From qualifiers to grand final: Women take league spotlight

The inaugural League of Legends Game Changers Rising (LGC Rising) in EMEA will launch a groundbreaking women-only competition featuring eight teams. The group stage runs from September 13 to 28, followed by online playoffs starting October 13, and culminating in a live Grand Final at Paris Games Week on October 30, alongside the EMEA Masters Summer Finals. 

Riot Games invited three squads aligned with LEC organizations, G2 Hel, SK Avarosa, and Vitality Rising Bees, all recognized for their sustained commitment to the female esports scene. From the Equal Esports Cup, Solary Academy, Nexus Reapers, and Galions Pearl earned their places. The remaining two slots were secured via an open qualifier in August, claimed by Eterna and Zerance Bloom, emerging from a pool of 66 contenders. 

Top contenders include G2 Hel, fresh off a historic Tier-2 qualification and Solary Academy, both strong Equal Esports Cup performers. SK Avarosa and Vitality Rising Bees also bring veteran experience and potential surprises. LGC Rising marks Riot’s first step toward nurturing a competitive, respectful, and inclusive League of Legends space for women in the region.