MEL AND ALEXIS MAKE HISTORY IN VALORANT

Shopify Rebellion Gold is the Game Changers roster of Shopify Rebellion, comprising an impressive lineup of talented players: dodonut (Karnthida Chaisrakeo), Noia (Nicole Tierce), sarahcat (Sarah Simpson) and SEG Esports clients meL (Melanie Capone) and alexis (Alexis Guarrasi).

This is not the first time the two-time Game Changers Champions have tried to reach Challengers. They competed in the open qualifiers in both 2023 and 2024, but were always eliminated relatively early on, with qualification far from reach. This time they received an invite to the closed qualifier, following their second Game Changers Championship win.

After a setback against Winthrop University, Shopify Rebellion Gold battled through the lower bracket, defeating their Game Changers rivals FlyQuest RED to move within one win of qualification. Their final match against Funhavers tested their resilience. Despite trailing at halftime in the first map, standout performances from Noia and meL secured a narrow 13-11 win. Shopify dominated the second map with a swift 13-6 victory, clinching their historic spot in the Challengers League.

VCT Game Changers aims to create new opportunities and more visibility for women and other marginalised genders in VALORANT esports. Through Game Changers, the VALORANT community hopes to build towards a VALORANT Champions Tour that is more inclusive and representative. Shopify Rebellion Gold’s achievement is a testament to the growing impact of this programme and will inspire a new generation of players.

Pictured above: alexis (left) and meL of Shopify Rebellion Gold pose with their trophies after winning the 2024 VALORANT Game Changers Championship in Berlin.