G2 Esports, one of the world’s leading esports organisations, has announced an all-female League of Legends team, furthering much needed visibility for women in esports and paving the way toward mixed major leagues.
On Friday, the European company revealed its brand new team, Hel, named for the Norse goddess of death and the underworld (you might have seen her played by Cate Blanchett in Thor: Ragnarok).
Hel marks the second all-women team launched by G2, following Valorant team Gozen formed last year in a truly competitive league.
The team consists of Olivia “Lizia” Calistua (Top), Agnė “Karina” Ivaškevičiūtė (Jungle), Alena “TIFA” Maurer (Mid), Maya “Caltys” Henckel (AD Carry), and Ève “Colomblbl” Monvoisin (Support).
“With our LEC roster at the top of their game, we decided two League of Legends rosters is better than one,” read G2’s announcement, which appears to be sponsored by Spotify, a major League of Legends partner.
“The formation of G2 Hel is part of our continued efforts at G2 to provide top gamers with the opportunity to compete at the highest levels, irrespective of their gender, and to support them as they grow as players and as entertainers.”
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Caltys, who will play the AD Carry position in the team, said in a statement, “Since I started my esports journey I’ve only had two goals in mind: to be the best and play with the best. I still have a long way to go, but joining G2 is a big step in the right direction. It’s very exciting to be a part of, literally, the best esport organization in Europe and I couldn’t imagine better teammates to start this next chapter with.”
G2 Esports founder and CEO Carlos “Ocelote” Rodriguez said Hel included “some of the best female players in the world,” and that the organisation was “delighted.”
“At G2, we build teams and bring in top players based on skill, talent, and brand fit — regardless of gender or orientation. We want to give all players the chance to fulfill their potential and realize their dreams,” he said.