Relegation didn’t last long for Shopify Rebellion Gold. After making history as the first all-women’s team to qualify for a Challengers League—the second tier of the competitive (mixed) VALORANT scene—the back-to-back Game Changers world champions were relegated after Stage 1. Finishing last in the regular season (16th place), SR Gold was forced to fight for their spot in the relegation tournament last March. But their run ended in the semifinals with a 3–1 loss to Non-Verbal, costing them their Challengers NA slot.

While continuing to dominate the Game Changers scene — they won VCT GC Americas Stage 1 in June — the roster featuring Alexis “alexis” Guarrasi, Karnthida “dodonut” Chaisrakeo, Melanie “meL” Capone, Nicole “Noia” Tierce, and Sarah “sarah” Simpson got a second shot at redemption through the Premier V25A2: US qualifier. Shopify made it count, finishing second in the event and earning a place in the Stage 2 promotion/relegation tournament. But once again, they fell short, losing 3–1 to Prosperity Esports.

An Unexpected Lifeline

Despite falling short twice in their attempts to reclaim a spot in Tier 2, Shopify Rebellion Gold are now returning to the Challengers League for Stage 3—thanks to a stroke of luck. Two teams slated to compete in the third split failed to field a roster. As a result, the reigning 2023 and 2024 Game Changers champions will therefore replace one of these two teams to take part in the upcoming split. Their comeback won’t be easy. For their opening match, Shopify will face none other than ENVY—the winners of Stage 2.

While returning to Challengers, the North American team will also continue to play in the Game Changers. Shopify are determined to maintain their grip on the women’s and marginalized-genders scene, even while juggling multiple competitions. After winning Stage 1, meL and her teammates are aiming to repeat in Stage 2 to defend their title in Seoul next November.