Breaking Barriers: Kels Becomes First Woman to Compete in CDL Challengers Elite Tournament
Kels is making history as the first woman to qualify for the Challengers Elite tournament in the CDL. This accomplishment is especially significant in a traditionally male-dominated esports scene. Kels has proven herself as a skilled and formidable player, having previously played against and with pros in off-season tournaments and frequently outperforming her male counterparts.
Kels qualified for the Elite tournament alongside her teammates James ‘Genesis’ Smith, Conor ‘BBConor’ Beale, and Ewen ‘Disarray’ Harmer. In an interview, Kels expressed her determination to not just qualify for the Elite tournament, but to also put on a good showing and prove that women can compete at this level.
“I always knew that I was good enough to qualify for an Elite (eventually),” Kels said. “It’s just nice to prove that to other people. None of us are just content qualifying, we want to put up a good account for ourselves in the Elite. Hopefully proving women can compete at this level will encourage more women to compete and get rid of some of the stereotypes that exist.”
The Elite 1 playoffs will take place from January 18 to February 2 in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America, with a prize pool of $50,000. The winning team will receive $20,000, and the tournament will also award Challenger Points, which are important for seeding at international events such as the CDL Boston Major.
Kels is not only an incredible player, but she is also an inspiration to many women and girls who aspire to compete in esports. We are rooting for her and her team as they take on the Elite tournament and shatter stereotypes along the way. You can follow Kels on Twitter at @kelsaroony for updates on her journey and for more inspiration.
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