Professional North American League of Legends Players Walkout, Delaying 2023 LCS Summer Split
After a whirlwind of events, the professional League of Legends players in North America have made history by deciding to walkout from the upcoming 2023 LCS Summer Split. This momentous decision has led to Riot Games, the game’s developer, delaying the season by two weeks to negotiate with the LCS Players’ Association. However, Riot Games has warned that an extended delay would have severe consequences, including the region’s participation in the year’s biggest League event.
Riot Games’ global head of League Esports, Naz Aletaha, has stated that if the delay lasts longer than two weeks, it would be nearly impossible to run a legitimate competition. This news comes from the statement released by Aletaha, informing the League community of the situation. The delay could result in the cancellation of the 2023 LCS Summer Split and eliminate LCS teams’ qualification for this year’s World Championship. Aletaha emphasizes the importance of ensuring a fair and competitive global system while providing a space for constructive dialogue among players, coaches, and other involved members.
This significant development follows the players’ collective decision to walkout after Riot announced the removal of a mandate that ensured the participation of LCS organizations in the region’s tier-two Challengers League. Seven out of the ten teams in the LCS promptly withdrew from the tier-two league, leaving many players and staff without jobs. Furthermore, players and other significant members of the League community voiced their discontent with Riot’s actions, believing that the removal of crucial support from NACL has severely hindered the path to pro for aspiring North American players.
While many support the LCS players in standing up for themselves and their peers, there is now a looming risk of missing the World Championship and the cancellation of an entire season. This adds pressure to the LCS Players’ Association and the players as they attempt to find a middle ground with Riot and league officials.
If the two parties can reach a solution at the negotiating table this week, the new start date for the 2023 LCS Summer Split will be on Thursday, June 15.
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