Meet the team that’s changing the face of Counter-Strike 2. Galorys, a Brazilian organization, just introduced a lineup composed entirely of players with dwarfism. They’re gearing up to compete in community tournaments and divisions, all while promoting inclusivity in esports. The team is led by Mateus “Anãozera” Pesarini, who has over 11,000 hours of experience in the game.
Pesarini wants to break down barriers and show that people with dwarfism can thrive in competitive gaming. He says that often, people with dwarfism are only noticed for their humor and comedy, and are left out of opportunities. The team’s goal is to challenge these stereotypes and prove that they can be just as competitive as anyone else.
The lineup consists of six players: Leonardo “Tequileiro” Baltar, Henrique “Mini Craque” Saturnino, Linnicker “Mini Country”, Fernando “Fefo” Máximo, Marcos “Zika” Paulo, and Murilo “Major”. They’ve all put aside their humorous content to focus on their competitive performance.
Galorys’ Commitment to Inclusivity
According to Soraya Vasconcelos, Galorys’ Head of Esports, the organization only took on the project after the players demonstrated their commitment. “Our priority is to maintain a competitive level while opening doors for more representation,” she says.
The team’s announcement has generated a lot of buzz, with many fans expressing their support and admiration. As Galorys tweeted, “The wait is over! We’re proud to introduce the first CS2 team composed entirely of players with dwarfism in Brazil. They’re coming with attitude, focus, and a whole lot of skill.”
A Glimpse into the Team’s Journey
To give fans a better understanding of the team’s daily life, Galorys will be releasing a series of behind-the-scenes content. This will include footage of their training sessions, challenges they face, and their overall journey. The goal is not only to entertain but also to raise awareness about the adaptations needed for players with disabilities.
By doing so, Galorys hopes to inspire other organizations to follow in their footsteps and promote inclusivity in the esports scene. As Pesarini puts it, “We want to inspire, break down barriers, and show that people with disabilities can conquer space in esports.”