Ninjas in Pyjamas Signs Three Female Players for VALORANT Game Changers
Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) has made their return to the EMEA region in VALORANT by signing three talented female players. The team consists of Paige “Padge” Thomas, Öykü “OYKU” Büyük, and Nelly “Raina” Sosobrado. They will be competing in VCT Game Changers, which is Riot Games’ official competitive circuit designed for marginalized genders.
Community response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many excited to see a renowned esports organization like NiP commit to supporting the Game Changers scene. NiP has been involved in VALORANT since 2020, but this will be their first roster that does not consist entirely of male players. The organization disbanded their previous VALORANT team in September 2021 after missing out on the 2023 franchising program, allowing the male players to explore other opportunities.
Raina, OYKU, and Padge are no strangers to each other, as they previously played together under Rix.GG Lightning throughout 2022. In October, they finished 5th-6th in Game Changers EMEA: Series III, coming in behind Acend Rising, TENSTAR Nova, Natus Vincere Celestians, G2 Gozen, and Guild X.
“We’re starting a new chapter, and we’re determined to bring home that trophy,” said Raina upon joining NiP alongside OYKU and Padge. The remaining members of NiP’s Game Changer lineup are yet to be revealed and will be announced at a later date.
The VALORANT Game Changers EMEA circuit for 2023 has introduced four tiers: VCT Game Changers EMEA: Academy and VCT Game Changers EMEA: Emergents, VCT Game Changers Contenders, VCT Game Changers EMEA, and the Game Changers Championship. This restructuring aims to provide a more streamlined and enhanced path to professional play for female gamers in the scene.
Ninjas in Pyjamas, VALORANT, EMEA, VCT Game Changers, female players, esports, Riot Games, competitive circuit