League of Legends International Tournaments: A Missed Opportunity
The League of Legends tournament circuit has its strengths. It provides stability and growth for teams, with a focus on player segments and production value. As one of the most popular eSports globally, its viewership is immense.
However, when it comes to international competition, League of Legends falls short compared to other eSports. Let’s compare it to games like Street Fighter, Smash Melee, Starcraft 2, Dota2, and CS:GO.
The International Scene in Other Games
Street Fighter and Dota2 have multiple large international events with wide representation. Starcraft 2 and CS:GO also have their fair share of international LAN tournaments. In contrast, League of Legends has MSI, Worlds, and a few IEMs, which are often compromised or diluted.
In the League of Legends scene, there is a lack of historical data for interregional play. Teams rarely face each other more than twice, making it difficult for analysis and depth in team narratives. Take the example of when the Tigers played Fnatic at Worlds. Many experts and fans favored Fnatic, but the Tigers swept the semifinals 3-0.
The Importance of International Rivalries
Another issue is the dearth of international rivalries in League of Legends. Infrequent matchups create a lack of weight or meaning behind the meetings. In games like Street Fighter, SC2, Dota2, and CS:GO, rivalries are formed more easily due to more opportunities for teams to compete against each other multiple times.
The Need for Change
Undeniably, some of the best games in the world happen when teams with different styles interact. However, in League of Legends, these games are few and far between due to the limited number of meetings. Changes in the LoL schedule are necessary to allow for more international events and meaningful competition.
But implementing these changes may not be easy. Riot Games may prioritize the successful LCS, which brings in substantial revenue. However, they can consider modifying the spring split to create an open international circuit or adopting a format that facilitates more travel and cross-league play.
As it currently stands, League of Legends’ international tournament circuit is lacking compared to other eSports. It restricts player freedom, limits the excitement and intensity of international competition, and ultimately disappoints its massive fanbase.
League of Legends, eSports, international competition, tournament circuit, rivals, interregional play, fanbase