Former LCS Pro Doublelift Suspended from Co-Streaming for Comments on Viewership
Doublelift, a former LCS pro player, announced on his Twitch livestream today that he has been suspended from co-streaming LCS matches. This suspension comes as a result of his recent comments criticizing the league’s viewership numbers.
According to Doublelift, the suspension will be in effect for the upcoming week of games.
Doublelift’s Criticism of LCS Handling of Showmatch
In his livestream, Doublelift expressed his frustration with the LCS for how they managed a showmatch featuring popular content creators in the League community, such as Mr. Beast, Ninja, Tyler1, and Ludwig. He pointed out that no active LCS players were included in the event, despite some professionals showing interest in participating.
Doublelift specifically mentioned that the LCS prevented Liquid mid laner Bjergsen from competing, even though he was initially supposed to play on Mr. Beast’s team in the match.
Missed Opportunity and Declining Viewership
Doublelift criticized the LCS for missing an opportunity with the “Ultimate Crown” event by not allowing Bjergsen to participate. He argued that the LCS could have benefited from having their players involved in an event that attracted a different audience, particularly kids and impressionable individuals who could have become interested in the game or watching the LCS.
Suspension and Remarks on LCS Viewership
As a result of his comments, Doublelift has been suspended from co-streaming the league’s games this weekend. He expressed his frustration, stating that he received a strike from the LCS for his remarks, and this is his second strike. As a consequence, he will not be able to co-stream the upcoming LCS games.
Doublelift also mentioned another strike he received earlier for watching a YouTube video on stream that contained explicit content.
Verifying Doublelift’s Claims on LCS Viewership
Doublelift’s comments about the declining viewership of the LCS do have some truth to them. According to EsportsCharts, the LCS is averaging 40,000 fewer viewers compared to the 2021 Summer Split.
Furthermore, last weekend’s Ultimate Crown showmatch attracted over 69,000 average viewers on Twitch, which is approximately 15,000 more viewers than the third week of the 2022 LCS Summer Split, according to TwitchTracker.
The LCS will resume action on July 16 after a two-week break.