TL;DR
- Miyu ‘Shakespeare’ Otomo becomes first female player in LJL history with undefeated debut
- Achieved remarkable 3/1/22 KDA playing support champions Yuumi and Lulu
- Part of growing trend including Remilia and G2 Hel advancing women in esports
- Success demonstrates viability of mixed-gender rosters at competitive levels
- Historic moment signals continued progress toward gender inclusion in gaming
The League of Legends competitive landscape witnessed a groundbreaking achievement as support specialist FENNEL Shakespeare became the pioneering woman to compete in Japan’s premier LJL circuit.
Japan’s official Riot-sanctioned League of Legends championship, the LJL, celebrated a milestone moment this week. Miyu “Shakespeare” Otomo stepped onto the professional stage as substitute support, temporarily replacing FENNEL’s starting player Ian “Corporal” Pearse. Following a decisive 2-0 match victory, Japan’s inaugural female professional competitor maintains a flawless competitive record.
Shakespeare demonstrated exceptional strategic prowess by selecting Yuumi and Lulu, achieving a combined series performance of 3 eliminations, 1 defeat, and 22 assists. This remarkable kill-death-assist ratio would represent standout support play even in established major regions like Korea’s LCK or Europe’s LEC.
#LJL2023 team FENNEL have substituted Shakespeare into support!
Shakespeare becomes the first and only woman competing in the LJL’s top division, & the only woman competing in Tier 1 division of any Worlds qualifying region.
おめでとう @miyu00tomo, we will be supporting you! 🫶 https://t.co/c3pIicISzA
— Women & Non-Binary LoL (@WomenNbLoL) June 11, 2023
Her inaugural professional appearance stands among the rare instances where a woman signed to a development roster received opportunity to demonstrate skills at elite competitive tiers. This successful debut potentially establishes precedent for future talent development pathways.
League of Legends has progressively enhanced accessibility for female competitors aspiring to reach pinnacle competitive levels. This development potentially indicates healthy ecosystem maturation and diversification.
North America previously featured professional competitor Maria “Remilia” Creveling, while elite organizations including G2 Esports now operate dedicated women’s rosters like G2 Hel. Shakespeare brings established familiarity with FENNEL’s system, having joined their satellite team following acquisition of her previous competitive squad.
Despite her victorious debut, Shakespeare may not immediately secure FENNEL’s primary support position, as incumbent Corporal brings substantial veteran expertise. While enthusiasts celebrate a woman reaching Worlds-qualifying competition, the journey remains extensive.
FENNEL faces uncertain qualification prospects for the annual international championship, with Shakespeare’s participation even less assured. Nevertheless, her LJL and LoL Esports stage introduction represents a seminal moment in competitive gaming history.
Action Checklist
- Research development roster opportunities with established organizations
- Master 2-3 meta support champions to professional competency
- Build competitive portfolio with recorded match statistics and VOD reviews
- Network with esports organizations during offseason periods
- Participate in women’s gaming communities for mentorship and support
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » FENNEL Shakespeare becomes first LJL woman pro How FENNEL Shakespeare broke barriers as LJL's first female pro player with undefeated debut