Team BDS bows out of the women and non-binary scene
Twice runners-up in the Coupe des Étoiles, Team BDS have unfortunately decided to exit the women and non-binary scene for now, per Sheep Esports sources. Despite struggles in the Equal Esports Cup, the squad had a relatively successful year, nearly defeating G2 Hel last month in Paris. While a potential re-entry remains possible one day, sources indicate that Team BDS does not intend to field another Valkyries squad unless progress is made toward creating an official League of Legends Game Changers circuit in collaboration with Riot Games. The team becomes the third to cease operations within the scene this off-season, following EEC champions NNOwO and LEC representatives MAD Lions KOI, who parted ways with their respective squads in recent months.
The End
Founded in 2023, BDS Valkyries made their debut as underdogs, acquiring the promising roster of SeaPandas. The team quickly defied expectations, earning a reputation as one of the most surprising rosters in the scene. Led by Sea, Sashy, Sha, Stratospanda, and Evalunna, they achieved notable success, securing third place in the 2023 EEC and finishing as runners-up in that year’s Coupe des Étoiles. While 2024 brought its challenges, the Valkyries, with the addition of Aly and Nenris who joined earlier this year, ended their season on a high note, solidifying their place among the scene's top squads.
However, as detailed during the organization's LFL off-season, Team BDS is entering 2025 with a markedly different strategy. Adopting a more cost-conscious approach, the organization has been streamlining its operations across multiple areas, including scaling back its involvement in the women and non-binary competitive scene. Still, despite BDS's recent strategy, sources indicate that the organization would be interested in starting a new chapter in the Valkyries' story if Riot Games delivers on creating a Game Changers circuit in the future.
The Future
Having been given the chance to explore their options following the end of the Coupe des Étoiles, most of the former BDS Valkyries are already in talks with new organizations, with some having secured homes ahead of 2025, soon to be revealed. While the team's journey ends here, its players are poised to build on their past achievements, striving to succeed where BDS could not—having fallen short of clinching a trophy during its tenure.
Header Photo Credit: Team BDS