Gaming News
| Published On Jan 5, 2024 12:06 pm CET | By Simon Hayes

Riot Games Introduces Ambitious Changes to League of Legends Esports Landscape in 2023

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In a bid to elevate the intensity of League of Legends competitions, Riot Games is set to implement significant changes in the 2023 season, reshaping the format for both the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the World Championship (Worlds). The goal is to establish a more profound connection between these two pinnacle international tournaments.

Riot Games is shaking up the Worlds slots distribution, with the four major regions—LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL—each receiving three slots. The PCS and VCS will retain two slots each, while LLA and CBLOL will secure one each. This adjustment marks a departure from previous editions, where major regions enjoyed more guaranteed slots.

Riot Games implements a revolutionary change by using MSI as the deciding criteria for the remaining open spots. The winning team at MSI will, for the first time, provide an extra slot for their region in addition to securing a guaranteed position at Worlds. The MSI region that performs the next best will get the second spot.

With the help of this innovative strategy, non-major areas may be able to expand their presence internationally, creating a more inclusive competitive environment. In order to maintain competitive performance, teams who qualify early for Worlds are now need to traverse their region’s Summer Playoffs.

Riot Games has not only revamped the structure but also announced the host cities for upcoming events. MSI 2023 is set to unfold in Chengdu, China, from May 1 to May 19, marking the first time a global League of Legends Esports event will grace Chengdu’s esports scene.

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Worlds 2024, on the other hand, will showcase the Play-Ins and Swiss Stage at the newly remodeled Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Germany. The quarterfinals and semifinals will grace the Adidas Arena in Paris, France, with the grand finals scheduled at London’s iconic O2 Arena. The extended global footprint aims to bring the thrill of League of Legends to diverse audiences.

In a move to immortalize the legacy of pro players, Riot Games introduces the LoL Esports Hall of Legends. Pro players will be inducted into Riot’s own Hall of Fame, a testament to their contributions to the rich history of League of Legends Esports. Votes from industry veterans and experts worldwide will determine the inaugural inductee, who will be celebrated both in real life and in-game.

As Riot Games continues to reshape the environment of League of Legends Esports, these broad improvements promise to increase the competitive spirit, inclusivity, and global reach of one of the most popular esports ecosystems.

Simon Hayes

Simon is a freelance writer who since a young age has been passionate about nothing but gaming. His favorite games are League of Legends and Counter Strike. Simon holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and is now working remotely while traveling the world.