CLG Red sign shinobi as their new Head Coach

As part of their recent efforts to improve their standing in the competitive scene, CLG Red has announced the introduction of Josh "shinobi" Abastado as their head coach.

CLG announced CLG Red, their all-female, Valorant roster to compete in upcoming tournaments with Benita "bENITA" Novshadian, a member of the original CLG Red CS: GO roster, leading the newly formed team. Over the year, they’ve completed in several regional tournaments as well as the Game Changers series, which was a result of Riot’s efforts to create as a safe place for female and non-binary professional players to develop. In the VCT 2022 announcement, they also mentioned the expansion of the Game Changers Series and the first LAN for the female and non-binary-centered series, which will include teams competing from North America, Europe, South America and Southeast Asia.

Shinobi was a member of Cloud9 Blue Valorant in its initial stages until he decided to part ways shortly after in December 2020. During his stay with Cloud9, he led the North American team to several top-three finishes, notably at Pulse and PAX Area Invitational. After competing in future tournaments under unregistered organizations, he joined Global Esports as the team’s coach and helped them win Fight Night in their preparation for VCT 2021 - APAC Last Chance Qualifier. Despite his efforts, Global Esports had to face defeat from the likes Paper Rex and F4Q preventing their entry into the VCT 2021 - VALORANT Champions 2021.

Riot Games' Game Changers initiative has hosted more than 40 events, and more than 30 professional teams have signed women's rosters to play in VALORANT in the 2021 season. Over the course of 2021, Game Changers has clearly expanded and will do so even more in 2021. Given his experience in coaching and the plethora of new opportunities emerging for CLG in the competitive scene, his inclusion in the team couldn’t have come at a better time.

With this update, CLG Red are now:

Josh "shinobi" Abastado (Head Coach)