Shimmer join Sakura ahead of Impact Finals

Shimmer join Sakura ahead of Impact Finals

Ahead of the upcoming ESL Impact League Season 8 Finals, the women’s CS2 roster formerly known as Shimmer has officially signed with the organisation Sakura, marking a new chapter for the team. Sakura made the announcement on 7 November 2025. 

The deal and its timing

Shimmer entered the finals phase of the Impact League under the “Shimmer” name during the group stage of Season 8. As the team progressed and secured top-regional status, Sakura stepped in as their official organisation for the LAN finals. The timing is notable — the finals occur in Stockholm, Sweden, from 28-30 November 2025 with a prize pool of US$223,000, split between players and clubs. 

In announcing the signing, Sakura stated simply that they had “signed the ex-Shimmer roster ahead of the Impact Finals”. 

Who are the players involved?

The roster moving under Sakura includes:

• Wrenna “Stx” Trampel (United States)

• Lucy “empathy” Verkaik (United States) 

• Lydia “Fawx” Dalton (United States) 

• Raven “raven” Sol (United States) 

• Sylvie “Serendipity” Splaver (United States) 

• Coach Victor “Ink” Rozvora (United States)

What this means for the team

1. Formal organisation backing:
Up to this point Shimmer had been competing as an independent or brand-name team; being signed by Sakura gives them the institutional support and branding typical of elite esports squads. In the women’s CS:GO/CS2 scene, organisational support can affect travel, practice facilities, branding, and resources.

2. Final push in a changing landscape:
The Impact circuit has announced that Season 8 will be the final edition of the tournament. Knowing this gives added significance: the roster signing comes at a moment where legacy, performance and visibility matter more than ever. Sakura and the roster are aiming to make a mark before the circuit concludes.

3. Regional performance leading into the finals:
The roster, as “Shimmer”, finished the North American portion of the tournament with a 6-1 record, their only loss being to the eventual winners FlyQuest RED. That solid regional showing makes them one of the teams to watch at the finals.

4. Opportunity to improve on previous result:
In Season 7, the roster under a prior name finished as runners-up, losing the final to FURIA fe. Sakura intend to “go one better” this time. 

Significance for the women’s CS2 scene

• Visibility & investment: The signing underscores the growing investment in women’s CS2 teams and how organisations are committing resources ahead of major events.

• Legacy event: With Season 8 being the last of the Impact circuit, every decision and result carries legacy weight—this signing is timely.

• Roster continuity vs organisational identity: While the roster remains core, the shift in brand from Shimmer to Sakura may give them greater market presence and leverage.

• Competitive pressure: With fewer seasons ahead, the window for success is narrower. The newly signed roster will likely feel both opportunity and pressure to perform.

What to watch at the finals

• Performance under organisation: Will the change of organisation impact performance positively (better support) or add pressure?

• Bracket outcome: The finals format features two four-team GSL groups feeding into a single-elimination best-of-three playoff. Sakura’s draw and early maps will be critical.

• Star players’ breakout: Players like empathy and Fawx have shown strong regional numbers; this is their chance on a bigger stage.

• Impact of the season’s ending: With the circuit concluding, those who finish strong can carry momentum into other competitions or secure future contracts.

Final thoughts

The signing of Shimmer’s roster by Sakura ahead of the 2025 Impact Finals isn’t just a transaction—it’s a strategic move at a pivotal moment in women’s esports. The players carry the momentum of a 6-1 regional performance and now the backing of an organisation ready to invest in their success. With the finals marking the end of a circuit, the stakes are high.
If Sakura manage to capitalise on their form, organisational support and the narrative of legacy, they could emerge not just as champions—but as one of the defining teams of this era in women’s CS2.