Interview with Jijiyen, Valorant Social Media & Content Manager

Yoann: Hey, hello everyone! Today I'm with Jijiyen! How would you introduce yourself? 

Jijiyen: Hello! My real name is Nazli, but I'm just using Jiji, it’s more simple!

I'm 22 years old, I'm from Turkey and I’m a computer science student right now!

I am also the founder of esports data platform Scoutli and Player Agency which is home to more than 20 players from different games, Scoutli Wonders. 

Yoann: That’s great! When and how did you get into esports?

Jijiyen: It was at the beginning of 2017. I started playing League of Legends with my friends when I was in high school. But I preferred watching pro games rather than playing the game! I thought it’s more enjoyable. Then I saw there was a team that was playing so well and I decided to become their fan. After that I started my research and joined their Facebook group and then they asked me if I would like to be their group moderator, I was like, It looks interesting, maybe I can give it a try!

And then boom, it was my first gig in esports!

Two months later, they offered me a full-time job as a social media manager, it was a huge thing for me because I was 16 years old and that meant I was going to have huge responsibilities! But I can say that, It was the best decision I have ever made in my life!

Yoann: That’s huge! You are currently looking for new opportunities. What can you tell us about it? 

Jijiyen: I was doing social media and content management for almost six years, but I had to take a break cause I had to focus on my education. And I can say that it’s really hard to manage working and studying at the same time. When I got back to esports, I decided to start my own business. I’m so glad that I’m working with amazing people at Scoutli.

But I would love to go back to doing social media under a professional organization. I got the chance to work with huge organizations so far, such as Fenerbahce Esports, Digital Athletics, FUT Esports, and FNATIC. I got the chance to work with FNATIC last year during Champions 2022 and I helped them to organize community-based events like meet & greet and also just a few social media coverage. 

I have a strong belief in my communication skills especially when it comes to engaging with the community. I'm confident that I'm an excellent fit for roles that are based on community engagement alongside Social Media and Content Management.

Yoann: That’s interesting! You have been working for big orgs like FNATIC and FUT Esports in the past. What did you learn from these experiences?

Jijiyen: I think FUT Esports was the most professional team that I worked with, their management was really professional and I worked with people who were the best at their jobs. I had to work with many big brands and, as you guessed that brings huge responsibilities and you have no chance to make mistakes. But I learned a lot of stuff from the people that I worked with, especially from the owners of the FUT Esports.

It was a short-term deal with FNATIC  for Champions 2022. I helped them to organize community-based events and worked alongside amazing people. They always make me feel like I’m part of the family. Also, I wanna thank Tanni Le (FNATIC Event Manager) from here again. She is one the best in the industry. 

Yoann: Awesome! Let's now move on to the quick question part. So some ten quick questions and you'll have to answer as fast as possible. Ready? 

Jijiyen: I'm ready, let's go!

Yoann: Phantom or Vandal?

Jijiyen: Vandal!

Yoann: What's your favorite map? 

Jijiyen: Fracture! 

Yoann: Who's your favorite agent? 

Jijiyen: Killjoy!

Yoann: What's your favorite skin collection? 

Jijiyen: I think it’s Prime! 

Yoann: Which Valorant teams are you supporting right now?

Jijiyen: In EMEA, of course, Fnatic. I love other teams too, but I have to pick one so I'll say Fnatic. For Americas, I’d say Loud. For Pacific, it’s Paper Rex of course! And for China it’s EDG! They were amazing during Masters and Champions and I'm so glad that they got a chance to have their own league.

Yoann: That’s for sure! Can you name the 8 teams that won an international event? 

Jijiyen: The 8 teams? Wow! I can say Fnatic, Gambit. Loud, EG, Optic… Sentinels, Acend and FPX!

Yoann: That’s correct! How often are you playing in your free time?

Jijiyen: I'm playing Valorant almost every single day. I'm silver right now, but I'm not a Silver player, I'm not going to accept that! 

Yoann: I get it haha! what's your favorite memory working in esports? 

Jijiyen: I think I have two unforgettable memories. 

The first one was in 2017, a team that I was working with called Fenerbahce Esports. They got a chance to compete in the League of Legends World Championship in 2017, it was the biggest thing that happened in the Turkish League of Legends scene so far. When they won the last game made them qualify for the Group Stage, I remember that I cried so hard because, alongside the players, the whole staff worked so hard for this. It has been 5 years but I still remember like yesterday.

The second one has to be from Champions 2022. It was FNATIC vs DRX, lower bracket game. When FNATIC lost that series and I saw Enzo and Alfajer crying I couldn’t hold my tears and I cried a lot too. This one was the saddest moment for me.

Yoann: How would you define your night market In a few words?

Jijiyen: It’s so bad! As always! 

Yoann: Can you quote a voice line from your favorite agent, Killjoy? 

Jijiyen: In Turkish: ‘’Geliyo, kaçın bence’’ and in English: ‘’Everyone makes fun of German efficiency haha, just keep laughing as you use all my gear.’’

Yoann: Let’s get back to the standard questions! What are your hobbies or passions aside from gaming?

Jijiyen: I listen to music a lot, I'm also singing and playing guitar! I love drawing, and I'm also watching some anime, my favorite is Demon Slayer! ‘’Set your heart ablaze!’’ 

Yoann: How do you feel about Valorant's new map rotation with Breeze coming back in, Sunset, and Fracture, and Pearl leaving?

Jijiyen: When I saw that Pearl is leaving, I was like, Oh my God finally! But I felt so sad when I saw Fracture was gone too. I really love to play Fracture!

I really don’t like Breeze, and I only played a few games on Sunset so far, it feels like I’m playing Team Deathmatch! But I think it's a pretty cool map. 

Yoann: If you were a Valorant developer, what would you change to the game? 

Jijiyen: Buff Deadlock. Because it makes no sense! She had zero pick rate at Champions! 

Her wall ability is pretty annoying but the rest is useless.

And also please remove the Judge, I have very bad memories of this gun!

Yoann: I completely understand that! What advice would you give to someone willing to work in esports?

Jijiyen: Sometimes you might have to work with very bad managers, coworkers and maybe some people are gonna offer very small amounts of money that aren't worth your work. You also might have to deal with some problems because of your gender, your sexuality, and your beliefs but don’t let these make you lose your interest in what you really love to do. It’s not about esports, actually the same things happening outside of esports. If you really wanna achieve your goals, you have to put so much effort into them. If you really wanna be one of the best ones no one can stop you. Try harder. At Least that worked for me.

When I see what I'm doing right now, I don't regret any of the decisions that I’ve made. If you really want to do this, you have to dedicate all of your time and energy to it.

Yoann: Awesome! Is there anything else you would like to say before we finish? 

Jijiyen: Thank you so much for the interview! I really love to talk about esports and my experiences!

Yoann: Thank you for your time, I wish you the best in the future!

Jijiyen’s socials:

• Twitter (X): @jijiyenlul
• Bento: bento.me/jijiyen