The 2025 League of Legends competitive season is about to begin, but Shopify Rebellion is already facing setbacks. Due to unresolved visa issues, their support player, Denilson “Ceos” Oliveira, will be unable to join the team for the initial weeks of the League of Legends Americas Championship (LTA) North Conference.
Shopify Rebellion’s Early Roster Challenges
This season, the LTA North Conference moves to North America, with matches hosted in the United States. However, while the location shift offers new opportunities, it also introduces hurdles. U.S. immigration policies have posed challenges for international players, and Shopify Rebellion is no exception.
In a statement shared on their social media channels, the team confirmed that Ceos will miss the opening matches of the split due to a delay in obtaining his visa. The announcement was made by head coach Seong “Reven” Sang-hyeon and veteran player Jason “WildTurtle” Tran, who explained the situation in detail.
Ceos: A Rising Star on Hold
Ceos, a Brazilian support player who excelled during the preseason with impressive SoloQ rankings in South Korea, had already shown promising synergy with the team during their training camp. Unfortunately, without the necessary travel documentation, he will remain in Brazil for the time being.
Despite the setback, Shopify Rebellion’s coaching staff expressed confidence in Ceos’ readiness to integrate into the lineup as soon as his visa is approved. Until then, Tristan “Zeyzal” Stidam, a seasoned support player, will step in to fill the role during the early stages of the competition.
What’s Next for Shopify Rebellion and LTA North
The LTA North Conference kicks off on January 25, 2025, with Shopify Rebellion eager to showcase their roster. The team’s group-stage opponents will be determined during the official draw on January 18.
Despite the early challenges, Shopify Rebellion remains optimistic about their performance this season. The organization is confident that Ceos’ eventual arrival will strengthen their lineup and bolster their chances of competing at the highest level.
Conclusion
Visa complications have long been a challenge in the esports scene, especially for international tournaments. Shopify Rebellion’s situation underscores the hurdles teams face when competing on a global stage. While Ceos’ absence is a setback, the team is prepared to adapt with Zeyzal stepping in until their full roster can compete.
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