League of Legends players demonstrated a stance against rule changes that would reduce the North American Challenger League from sixteen teams to seven, which was initiated just last year. The LCS Players Association (LCSPA) expressed that such a decision would result in the loss of approximately 70 people, including players and coaches. Riot Games made a statement in response to these developments.
LOL World Championship at risk for LCS teams
Riot Games, who argue that these changes are necessary to ensure the sustainability of the North American leagues, also made important statements about the future of LCS. During their meeting with LCSPA, Riot indicated that the leagues could be canceled.
Riot rejected the demand of $300,000 per team per year from LCS teams, as they do not believe these figures are economically sustainable. The renowned gaming company, suggesting that LCS could become profitable like other leagues, stated that if an agreement is not reached in the coming days, the leagues will not start.
The company rejected LCSPA’s demands for player salaries and is considering the possibility of the summer LCS not being played. Accordingly, if an agreement is not reached within the next two weeks, the LCS summer league will not be held in 2023.
The absence of LCS poses another risk for the teams. If LCS is not played, no team from North America will be able to participate in this year’s League of Legends World Championship, which is scheduled for November. Riot has not yet made a statement regarding players’ individual participation in the 2023 LOL World Championship.
It remains a question how LCS teams will react in the event of the leagues not taking place. A World Championship without LCS, which includes teams like Cloud9, TSM, 100 Thieves, Evil Geniuses, and Golden Guardians, would undoubtedly be lackluster. So, what are your thoughts on the crisis between LCS and Riot and the League of Legends World Championship? You can share your opinions with us in the comments section.
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