X-Games mode Activated: Version1 launches new roster in a bid for a new era, formerly VersionX shifted into primary focus with star-studded roster

VersionX to Version1

The North American organization is pivoting all in on their former Game Changers division, officially announcing the signings of some of the best players in North America to their roster. In a bid to shake things up, this former Game Changers division will be competing for in the North American Challengers Circuit, with the hopes of attaining Ascension at the end of the year.

As reported earlier, Version1 has now confirmed the signing of former-Cloud9 White duo Melanie “meL” Capone and Alexis “alexis” Guarrasi. They have also brough on the rising rookie raved by all as the upcoming Game Changers superstar talent, Ava “florescent” Eugene, formerly of Misfits Black. Nicole “Noia” Tierce of XSET Purple and Sarah “sarah” Simpson of Immortals.

New Version

As reported last year December, the Version1 organization has waved goodbye to an early part of their competitive era with the departure of their last founding player from the original lineup. Version1 have competed in professional Valorant since 2021, when they picked up the formerly known team of NeverDone. The roster initially consisted of former Counter-Strike players: Anthony “vanity” Malaspina, Keven “PLAYER1” Champagne, Loic “effys” Sauvageau, Erik “penny” Penny, and Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro.

They then underwent changes, most notably with the departure of In-Game Leader “vanity” to rival North American organization Cloud9. Version1 historically peaked in 2021 with their LAN debut at Masters Reykjavik. Since then, they have seen steady performance, however, have not been able to recapture the magic of their first year. With the departure of every member of the roster by the end of 2022, Version1 is now pivoting focus towards their VersionX roster (Game Changers roster).

Captured Lightning

“meL” is arguably the largest part of the success experienced by Cloud9 White in 2021 and 2022 and was instrumental to their reign of dominance of their In-Game Leader. Moreover, she is widely considered one of, if not the best female player currently active in Valorant. More than anything, she is one of the most talked about professional players from the Game Changers scene, with even figures such as Tyson “TenZ” Ngo speaking on how her level was strong enough for most Tier 1 teams during a time when females competing at the highest levels was not the norm.

Having managed to sign both her and “alexis” from the legendary Cloud9 White dynasty that disbanded late last year, Version1 appear on good course for Ascension contention. According to “meL”, prior to their disbandment, C9 White founder Jack Etienne had approached her with the idea to ‘build a top co-ed roster for Ascension’ under the C9 banner. Unfortunately, Riot Game’s ruling on partnered teams not being permitted to field academy teams rendered discussions moot.

Cloud9 is a current partnered organization in the Americas league of the Valorant International Leagues, with one of the best roster on paper. Meanwhile, Version1 seems to have gotten their back for Cloud9 poaching their In-Game Leader 2 years ago, with the reverse poaching of Cloud9 talent. Version1 will be competing in the open Challengers Qualifiers beginning on the 9th of Jan (under the name NeverDone).  #

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