The first League of Legends Game Changers (LGC) 2025 Rising split will take place in that month of September. Riot Games initiated this league for women and other marginalised genders first of its kind. It aims to enhance gender inclusivity in the gaming sphere.
G2 Hel’s Journey to the Top
G2 Hel had a gap year in 2022 as they created an interest in the women’s League of Legends scene. After that, they qualified for the first-ever LGC edition after the Equal eSports Cup. As the much-anticipated league kicks off on September 13, we hear from G2 Hel’s Maya ‘Caltys’ Henckel about the state of women’s esports in League of Legends and the team’s notable achievements.
Achievements of G2 Hel in Women’s Esports
Caltys, with team-mate Ève ‘Colomblbl’ Monvoisin, is still a key member of G2 Hel. Ever since this team was formed, they have been a strong presence in women’s esports, with good placements at the Equal eSports Cup and winners of last year’s Coupe des Étoiles. CMAA a bot-laner is a League scene player since 2019, having played with the European group Out of the Blue Team and for a short time with mixed team Valiance.
Trailblazing Moments for G2 Hel
This year G2 Hel became the first all-women’s team to qualify for the Liga Nexo, which is the second division of the European Regional League. Even after doing really well in the Group Stage, Falke Esports eliminated them in the Playoffs.
In Liga Nexo, Caltys said that it is important to maintain a winning mindset in every game. If you expect to lose, it affects your game negatively. Throughout their games, they did not have a tough opponent.
The Impact of Individual Achievements in the Esports Arena
Caltays doesn’t know whether G2 Hel’s success will impact broader esports inclusion immediately, but she is hopeful. Seeing women in esports might inspire young players to join the scene. Calyts said that the future of esports depends on whether new entrants – and many of them – enter the industry.
According to Caltys, she was initially trying to improve her game rather than playing against women or men. So, they did not matter to her. Over the years, she recognized the impact of women’s tournaments in getting women into esports, ultimately getting more women in the mixed spaces. Yet, according to her, shifts like these are rare these days.
Looking Forward: Game Changers Rising
After their campaign in Liga Nexo, G2 Hel looks forward to competing in the League of Legends Game Changers Rising split Eight teams will compete in Group Stages and Playoffs from September 13 to October 30. G2 Hel got a spot along with Solary Académie from the Equal eSports Cup. The remaining spots will be filled via invites, an Open Qualifier, and final Equal eSports Cup results.
Riot wishes to launch a women’s league for League of Legends just like with the VALORANT Game Changers ecosystem. Furthermore, this initiative has provided scenes with international competition since 2021. Moreover, the 2024 Championship’s high viewership shows increasing interest in women’s esports tournaments.