Shopify Rebellion Advances to Grand Finals of VCT Game Changers Championship
Shopify Rebellion pulled off impressive victories against Cloud9 White and Liquid Brazil in the lower bracket matches of the VCT Game Changers Championship. Their success sets up an exciting grand finals showdown with EMEA favorites G2 Gozen.
Unfortunately, Shopify will have to compete without coach Rob “robwiz” Kennedy, who has been benched and fined. Kennedy received the penalty after flipping off C9 White at the end of their match.
Suspension and Fine for Coach Rob “robwiz” Kennedy
The competitive ruling against Rob “robwiz” Kennedy can be seen below:
Shopify Rebellion and C9 White have been rival teams throughout the Game Changers competition, with C9 White consistently coming out on top. Trash talk has been exchanged between the teams online, in press conferences, and even on stage.
After defeating C9 White, coach robwiz was caught on the broadcast giving the middle finger to the C9 White players and staff. The incident quickly spread on social media.
Shortly after the match, robwiz took to Twitter to express his satisfaction with eliminating the “shit talkers.” However, he also posted an apology acknowledging that his emotions got the best of him in the heat of the moment.
Robwiz has been fined and warned regarding his actions. Any further violations of rule 7.12, which emphasizes coaches’ need to demonstrate good sportsmanship, will result in more severe penalties. Some VCT pros, like EG’s BcJ and Sentinels’ dephh, believe that the fine is appropriate but that the suspension is excessive.
Despite the setback, Shopify Rebellion is scheduled to face G2 Gozen in the grand finals of the VCT Game Changers Championship at 10am CT on Sunday, Nov. 20. The team will compete without their suspended coach.