Kat Gunn

Early Steps into Competitive Gaming

Born in Van Nuys, California, Kat Gunn's competitive journey began in earnest at the World Cyber Games 2006 National Finals in Las Vegas. She used the event not just to compete but to network with WCG executives, strategically working her way into the competitive scene for the fighting game Dead or Alive. This groundwork proved crucial for her professional debut the following year.

Professional Breakthrough in the Championship Gaming Series

In 2007, Gunn attended the inaugural Championship Gaming Series Region 1 Combine in Los Angeles. Her performance led to her being drafted in the third round, as the 18th overall selection, by the Carolina Core. As a player for the Core, she competed professionally in Dead or Alive 4. Her team had immediate success, finishing in second place at the CGS World Finals in her first season, losing only to the Chicago Chimera. Gunn remained with the Carolina Core for the 2008 season, where the team advanced to the semi-final round of the World Finals before being defeated by the Birmingham Salvo. Her annual salary during her time in the CGS was a minimum of $30,000.

Television Victory and Major Prize

Gunn's profile reached a national audience in 2010 when she won the second and final season of the reality competition show WCG Ultimate Gamer on the Syfy Channel. Despite being targeted early by other contestants due to her high gamer score, she persevered and won the season. Her victory earned her a grand prize of $100,000 and the title of the show's official spokesperson. This win was a significant financial and reputational boost, confirming her as a top competitor and television personality in gaming.

Transition to Broadcasting and Game Development

Following her TV win, Gunn moved into esports broadcasting. Contacts made at the fourth IGN Pro League tournament in Las Vegas led to an opportunity to commentate on the I'm a Fighter World Championship at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). While her commentary was generally well-received, Gunn herself was not satisfied with her knowledge of the then-unreleased Dead or Alive 5 and undertook serious study of the game. Her contributions to the IPL event for Dead or Alive 5 were significant enough that she is featured in the game's credits. She continued her work with the IGN Pro League until the organization closed the league in April 2013.

Entrepreneurship with Less Than 3

Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Gunn created and led the professional gaming and cosplay team Less Than 3, known as LT3. The team secured sponsorship from peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz and included prominent cosplayers such as Jessica Nigri and Linda Le. Under Gunn's leadership, LT3 represented sponsors at major events including Anime Expo and PAX Prime, and also performed promotional work for Sentai Filmworks. This venture blended her professional gaming expertise with her passion for cosplay and community events.

Modern Career as Streamer and Brand Ambassador

In her current career phase, Gunn streams full-time on Twitch, broadcasting on an almost daily schedule and often featuring her sister or father on stream. She maintains a strong presence at industry events, frequently attending conventions like BlizzCon in an official capacity as a brand ambassador for companies such as computer hardware maker Gigabyte and retailer Newegg. From October 2015, she also co-hosted Newegg's weekly YouTube show, GamerChix, with Hailey Bright, a show produced by Tom Taylor. She was a regular participant in Newegg's weekly live stream, Game with Newegg.

Record-Setting Legacy and Advocacy

Kat Gunn's financial success in esports was formally recognized when she was listed in the Guinness World Records 2016 Gamer's Edition as the highest-earning female gamer. The publication recorded her earnings at $122,000 since 2007, a figure that increases to over $160,000 when her guaranteed CGS salary is included. Beyond records and earnings, Gunn has been a consistent advocate for women in gaming throughout her adult life. She has publicly expressed a long-held ambition to create a gaming league dedicated exclusively to women, aiming to provide easier access and opportunities for female competitors in the industry.