Women’s Counter-Strike is once again going through a difficult period. While some female players are forced to juggle esports with other jobs, others are considering switching disciplines. French player Mayline-Joy “ASTRA” Champlio announced her move to VALORANT, explaining her decision by citing the decline of the women’s CS2 scene and the lack of promising tournaments.
At the end of 2025, ASTRA, together with BIG EQUIPA, won ESL Impact League Season 8. At the end of the season, the French player received the “Female Player of the Year” award, and BIG EQUIPA was named “Women’s Team of the Year.”
However, at the end of 2025, ESL suspended the ESL Impact series, after which a number of organizations began disbanding their women’s teams. In May, BIG EQUIPA also suspended its project.
“I’m missing training and competitions, so I’ve decided to switch to VALORANT and focus on improving my game,” ASTRA wrote on X.
According to the player, her ambitions remain unchanged—she still aspires to compete at the highest level. ASTRA admitted that the decision to leave CS2 wasn’t an easy one for her, but she is enthusiastic about this new challenge and is ready to devote herself fully to VALORANT.