The competitive League of Legends scene is about to witness history. Riot Games has confirmed the eight teams that will compete in the first ever League of Legends Game Changers Rising event, a brand new tournament designed to expand opportunities for women in esports. The event will begin with its group stage on September 13 and run until September 28, followed by playoffs on October 13. The grand finals will take place live at Paris Games Week on October 30, alongside the EMEA Masters Summer Finals.
Game Changers has already established itself as a global success through VALORANT, giving women a competitive platform to showcase their talent. Now Riot is bringing that same vision to League of Legends, aiming to create a safe, respectful, and competitive space for women to thrive in EMEA.
The Eight Competing Teams
The qualification process for Game Changers Rising was divided into three distinct stages, ensuring both established and upcoming squads had a fair chance. Three teams earned direct invitations thanks to their long-term commitment to women’s League of Legends: G2 Hel, SK Avarosa, and Vitality Rising Bees. These organisations have consistently pushed forward the women’s scene, with G2 Hel even competing in Europe’s tier two competitions earlier this year.
Joining them are three teams from the Equal Esports Cup, a tournament that has become a proving ground for rising stars. Solary Academy, Nexus Reapers, and Galions Pearl all earned their place through impressive runs in this competition.
Finally, two more teams battled through an intense Open Qualifier, which saw 66 squads competing for only two spots. Eterna and Zerance Bloom emerged victorious, securing their chance to perform on the biggest stage yet.
Who Are the Teams to Watch?
Heading into the tournament, G2 Hel and Solary Academy are widely viewed as the top contenders. Both squads have already built reputations as dominant forces in the Equal Esports Cup and feature players with experience at higher levels of play. Vitality Rising Bees and Nexus Reapers also bring veteran talent and could easily disrupt expectations with their depth and resilience.
While this first edition of Game Changers Rising is considered a pilot event, Riot has made it clear that it plans to grow the competition in scale and prestige over time, mirroring the success of the VALORANT Game Changers circuit.
The excitement surrounding this tournament is not just about crowning a winner. It is about building a foundation for future generations of women in esports. By showcasing high-level play on a major stage, Game Changers Rising could transform the competitive League of Legends landscape and inspire countless players across EMEA.
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