Breaking Barriers: Apex Legends EMEA Team Shatters Gender Norms in Pro League
In a groundbreaking moment for Apex Legends esports, history was made as the first team with two women competed in the pro league. Kornelia “Sabz” Zawistowska and Kyri “Kyri” Taha joined forces with David “AlphaDraft” Ciura on Phoenix Legacy, defying expectations and finishing in an impressive ninth place. This achievement surpasses the previous record set by Element 6, the winners of week one.
Explore Apex Legends and stay updated with our latest article.
Until recently, the presence of women in the Pro League was limited to just one player at a time. However, Phoenix Legacy’s new roster signifies a significant step towards greater gender diversity in the ALGS. Luminosity Gaming’s “WeThePeople” commended Sabz and Kyri for their trailblazing efforts, stating that they are leading the way and inspiring girls around the world.
Their exceptional skills have not gone unnoticed. NiceWigg, a prominent figure in the Apex Legends community, described the duo as absolute “demons” due to their remarkable talent. Despite Kyri’s debut in the ALGS, the team displayed remarkable cohesion, overcoming challenges such as tough zone pulls, internet outages, and adapting to new team dynamics.
In an interview with Esports Wiz, Kyri credited her teammates for their outstanding performance. She praised Alpha’s strategic leadership and Sabz’s anchoring skills as a Wattson player. Kyri’s own strengths as a fragger completed the team dynamic, with her proactive communication guiding the team’s coordinated attacks and movements.
Sabz, who is also signed to TSM’s women-only team, has been a driving force in promoting women’s participation in Apex Legends. TSM’s women-only team, launched in January 2023, has paved the way for other top-tier organizations like Luminosity Gaming to invest in women-only rosters competing in dedicated tournament circuits.
While Phoenix Legacy stands as the only pro league team with a female majority, the South American all-female team Capivara is currently making waves in the regional circuit. Despite EA’s decision to prioritize the new Chinese region over the South American league, Capivara still has a chance to qualify for ALGS LANs at the end of each split.
As Year Four unfolds, it is clear that this is a year of historic firsts for women in the ALGS. The achievements of these talented women are just the beginning. Kyri has hinted at an upcoming signing, and both Sabz and Kyri will continue to compete in the EMEA region during Split One.
© 2024 Esports Wiz
