Team SMG, a prominent name in the VALORANT esports scene, has sent shockwaves through the community with the unexpected release of its all-female pro roster. The team, known for their remarkable performance, expressed gratitude to their departing players for their historic contributions.
The roster, comprising Kelly “shirazi” Jaudian, Alexandria “Alexy” Francisco, Camille “Kamiyu” Enriquez, Odella “enerii” Abraham, and Ryona Shannen “Tarathiel” Tan, had been on an impressive 34-game undefeated streak leading up to the VALORANT Game Changers Championship in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where they competed against formidable opponents but ultimately placed 4th overall.
This move comes shortly after Abigail “Kohaibi” Kong, also part of the Game Changers roster, left Team SMG, choosing not to renew her contract.
A new direction for women in competitive Esports
For Kelly “shirazi” Jaudian, the release of the all-female roster represents a new direction for women in competitive esports. She believes this decision will open up fresh opportunities for female athletes in the competitive gaming scene, allowing them to explore new horizons.
Shirazi, who previously played for local organizations in the Philippines such as Bren Esports Victress and TC Arise, expressed her optimism about the situation. She shared that the news of their release didn’t come as a surprise, and rather than feeling disappointed, she sees it as a chance for personal and professional growth. Shirazi also disclosed that the organization had informed the team about their impending free agency.
Despite the release from Team SMG, Shirazi, Alexy, Kamiyu, enerii, and Tarathiel have decided to stay together. They are eager to explore potential offers from different organizations, expressing their desire to continue their journey together as a unit.
Shirazi commented on their plans:
“We are still planning to stick together after the news! There’s no offer yet since the statement was released that we’re free agents now. We hope to get an offer in time for APAC Game Changers.”
In a heartfelt message to fans, Shirazi expressed her gratitude to the gaming community in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific VALORANT community for their unwavering support. She assured fans that they should stay tuned to the team’s social media pages on Instagram and Twitter for all future updates.
Team SMG’s bold move
The decision by Team SMG to release their all-female pro roster has raised eyebrows within the VALORANT community. The team had gained recognition for their exceptional skills and outstanding performance, especially during their undefeated streak leading up to the VALORANT Game Changers Championship. While no official explanation for the roster’s release has been provided, the move signifies a significant change for the organization and the players involved.
In their statement, Team SMG acknowledged the historic contributions of their all-female roster. This group of talented players had made a name for themselves and played an essential role in breaking barriers and paving the way for women in esports.
The all-female roster’s impressive 34-game undefeated streak showcased their skill and determination. Competing against top-tier teams like G2 Gozen and Team Liquid Brazil in the VALORANT Game Changers Championship demonstrated their capability to go head-to-head with some of the best in the world. Although they fell short in the lower bracket semifinals against Team Liquid Brazil, their 4th place finish in the global tournament remains a remarkable achievement.
Before releasing the all-female roster, Team SMG saw the departure of Abigail “Kohaibi” Kong, who had also been part of the Game Changers roster. Kohaibi chose not to renew her contract with the organization, marking another transition for Team SMG’s VALORANT division.
As the all-female roster of Kelly “shirazi” Jaudian, Alexandria “Alexy” Francisco, Camille “Kamiyu” Enriquez, Odella “enerii” Abraham, and Ryona Shannen “Tarathiel” Tan embarks on their journey as free agents, they are poised for a new chapter in their esports careers. Their resilience, determination, and commitment to their craft have not gone unnoticed, and the esports community eagerly awaits the next step in their journey.
