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ValorantThis weekend saw one of the biggest esports tournaments for women as VCT Game Changers Series 2 crowned Cloud9 White the champion after they defeated CLG Red.
Congratulations to @Cloud9 White on becoming the champions of the @Verizon #VCTGameChangers, presented by @dignitas!
? @alexismarieNY
? @Annie_Dro
? @Jazzyk1ns
? @katsumiFPS
? @mel_anji pic.twitter.com/3upSpGFY0q— VALORANT Champions Tour NA (@valesports_na) June 27, 2021
Cloud9 White Sweep CLG Red
Presented by Dignitas, VCT Game Changers Series 2 tournament in North America boasted a $50 thousand prize pool and saw VALORANT’s best women’s esports teams compete. The tournament’s main event took place through June 24 and wrapped up June 27 with C9 White’s near-flawless run. Between four matches, including the grand finals against CLG Red, C9 White only lost a single map to Shopify Rebellion, almost sweeping the whole tournament.
Despite losing 0-3 in the VCT Game Changers Series 2 grand finals, CLG Red worked hard to make it there. The team hit the lower bracket after losing to Shopify Rebellion, arguably one of the best VALORANT esports teams for women. But following that close loss, CLG back-to-back swept three matches in the lower bracket, even beating Shopify the next time. Their run ended in the grand finals. In a post-game press conference, CLG Red in-game leader Benita “bENITA” Novshadian shared her thoughts on the team’s standing.
“I’m not sure why the narrative about our team is so negative.” bENITA said. “We’re definitely consistent and we deserve to be in the finals. Although we have some inexperienced players, it balances out because of the experience we have on our team. I’m really proud of our team.”
What a run. ?
GGs to @Cloud9, you all are clean. #CLGRed will take home 2nd place in #VCT Game Changers. #CLGFIGHTING pic.twitter.com/yToWJnajFP
— CLG (@clgaming) June 27, 2021
VCT Game Changers
Presented by Dignitas, this tournament was invaluable to growing the esports community for women and female teams. Although Dignitas released their own men’s VALORANT roster a few months ago, the brand still continues to support the women’s esports scene. Fans and minorities can celebrate knowing that the company will return to celebrate more diversity initiatives and events. Especially as more teams and organizations invest in the women’s scene.
When asked if more women teams should compete in events, Cloud9 White VALORANT player Annie “Annie” Roberts wholly agreed. “The one step to take to improve beyond the scene is going outside the scene,” Annie stated. “We went beyond the girls’ scene and that’s why we’re at the top right now. I don’t understand why make a team and not do that.”
The future is bright for Women in @ValorantEsports!
Thank you to each and everyone of our hard-working teams! We are inspired by your passion and competitive spirit.
Let's do it again sometime? ? pic.twitter.com/cqKYFLrkAA
— Dignitas (@dignitas) June 27, 2021
VALORANT Champions Tour and VCT Game Changers took a major step to elevate esports for all groups, regardless of gender. Other active improvements to help women and underrepresented groups in esports include Rocket League’s Goals for Change and Enlight’s Career Programs. Creating more accessible spaces for minorities to enter the esports and gaming industry is crucial to the scene’s growth.
The next major VCT Game Changers tournament to find VALORANT’s best team is not disclosed but will likely begin in August or September. Stay tuned to see if Cloud9 White stays on top or if CLG Red can win a championship.
Written by Justin Amin
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