Lea is an esports journalist with too many interests and too little time. Covering esports stories for more than 3 years, she likes to spend her days (and nights) watching and analysing competitive VALORANT. Lea is also deeply invested in DEI issues and promoting mental health awareness within her industry.
Olivia Richman is a seasoned esports journalist who has worked with Inven Global, Esports Illustrated, Esports.gg, and more. As an editor and writer at Esports Insider, she loves telling unique esports stories, especially within the FGC. When not working and gaming, Olivia loves collecting Kirby plush, eating sushi, and driving her cars at the track.
Image Credit: Esports World Cup/Viola Schuldner Team Vitality Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) player Vivi “Vivian” Indrawaty changed her life and her family’s by banking on her esports career. The Indonesian athlete comes from a rural household, where she struggled with insecurity and fear of judgment about her living situation throughout her childhood.
Vivian’s incredible MLBB success, however, allowed the player to buy a home for her mother.
Today, Vivian is one of the most decorated women in esports history, known as the “Mother of Tanks” among MLBB esports fans. Alongside her teammates at Team Vitality, she most recently defended the MLBB Women’s International (MWI) crown at the 2026 Esports World Cup.
This marks the 27-year-old’s second back-to-back MWI trophy (2022-2023 and 2025-2026). Meanwhile, the 2026 edition became the most-watched MWI event to date with 565,483 peak viewers , according to esports viewership platform Esports Charts .
Vivian recently spoke to Esports Insider about her esports journey, her transition from Jungler to Roamer, and women’s esports.
Image Credit: Esports World Cup ESI: Could you tell me a bit about your role and your journey to get there?
Vivian: I didn’t start off as a Roamer. I started playing as a Jungler, actually, like a damage dealer. But, eventually, as time [went by], I realized that I couldn’t fully execute that role properly. Then, after that, I transitioned to Roamer. And I realized that, [as] a Roamer, I know what the damage dealers want.
From previously being a damage dealer and now focusing on the Roamer side, the first thing I did was expand my hero pool as a Roamer. Then, I executed my job by covering for the teammates or initiating for the team, and providing the team with as much information as I could as a Roamer.
ESI: What does a normal training day look like for you now, versus five years ago?
Vivian: Five years ago, training was mainly about gaining experience. We did not have the same resources, and I sometimes had to borrow a device just to practice. Most of the learning came from playing as much as possible and figuring things out on my own.
We have a gaming house, good facilities, and reliable devices, so I can fully focus on training. Having a coach has also made a huge difference because I now receive clear guidance on what to work on and where I need to improve.
Image Credit: Team Vitality ESI: Given all your combined experience and accomplishments, do you still feel the nerves or the pressure of competing in a championship grand final?
Vivian: No, I didn’t feel nervous when stepping on the stage. But instead, I [had] a lot of thoughts on my mind about what I’ve achieved so far. Have I fulfilled my duties as a Roamer? Is there anything to take note of [when] stepping into the grand finals?…