in just a bit. What was it that made you realize that gaming was your calling?
I have had a passion for gaming for years now and when I saw the niche for female gamers and the opportunity to inspire others, I was sold! I just know that this is what I'm called to do and I really can't explain how or why I know this, but it's more of a feeling of certainty for me.
You work with two specific charities, I'd love you to take a moment to tell us about FredHutch and Children's Miracle Network?
Children's miracle network is a charity I've raised money for since I was 15. I had the opportunity of walking into their locations and meeting some of the kids they provide medical care for and I can't imagine the stress of having an illness like that at such a young age. I've always wanted to help out as much as possible. With FredHutch, I think every single person on earth has been either directly affected by cancer or affected through people they know in their life.
Before we go, I'd like to get away from your career a bit and ask you to give us a quote that really resonates with you?
"If you don't see the light in the world, be the light in the world"
Finally, what are some words of wisdom that you could give to your fans?
You can only achieve as big as you dream, so dream big! Don't put limits on your own life, overcome obstacles, work hard, and keep dreaming big!
An inspirational story from start to finish, Avori is truly carving a path that is all her own. Having already run her own PUBG tournament, we can't wait to see what's in store for her next. More tournaments, a gamer inspired fashion line? She's got the world at her fingertips, and all of the ambition to get it done! For more information on Avorie Henderson, her fashion line, and to keep up with her current streaming schedules and platforms, you can follow her.
Twitter: @avoriliz
@stylesbyavori
Instagram: @avoriliz
Facebook Gaming: fb.gg/missavori
Meet the Author
Kit Sawyer is a 30 year old writer from Austin Texas. She has cemented her career as a journalist with an extensive list of celebrity interviews; all of which have been featured in numerous digital and print publications.
Some of Kit’s recent work can be found on the webcomic ‘Chronically Thriving’, and of coarse here at the Rival Mag Fam!