League of Legends Players Association votes for walkout over Riot Games’ decision
The League of Legends community was shocked on May 29 as the North American LCS Players Association (LCSPA) voted to stage a walkout. The walkout was in response to Riot Games’ decision to remove the obligation for organizations to field a roster in the North American Challengers League, which has left the start of the 2023 LCS Summer Split uncertain. This is the first time such collective action has been taken in the history of the LCS, but it comes as tensions between Riot and the NALCSPA have reached an all-time high.
According to reports, the reaction to the walkout vote has been mostly positive. Many League fans have congratulated the LCSPA for taking a stand against Riot, both as the tournament organizer and the game’s developer.
Misfits’ content creator Mrs Chim Chim took to Twitter to say, “This is history in the making. Proud of the players for standing up for themselves and what they believe in, looking forward to the resolutions to come.” Similarly, former LCS reporter and analyst turned content creator Ovilee wrote, “Proud of the players for standing up for themselves and what they believe in. Looking forward to the resolutions to come.”
The LCSPA has not confirmed the date of the walkout, but it is expected to happen on the opening day of the 2023 LCS Summer Split, which is Thursday, June 1. All 10 LCS teams are scheduled to play on that day. has reached out to the LCSPA for confirmation and will update the article accordingly.
Riot and the LCSPA have a short window of time to come to an agreement that satisfies both parties. The players’ association has made five requests, including a “VALORANT-style” relegation and promotion system for the LCS and the NACL and a $300,000 revenue pool per NACL team for salaries. It remains to be seen if Riot will accept these demands.
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