In the competitive world of Apex Legends, a high-stakes tournament designed as a safe haven for women and trans women became the epicenter of a heated controversy in 2026. The Her Galaxy $100K Apex Legends Open, promising a grand prize and an inclusive space, was rocked by allegations of transphobia that led to a dramatic series of disqualifications and reinstatements, highlighting the ongoing challenges of fostering true inclusivity in esports. The incident began when whispers and rumors swirled through the community, eventually reaching tournament administrators and setting off a chain of events that would see one team ousted, then welcomed back, while another faced permanent expulsion for discriminatory conduct.

The controversy unfolded publicly when Twitch Affiliate Sani, a member of Team Vexxx, took to social media to detail a distressing situation. According to her account, a notorious individual within the Apex community, known for harboring prejudiced views, contacted the tournament admins after the verification process. This person allegedly spread falsehoods and malicious rumors questioning the identity of Sani's teammate, a player named Gabe who uses she/they pronouns. The tournament's rules were clear: it was open to trans women, requiring only a government-issued ID and a statement of preferred pronouns for entry. Gabe had been transparent with organizers, explaining that while her legal identification didn't align with her stated pronouns, she was assured this would not be a barrier to competition. "They understood my circumstances," Gabe later explained, referencing the very real and often dangerous personal consequences of legally changing gender identity, including potential familial rejection. Despite this prior understanding, the admins acted on the malicious report, and Team Vexxx found themselves disqualified from the lucrative tournament.

The Immediate Fallout and Community Backlash

The disqualification sent shockwaves through the Her Galaxy community and the broader Apex Legends scene. Accusations of transphobia against the tournament organizers erupted swiftly. The situation was further inflamed when evidence surfaced implicating another competitor. A player known as wondernikki was accused of making blatantly transphobic remarks during a live stream. In audio clips that circulated online, a voice believed to be wondernikki could be heard deriding Gabe's participation. "He doesn’t even belong in our tournament. End of story," the voice said, deliberately misgendering Gabe and dismissing their place in the competition, while another person laughed in the background. This toxic discourse stood in stark contrast to the tournament's stated mission of inclusivity and provided a clear example of the hostile environment trans players often face.

Facing immense public pressure and scrutiny, the tournament organizers conducted a swift investigation. The result was a stunning reversal. On May 19, Her Galaxy issued a formal statement reinstating Team Vexxx to the competition. They acknowledged the misstep, calling it a "teachable moment," and reaffirmed their commitment to providing a welcoming space. "We apologize for any hurt or confusion this caused," the statement read, promising to improve their processes to prevent a recurrence.

A Second Disqualification and Zero-Tolerance Policy

However, the story did not end with a simple apology. The organizers' investigation delved deeper, uncovering the toxic behavior exhibited by wondernikki's team. In a decisive move underscoring a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, Her Galaxy announced a second disqualification. The team responsible for the hateful commentary and targeted harassment was removed from the tournament entirely. The organizers emphasized that education and rehabilitation were priorities but that blatant violations of their conduct code could not be tolerated. This action sent a powerful message about accountability, distinguishing between an administrative error affecting a marginalized player and willful, harmful discrimination perpetrated by competitors.

The Aftermath and Path Forward

As of the latest standings in 2026, Team Vexxx has navigated the turmoil and remains a formidable contender. They are currently listed in ninth place in the tournament's upper bracket, having secured 32 points and a coveted spot in the final round scheduled for June 25, where they will continue to compete for the $100,000 prize. The incident has sparked broader conversations within esports about verification processes, community reporting, and how to robustly protect marginalized players not just in policy, but in practice. It serves as a poignant reminder that creating inclusive spaces requires constant vigilance, clear communication, and the courage to correct course when mistakes are made. The Her Galaxy controversy, while painful, may ultimately strengthen the framework for future tournaments aiming to celebrate and protect all women and trans women in gaming.

Key Event	Date (2026)	Outcome
Initial Disqualification of Team Vexxx	May 18	Based on unfounded rumors regarding a player's identity.
Community Backlash & Evidence Revealed	May 18-19	Audio of transphobic comments by another team surfaces.
Team Vexxx Reinstated	May 19	Her Galaxy issues apology and corrects the error.
Disqualification of Offending Team	May 19	Team found in violation of conduct code is removed.
Tournament Finals	June 25	Top ten teams, including Team Vexxx, compete for grand prize.

The legacy of this event is complex. It showcases both the fragility of trust in systems designed for protection and the power of community advocacy to demand accountability. For players like Gabe and her teammates, the fight for their rightful place in the arena was fraught with unnecessary hardship. Yet, their perseverance, coupled with the tournament's eventual corrective actions, charts a path toward a more just and equitable competitive landscape where skill, not identity, is the ultimate determinant of belonging.