Shopify Rebellion Not Invited to Participate in 2023 VALORANT Champions Tour
The Shopify Rebellion organization, which recently acquired the Luminosity Gaming roster, received disappointing news from Riot Games. Riot informed Shopify Rebellion that they will not be participating in the 2023 VALORANT Champions Tour as a partner.
In a statement, Shopify Rebellion expressed their disappointment, referring to the partnership application as a “popularity contest for a woefully small number of teams.” The organization also operates a highly regarded women’s roster, considered the second best in North America behind C9 White.
Shopify Rebellion’s statement called upon Riot to find meaningful ways to support the broader VALORANT ecosystem, as there are many incredible players, creators, and talent deserving of support. The organization shared that they will continue to support their teams and players, and will provide more details about their future in VALORANT later this summer.
Shopify Rebellion acquired the released roster from an organization that left VALORANT. The team will compete in the NA VCT Last Chance Qualifier in August, with a single spot at VCT Champions 2022 up for grabs.
On the same day as Shopify Rebellion’s announcement, the SoaR organization also announced their exit from competitive VALORANT. SoaR cited the likely negative impact of the upcoming franchising/partnership model on the tier two scene. Several other organizations, including Dignitas, Rise, and beastcoast, have also exited the VALORANT scene in the past year.
As Riot narrows down the number of teams for their Americas league, more organizations will face tough decisions about their future in VALORANT. Shopify Rebellion is the first organization with a team still competing in VCT to make this announcement.
Shopify Rebellion, Riot Games, VALORANT, Champions Tour, partnership, Luminosity Gaming, North America, C9 White, women’s roster, VALORANT ecosystem, esports, competitive gaming, NA VCT Last Chance Qualifier, VCT Champions 2022, SoaR organization, franchising/partnership model, Dignitas, Rise, beastcoast.