NA Game Changers Series III Preview

Ahead of the final North American Game Changers tournament of 2023, we took a moment to recap the year of the teams still in the running for one of the elusive slots in Brazil.

Version1

Version1 look to complete a three-peat and continue their dominance over the North American Game Changers scene, as they currently hold a 26–0 map record in the circuit this year.

In game leader meL and initiator alexis look to extend their streak within NA, where they have won the last eight Game Changers series, as they intend to return to the global stage once again, where last year, as a part of the stories Cloud9 White, they finished fourth following losses to eventual champions G2 Gozen and regional rivals Shopify Rebellion.

They see no reason to change what has worked for them since Series II, having made no roster changes. Most recently they have played in the NSG Lockdown 2 finals and the August Knights Monthly tournament, getting more officials under their belt before Series III kicks off.

Version1 need to place in the top 16 to lock in a spot in the Game Changers Championship, as any circuit points will give them an insurmountable lead in the standings.

Shopify Rebellion

Shopify Rebellion have established themselves as a top contender in not only North America, but on the global stage as well. With multiple second place Game Changers finishes and a second place finish at the 2022 Game Changers Championship, the experienced team is a force to be reckoned with.

However, following a disappointing fourth place finish in Series II in July, the team is prepared to stage a comeback in Series III with a familiar face rejoining their roster. Ex-FaZe Clan panini, a founding member of Shopify Rebellion, has returned to the team following the departure of Lorri, another original member. The roster now consists of in-game-leader KP, flowerful, sonder, cbui, and panini.

Recently, the team has achieved mixed results in the Super Girl Gamer Pro Summer Championships, where they placed third-fourth, and the NRG Neon Dream Invitational, where they placed second. At these events, SR suffered losses to Misfits Black and Disguised, both being teams that they have never lost to before.

Still in an adjustment period from their roster moves, Shopify Rebellion will be looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the scene in Series III.

Complexity GX3

Complexity GX3, on an upward trajectory this year, look to continue this path in Series III. They started the year with a fifth-sixth place finish in Series I, then improving to second place in Series II.

They have participated in a few tournaments since Series II’s conclusion, most notably finishing in the top 8 of the Knight’s Forge, a part of the VCT OFF//SEASON, and additionally finishing in the top 4 of the Neon Dream Invitational.

Complexity has not made any changes to their active roster this year, most notably bringing in Coach Joe shortly before Series II. Should Version1 repeat as champions, Complexity needs to place higher than Shopify Rebellion to secure a spot in Brazil.

Wingman Patrol (Ex-XSET)

Wingman Patrol are an interesting case, as they have had a rollercoaster of a year, starting the year with a third place finish in Series I, but having a relatively unsuccessful Series II, finishing seventh-eighth in Series II, falling to Disguised and Evil Geniuses in the Main Event.

Following Series II, XSET, to the surprise of many around the Game Changers scene, let go of three members of their team, rise, bunny bee, and Soto, alongside their head coach Danimal.

The three members, rise, bunny bee, and Soto, have joined forces with another former XSET member, starriebun, and alongside avery, formerly of Velaris, have constructed a very intimidating roster ahead of Series III.

Wingman Patrol, according to Knights, will retain their circuit points, so they must outperform both Shopify Rebellion and Complexity, by three and two places, respectively in order to qualify for Brazil.

Evil Geniuses

Evil Geniuses have had an interesting year, starting off by signing keenc and PowerPixele from Complexity GX3. They started off the year with a bang, winning the Complexity Paradox Invitational, but placed fifth-sixth in both Series I and II, as well as finishing third-fourth in the May Sakura Cup.

After the conclusion of Series II, they parted ways with Showliana and Stefanie, members of the original Dignitas squad that moved to EG in August 2022.

Bringing in Lorri, formerly of Shopify Rebellion, and StarBound, formerly of Velaris, they hope this retooled roster will give them the boost they need to succeed. They will need a showstopper of a tournament run to claim a spot in Berlin, having to surpass XSET, Complexity GX3, and Shopify Rebellion in circuit points should they not outright win Series III.

FlyQuest Red

After a tumultuous year both in and out of the server, FlyQuest RED are looking to bounce back from a difficult Series II, wherein they placed 13th-16th and exited in the Closed Qualifier stage.

They began the year under Counter Logic Gaming, but between the Series I Open Qualifier and Main Event, CLG was bought out by NRG, and the RED team was left without an organization to represent. Luckily, Ludwig and the Moist Moguls stepped in, signing the team for the remainder of the tournament.

Following their acquisition by Moist, the team was able to go on a miracle run, placing fourth in Series I with clutch play after clutch play highlighted by priceless reactions from Ludwig on his watch parties.

The team was acquired by FlyQuest in June, retaining their RED branding, but had a difficult Series II, losing to Disguised and Velaris in the Open Qualifier.

They have since competed in the Neon Dream Invitational, placing fifth-sixth, and in the Super Girl Gamer Pro Summer Championship, placing third-fourth.

In order to make their global debut, they will need to leapfrog most of the field in circuit points, or win Series III.

Homeless (Ex-FaZe)

Although FaZe Clan decided to part ways with their roster ahead of Series III, the core of di, refinnej and emy stuck together, bringing in christina and tupperware to complete the roster after panini’s departure for SR.

Qualifying for the Main Event in both Series I and II, they were able to place seventh-eighth and fifth-sixth, respectively.

They will retain the 50 circuit points FaZe acquired throughout the year, but many moving parts stand in their way if they want to qualify to Brazil through circuit points.

Disguised

Disguised made a statement in their first venture into Game Changers, bringing together four of the most popular female content creators, Kyedae, QuarterJade, Sydeon, and TrulyTenzin, and an experienced player in Tupperware to make a run in Series I. However, they exited in the group stage, still bringing in a huge new audience.

They would return with a revamped roster for Series II, bringing together players from across the Game Changers scene. They shocked many with their results in Series II, placing third and earning them 50 circuit points. However, it may not be enough to earn them a spot in Brazil, as they must win Series III should any of the previously mentioned teams earn circuit points.