North American esports organisation Cloud9 has signed all-female Valorant team MAJKL, to complement its current roster. 

Cloud9’s all-male Valorant team will now be known as “Cloud9 Blue”, while the all-female team will be “Cloud9 White.” Telecommunications giant AT&T has also expanded its existing deal with the organisation, to become presenting partner of Cloud9 White. 

The move for MAJKL (Alexis alexis Guarrasi, Annie Annie Roberts, Jasmine Jazzyk1ns Manankil, Katsumi, and Melanie meL Capone) follows an impressive track record since forming in June; finishing 5th-8th place out of 16 teams n their first tournament, the Counter Logic Gaming – Blitz Open Cup, and taking 1st place at the FTW Summer Showdown tournament – part of the VALORANT IGNITION SERIES. 

Discussing the news Senior General Manager of Cloud9, Gaylen Malone, said:

“What stood out to me about MAJKL is that they had to work hard to perfect their play, find each other, and then compete as a unit.

“They are a talented group of women who came together with the goal of being the best at the game and were committed to doing what it took to get there, and watching their improvement over just the past few months has been incredible. They displayed so many of the values we have here at C9, both within the game and out of it, and I’m beyond excited to be welcoming them to Cloud9.”

While associate vice president, sponsorships & experimental marketing, AT&T, Shiz Suzuki, added:

“We are proud to partner with Cloud9 as we take this step together to build a more inclusive esports industry.

“Our goal is to not only provide value to gamers with AT&T’s products and services, but to also contribute to real, meaningful change in the industry by giving this powerhouse team and other talented women what they need to succeed. We can’t wait to tell their stories and see the best of the best represent Cloud9 and AT&T on some of the world’s largest stages.”

Interestingly, unlike other all-women rosters, which are fielded by several esports organisations including Dignitas and Counter Logic Gaming, in titles including CS:GO and Valorant, but kept distinctly out of the male-dominated space, Cloud9 is aiming for its female roster to play against male-dominated teams.

Later this year both Cloud9Blue and Cloud9 White will be attempting to qualify for First Strike – the first official Valorant championship. 

Staying with Cloud9, in September the organisation announced a partnership with Danish audio company EPOS. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Unlike some other pro-female initiatives, the fact that plans call for Cloud9 White to compete alongside Cloud9 Blue against all other teams, whatever their gender structure, encourages diversity but doesn’t reinforce division, so kudos to Cloud9, AT&T, and of course the Cloud9 White roster. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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