XSET Avori Reveals the Secrets Behind Being a Full-Time Streamer
With over 118,000 followers on Twitch and over 1.5 million across her social media profiles, XSET Avori Henderson has become a successful streamer that wants to share her insight into a long, healthy career with other hopeful content creators.
Avori started her gaming career in college when her former boyfriend told her that he wanted to make a living playing games professionally. She was skeptical at first but started to look into it and fell in love with PUBG. With a blend of data analytics and top-tier gaming skills, Avori was able to start going viral and make an impact in the gaming industry.
The turning point for her was when she got an invite to a big gaming tournament in Mexico City. She would be one of three gamers on Team USA and the only woman in the entire competition. The only problem was that it was the same weekend as a Miss America pageant, something she’d been competing in for four years.
“It was a big thing to give up for me, but I chose gaming. I’m so happy I’m here now,” Avori said.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfAtTQCzlG8
When Avori first started streaming, she looked up to the big names like Imane “Pokimane” Anys, Rachell “Valkryae” Hofstetter, and Michael “shroud” Grzesiek. Avori spent three hours a day studying their streams and learning more about the industry. But it soon became clear to Avori that she had to find her own path.
Avori Reveals the Key Behind a Successful Streaming Career
One thing that Avori noticed at the start of her career was how difficult it was to get used to the harassment, especially as a woman. To this day she still receives death threats almost every time she talks in a game.
At first, this made Avori cry after every stream. But she soon realized that there was a purpose to what she was doing and she had to stay strong. She started creating all-female events to allow women to experience gaming together in a safe environment while raising money for charity. Then, she started looking into ways to share what she’s learned throughout the years to help up-and-coming streamers.
“It takes very thick skin to make it in this industry,” Avori said.
The model and streamer explained that you’ll most likely get hate for just about anything — race, sex, religion, orientation — but she is hoping to create a strong foundation for people so that they can be empowered to do their work and complete their mission.
Over the years, Avori realized that it’s not healthy to stream for eight hours a day, hunched at your computer and getting harassed by people all over the world. She said that her content has changed significantly the past few years from long streams every day to a mix of gaming, travel, and short form content after she realized she was missing out on socializing and holidays to keep her streaming schedule.
“What I want to promote now is that you should earn your money and be smart about making content, but also go out and experience the world and meet people. I realized you need real relationships and to be active,” Avori said, noting that most streamers end up quitting due to a poor mental state from the pressures of streaming constantly.
One way to do this is to take risks and put yourself out there. Avori said that she no longer asks if an event will pay her or if there will be big names there. Instead, she goes to events with the intention of meeting new people, networking, and adding experiences and stories to her life.
“Stop asking questions, take the opportunity, and run with it. Make your own path,” she said. “Be confident in your own missions and what you have to do.”
This is what led Avori to getting connected with XSET, a large gaming organization that provides her with even more support throughout her career. Now she is urging other streamers to experience life, go to events, meet people, and only game when you are having fun.
It’s hard to argue with that logic.
Olivia is a long-time esports journalist and editor who covers just about every game but has a deep love for the FGC. Her goal is to find community-driven stories that bring a new perspective to the esports scene. In the past, she has worked for Team Liquid, Rogue, Inven Global, Dot Esports, Upcomer, and more. Outside of esports, Olivia enjoys Kirby, Pokemon TCG, Fallout, and writing science fiction. She can be found trying out new foods, traveling, or hanging out with her two orange cats. Fun fact: Olivia can do some video game and cartoon impressions!