Riot Games Unveils Changes to European League of Legends Scene
The 2022 competitive season of League of Legends may have just ended, but Riot Games is already making big moves for the future of the esport.
Riot Games has announced several changes to the competitive League of Legends scene in Europe. One of the key changes is the merging of Europe, Turkey, CIS, and MENA into one competitive region called EMEA.
“We’re focused on offering our players the best competition possible,” said European League director Maximilian Peter Schmidt. “These changes will enhance opportunities for professional and aspiring LoL players in the region, giving them more avenues to reach the elite level of competition in EMEA.”
Merging of Regions and Expanded Pathways
In addition to the changes to the LEC, which is now known as the League of Legends EMEA Championship, Riot Games is making significant adjustments to the rest of the EU ecosystem. These changes aim to provide more pathways for aspiring professional players to reach the highest level of competition in the region.
The merge of Europe, Turkey, CIS, and MENA into EMEA means that the TCL and Arabian League will join the EMEA Regional League (ERL) circuit. This expansion of the region’s tier-two system creates more opportunities for young prospects to showcase their talents and advance in their careers.
Moreover, with the region now unified, players from Europe, Turkey, and MENA can freely participate in the LEC as residents, without being subject to LoL Esports’ Interregional Movement Policy. The CIS region and its players will also be integrated into the EMEA ecosystem, granting them the same residential status as others.
EMEA Masters: A Larger Stage for Talent
The pinnacle of the ERL, formerly known as the European Masters, will now be called the EMEA Masters. This tournament will give more teams from the unified region a chance to qualify and compete on a larger stage. The increased visibility could potentially lead to more opportunities for players to be scouted and recruited by major teams in the future.
Overall, the European League scene is constantly evolving, offering ample opportunities for players to pursue their dreams of competing on the LEC stage.
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