Sources: TIFA reaches verbal agreement with Galions Pearl

After a year with Vitality Rising Bees, Alena "TIFA" Maurer is set to embark on a new chapter in the Women and Non-Binary scene in 2025. Per sources, the German midlaner has now reached a verbal agreement to join Galions Pearl once her contract with her former team expires. Galions, recently rebranded from Team GO Aurora following its partnership with former Team Du Sud CEO Maxime "Sixen" Tchoroukian, aims to make a significant impact next year.

Before securing TIFA, the organization was on the verge of signing Rym "rym" Salloum. However, the deal fell through when she broke her verbal agreement with the squad to join G2 Hel instead. G2's offer reportedly included support in obtaining Spanish nationality, a benefit GL was unable to match. TIFA’s signing marks her potential seventh consecutive year competing at the top level, as she has rarely been without a team throughout her career as one of the scene's most influential figures. However, this move also ends her long-standing collaboration with her close friend and teammate Agnė "Karina" Ivaškevičiūtė, who remains without a team this offseason.

Team GO, one of the most successful organizations in the ecosystem, has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the women’s scene. While the team fell short of lifting a trophy this year, it still delivered commendable performances, securing 3rd place in both the Equal Esports Cup and the Coupe des Étoiles. Now, with a revamped roster, the Galions are focused on recapturing the glory of their 2023 season, when they won the inaugural Coupe des Étoiles against the now-defunct BDS Valkyries.

For TIFA, the mission is equally ambitious as she seeks to reassert herself as one of the premier midlaners in the scene. Active since 2015, the German veteran is among the most experienced and decorated players, having been part of iconic rosters such as Beşiktaş Esports, Galaxy Racer Esports, and most notably G2 Hel. However, last year proved challenging for TIFA, as her stint with Vitality Rising Bees fell below expectations. The team delivered lackluster results, finishing 6th in the Equal Esports Cup after a loss to Chester Gaming and exiting the Coupe des Étoiles in the first round against Team GO Aurora.

With the final piece of Galions puzzle in place, TIFA is set to make waves with a formidable lineup built around her. Announced last night, the organization confirmed it will continue its partnership with toplaner Alice "Wiosna" Mossé and AD Carry Charlotte "Cosmïc" Tranquillin. Notably, despite having been under contract with Team GO, Wiosna attracted interest from G2 Hel this offseason.

To further bolster the roster, Galions have signed Kamilla "Hao" Djamalov, the former GameWard Astrals jungler, marking her debut with one of the scene's top teams. This move presents an opportunity for Hao to prove herself on the big stage, as she had never previously competed on the roster of one of the scene's elite teams. Joining her is Gina "Lumi" Kircher, an experienced support with tenures at BIG and SK, as well as a runner-up finish at the Equal Esports Cup in 2023. While neither of these additions delivered standout results last year, both bring solid potential to elevate the team's performance as strong individual players.

Rounding out the squad, Galions Pearl will continue working with head coach Mario "Balleeno" Lombardi, who has been with the team since June 2023, back when it was known as Team GO Aurora. Additionally, the organization has appointed "Peaxy" as manager, drawing on her experience from her previous role at Team Du Sud Vice.