VALORANT Game Changers Championship: Pros share pre-tournament vibes

As the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Game Changers Championship kicks off in Seoul, South Korea, the excitement and nerves of the world’s top Game Changers players are shown through candid press conference moments. Just a day away from the biggest event of the year for the Game Changer circuit, players across teams are soaking in the vibrant Korean culture while preparing mentally and physically for the competition.

Everyone’s Experiences in Korea

South Korea’s reputation as an esports mecca is well justified, with visiting teams raving about the country’s gamer-friendly lifestyle that perfectly matches their nocturnal schedules. Shopify Rebellion Gold’s Melanie "meL" Capone summed it up warmly:

“South Korea is giving very much gamer city... things are so open, and dinners pretty late, which works perfectly with our schedule since we’re up till 2, 3, or 4 AM.”

Beyond practice rooms and scrims, players have embraced Korean culture with enthusiasm, from exploring food markets to visiting spots like the Lotte Aquarium. Anastasia "Glance" Anisimova also shared her surprise at the different shopping experience:

“In the mall near our hotel, there was a big stage and lots of plushies. I was in shock. We all were in shock because we never seen like this amount of accessories you can buy.”

Finding Balance between Fun and Focus

A recurring theme throughout the press conferences was how players strike a delicate balance between the pressure of competing on stage and the pure enjoyment of their craft and team bonds. Michaela "mimi" Lintrup from G2 Gozen shared her experience of bringing back long-time teammate Petra "Petra" Stoker from the bench to the active roster:

“Playing with Petra makes me calm and confident. Our focus is on having fun and taking it match by match and enjoying the process.”

This sense of calmness was also echoed by Xipto GC’s Mary "capriciouS" Grace Sabado, who firmly rejected the notion that fun and ambition can’t coexist:

“Just because you want to have fun doesn’t mean you don’t want to win. Having fun with the game is important because, at the end of the day, it’s a game.”

The supportive environment extends beyond the matches themselves. Teams have made excellent use of their bootcamp time in Korea to foster team synergy and smoothly integrate new players. meL praised the seamless addition of Karnthida "dodonut" Chaisrakeo to their lineup, calling her a great addition to the team, and “smoother than imagined to work with.”

Even with the challenges ahead, the players shared a collective confidence, relying on their coaches’ guidance and embracing the need to stay flexible and adapt on the fly.

Rivalries and Role Models

As excitement buzzed through the air, so too did a deep respect for the competition awaiting these teams. Team Liquid Brazil’s Julia "Jelly" Paiva Iris expressed genuine anticipation about facing her former squad MIBR GC, even saying that they’d be able to make the Grand Finals as well. She also pointed to Shopify Rebellion Gold as being one of the teams she wants to beat, getting here revenge from the VCT Game Changers 2024 - Championship finals.

When asked about role models inspiring the scene, many players pointed towards Melanie "meL" Capone. Revered not only for her skill but also for her profound impact on the Game Changers community, meL represents the the peak of this scene, and continues to elevate the competitive landscape. Anastasia "Glance" Anisimova captured this sentiment perfectly:

“I think it's kind of obvious that she's more like a role model. And in all of the regions, she's the most experienced one. She won a lot of titles. She's always been here and there and competing. And not only through Game Changers, but Challengers as well, which is impressive to me.”

This mutual respect and recognition add a compelling layer to the narrative, where rivalries fuel motivation and role models inspire excellence across all regions.

Ready to Make History

With all the cultural experiences savored, friendships deepened, and strategies fine-tuned, these players stand ready to take to the stage for the biggest tournament of the year. And Seoul’s blend of vibrant energy and esports-centric environment provides the perfect backdrop for these athletes to chase glory.

Michaela "mimi" Lintrup summarized it well: “Every match will be tough. We’re happy just to be here, ready to show what we’ve been cooking up.” As the stage lights flicker on tomorrow, all eyes will be on these ten teams, ready to witness passion, skill, and heart converge in Seoul.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: Adela Sznajder/Riot Games