Cloud9 White claim VCT Game Changers North America Series 2

The Valorant Champions Tour 2022 Game Changers North America Series 2 has concluded with Cloud9 White defending their title after facing the Shopify Rebellion in the Grand Final. This marks the fifth consecutive Game Changers title for Cloud9 White. 

Game Changers tournaments compose the female competition within the Valorant Champions Tour. As a part of 2022’s second Game Changers series for North America, a total of 48 teams from the region battled for the top eight spots at the VCT Game Changers Series 2 event. The event featured a combined prize pool of $50,000. 

VCT Game Changers Grand Final results

With a 3-1 win, Cloud9 White capitalized on the second chance they got through the double-elimination format following their elimination in the upper bracket semifinals by the same team. After falling into the lower bracket, the team didn’t drop a single map en route to their second Grand Final appearance this year. They beat Ariana Grande Perfume, Dignitas, and TSM FTX X teams in a convincing 2-0 fashion. In the upper bracket, Shopify Rebelions beat TSM FTX X squad to advance to the finals but ultimately fell short of the title. 

Despite Shopify Rebelions taking the first map Icebox with a 13-7 score, they lost the following three maps with an overtime nail-biter at the end. They lost Ascent and Fracture with a score of 11-13 and lost the last map Breeze 12-14.

Stats, performance and takeaways

When looking at the advanced statistics and the scoreline, we can tell that both teams were evenly matched. Even though Shopify Rebelions had the two best performers in the game, the combined team effort and composure displayed by Cloud9 White secured them the win. Their previous experience in similar tournaments can’t be underestimated, considering three of the maps came down to the wire.

A few different late-round decisions were the only thing that made the difference between these two teams. Diana “sonder” Zhang from the Shopify Rebelions topped the charts with an impressive 260 ACS and an insane count of 16 first bloods. Kayla “flowerful” Horton followed her up with a series-high 160 ADR and another 13 first bloods. On the side of Cloud9 White, it was more of a team effort, with four players having an ADR of over 125 for the series. Cloud9 White have a 6-1 score against the Shopify Rebellions all time across multiple tournaments, further cementing their claim as the best female Valorant team in North America.

Header: Riot Games