Sources: Vitality Rising Bees finalize LFL Invitational roster after a drawn-out offseason

It has been a long and tumultuous offseason for the Vitality Rising Bees. Nonetheless, the French organization has now completed the roster of its sister division ahead of the LFL Invitational 2026. With drawn-out negotiations and multiple plans falling through, the team fell back on many of its secondary options amid budget cuts within the Rising Bees division due to lost sponsorships, ultimately assembling a roster that blends emerging talents with seasoned veterans.

With the departure of several staples of the scene in G2, Solary, Galions, Zerance, and even recent titleholders Eterna, Team Vitality’s offseason initially appeared poised to be straightforward, with many of the scene’s top talents available on the market. Early in the offseason, the organization chose to part ways with its previous lineup. While sources indicate that some players were interested in staying together, Vitality opted to pursue a fresh roster—decisions that would shape its available options in the weeks that followed.

In justifying this decision, it is worth noting that despite relatively high internal expectations, the team largely underperformed across the season. Aside from a third-place finish at the Equal Esports Cup, Vitality Rising Bees struggled elsewhere, crashing out of the inaugural 2025 LoL Game Changers: Rising in last place in their group and finishing as one of two teams, out of eight, not to advance to the playoffs.

Despite these circumstances, Vitality Rising Bees were nonetheless operating under a Sword of Damocles hanging over the division. Following the withdrawal of a major sponsor that had funded the team, the organization was forced to scale back its previously high-end budget—a constraint that would later come into play due to the emergence of an unexpected competitor.

After failing to qualify for the Nova Series in mid-November, Vitality entered the offseason earlier than most, giving the organization additional time to explore its options. One of the first pieces secured was former Eterna jungler and current LGC champion Chara “Delicate” Giannopoulou. In parallel, the organization explored bringing in Ève “Colomblbl” Monvoisin, though the veteran French support ultimately declined, according to sources. Vitality also held early discussions with former Eterna midlaner and LGC champion Sasha “Sashy” Barrault; however, Vitality rapidly ceased communication with the midlaner, after which she joined the newly formed Yumeea alongside Colomblbl.

Around this time, a new contender entered the market: Mental Rush. Initially joining the scene in November through the acquisition of the former Blue Otter roster, the team also decided to start anew in 2026 with the ambition of challenging established organizations. In parallel, Vitality was exploring AD Carry options and quickly narrowed its search to Mia “Miella” Steger and Charlotte “Cosmïc” Tranquillin as potential candidates. Shortly thereafter, a first clash between the young organization and Vitality occurred over former SK Avarosa AD Carry Miella.

Although she was among Vitality’s primary targets, tight decision deadlines and an offer higher than initially anticipated by Vitality led the organization to miss out on the German player. Additionally, sources indicated that Miella ultimately preferred the Mental Rush option for further sporting reasons—most notably, joining Vitality would have made it impossible for her to compete in the NLC with La BOMBAS. Taken together, these factors led the hive to fall back on its other initial option, moving forward with Cosmïc, an established and accomplished AD Carry in the French scene, whom members close to the organization say was valued for her experience and leadership.

The two organizations would face off again for the toplane position, in part due to a limited player pool following the retirement of Olivia “Lizia” Calistus and the reduced interest in Alice “Wiosna” Mossé, a top-tier player who had recently faced controversy and been removed from Galions Pearl. The clear top option for both teams was former G2 Hel toplaner Mina “Zeniv”.

Though sources indicate that Vitality invested additional resources to try to acquire her after their previous failed bid, Mental Rush reportedly matched them in negotiations and ultimately secured Zeniv, who chose to join Mental Rush because she believed the team had more potential in the long run. This move reunited her with former teammate Miella and gave Mental Rush two key wins over the French organization. Vitality ultimately opted for Mimi “Owpi” Effraimidi, former Zerance Bloom toplaner. With less than a year of experience, she remains a developmental prospect, though the organization has reportedly structured its staff to support her growth.

As the offseason drew to a close and roster lock approached, Vitality turned their attention to Rym “rym” Salloum, identified as an ideal fit for the team. Despite the timing—and sources indicating that the Venezuelan player had initially planned to take a break—the organization successfully convinced her to join. Her signing marked a crucial late addition for Vitality, securing one of the scene’s top prospects just ahead of roster lock.

To complete their roster, Vitality made the surprising addition of rookie Natascha “Honda CBR 500 R” Latzel, also known as Nayce, a Grandmaster German support with experience in the lower divisions of Prime League. Sources indicate she was chosen over several more established players, including former SK Avarosa support Eva “Kyanna” Murn, who could have reunited with Cosmïc, one of her former teammates between 2022 and 2024.

To support this developing roster, Vitality also revamped their staff. Notably, the organization brought in Andrija “KLOWNY” Jovanović, a former professional toplaner and coach for Zero Tenacity in the Rift Legends. While this will be his first time working with an all-women team, insiders note that his prior experience as a player should prove valuable in helping Owpi develop. To assist him, the team re-signed Arturo “Godlaik” Pavón, the only remaining member of the 2025 lineup.

Although the team finalized its roster just before the roster lock, Vitality are now ready to compete in the LFL Invitational, starting January 21st, with groups still to be announced. The Rising Bees will represent the LoL Game Changers alongside Yumeea, facing teams from the LFL, Nexus League, and influencer squads.

As for the broader women’s scene, many details about this year’s competitions remain unclear. Mental Rush are reportedly still on the market, aiming to close two more signings to complete their roster, while SK Avarosa are expected to enter negotiations soon, having made no moves so far aside from re-signing their franchise midlaner Dafni “Apollonia” Gkerveni.

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.