05.05.26 - 15:0005.05.2026 - 15:00·5m5 minutos de lectura·
Por Armand Luque
"Not star-studded, but a group that enjoys playing together," SK unveil new Game Changers project
New players, new coaches—SK Avarosa is undergoing a full makeover for 2026.
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SK is embracing a self-coined “power of friendship” philosophy.
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are back for a sixth season in the women and non-binary scene. With only midlaner —who has been with the team since early 2023—returning, the German team is undergoing a major overhaul in 2026.
Last year, the team got off to a slow start but gradually found its footing, particularly after making changes to its initial lineup. That improvement culminated in a fourth-place finish at the inaugural Game Changers, followed by a runner-up result in the Nova Series—results the organization will be aiming to build on this time around.
To that end, SK Gaming have brought back two former players: toplaner Lily "GWolfieG" Kraft and AD carry Alessandra "Nenris" Schmalfuß, both of whom were part of SK Avarosa’s first—and so far only—title, winning the 2023 Equal Esports Cup. To complement them, the team has added jungler Iulia "Yushia" Boldor and support Sophia "Aos Si," who competed with Vitality and Solary respectively last year.
Rounding out the project, the squad has appointed longtime Galions (formerly Team GO) head coach Mario "Balleeno" Lombardi, supported by Jakub "Kiuske" Wojciechowski.
“Several players have played together before, which aligns perfectly with our philosophy: a team-first approach, or what you could call the ‘power of friendship.’”
— Marie Cordier, Project Lead
Synergy over Stardom?
A lineup that may not inspire immediate expectations of greatness at first glance, SK Avarosa’s roster could still turn heads in the coming season—at least, that is the bet the organization has made in building it.
“We aligned early on what kind of team we wanted to build: not a star-studded roster, but a group of strong players who genuinely enjoy playing together,” explained Marie Cordier, marketing manager and Avarosa project lead. “The focus was on a shared team culture—players who support each other and compete with the ambition to win as a unit,” she added.
Indeed, as revealed in discussion with the project lead, this new lineup was built with Apollonia at its core, in the hope of recapturing the spark that made SK’s project shine in 2023. Considered a key figure within the organization, her contract was extended early in December, and her input directly contributed to the return of Nenris, who in turn advocated for the addition of Yushia—an idea ultimately agreed upon with the midlaner.
Only after this core trio was established did the organization move to secure its head coach, following the disbandment of Galions Pearl. “I spoke with them to understand their mindset, ideas, and expectations for League. Those conversations convinced me to join the project. I found the ‘sparks’ I look for as a coach—the kind you want to protect and nurture,” Balleeno told Sheep Esports when discussing the roster.
“All four of us shared a sense of regret about the previous year. We felt that, given the work put in, more should have been achieved [in our respective teams].”
— Mario “Balleeno” Lombardi, Head Coach
Per SK, the organization then conducted structured tryouts, during which several names were considered and scouted. Among them, Emily “emerrin” Berdych and Vildan “Telch” Soylu trialed for the toplane position, while Gina “Lumi” Kircher was tested in support—who later went on to be picked up by G2 Hel instead.
At the conclusion of the trial period, GWolfieG and Aos Si were selected. “Wolfie is a rock and brings a lot of stability, which is crucial for the quality of our practice. Aos is a breath of fresh air, bringing positive energy while also being a very smart player,” the coach explained regarding the final signings.
A Lot to Prove in 2026
Only time will tell whether SK’s bet proves to be the right one. While most players on the roster have experienced success in the past, those achievements now feel like distant memories—a point acknowledged by the organization itself. In that sense, the Avarosa project bears some resemblance to SK’s current LEC roster, which has also leaned on players with prior accomplishments in search of renewed form. Whether this approach will translate into results remains to be seen.
What is certain, however, is that SK is not holding back in its efforts to support the project. This is further reflected in the late addition of Kiuske as Strategic Coach, bringing an additional layer of structure thanks in part to his experience in the ERLs—outside the traditional women and non-binary circuit.
The team is set to debut at the latest in July at the recently announced Equal Esports Cup 2026, though they will also compete concurrently in both the League of Legends Game Changers and the Nova Series. While neither competition has officially confirmed its schedule yet, Game Changers is expected to begin soon—potentially even before the EEC.
“I hope that by the end of the year we’ll have fewer regrets than we did this offseason. So far, I’m happy with how we’re addressing our problems. We’ll be ready to surprise everyone with our League of Legends.”
— Mario “Balleeno” Lombardi, Head Coach
