LCS Demise Confirmed by 100 Thieves Loss at Worlds 2024
100 Thieves faced a crushing defeat in their first match of Worlds 2024 against Movistar R7, one of the few Latin American teams likely to persist through League of Legends’ Americas restructuring. This outcome, among other factors, underscores that Riot Games’ decision to dissolve the LCS was justified despite the downsides.
Job Losses and Industry Impact
The restructuring has led to significant job losses, particularly for teams cut from the CBLOL and LLA leagues. Esports is already a challenging field to thrive in, and Riot’s decision to drastically reduce the number of teams exacerbates this difficulty.
The New League Structure: Potential and Pitfalls
While the reduction in teams and job losses are unfortunate, the merging of the three leagues into a larger North and South American conference could boost viewership and elevate the level of competition. Although it is unlikely that most South American teams will compete at the same level as top North American teams like Team Liquid and FlyQuest, the LCS had become a two-team region in its final days.
The Fall of Immortals, Dignitas, and Cloud9
Teams like Immortals, who consistently performed poorly, won’t be missed. Dignitas and Cloud9, despite their strong rosters, never fully capitalized on their potential. Shopify Rebellion’s entry has been disappointing, and NRG’s exit was anticipated despite their 2023 success.
100 Thieves: A Team in Development
100 Thieves is a young team with players like River who lack international experience. The team needs time to develop, but they are building their roster with a focus on the future. Their loss to Rainbow7, a team filled with veteran players like Summit and Oddie, was expected due to the disparity in experience and cohesion.
The Overreliance on Imports
Both the LCS and LLA have relied heavily on importing talent from regions like Korea. For instance, Rainbow7’s mid laner Keine and top laner Summit are Korean imports, similar to many players in the LCS.
Misplaced Expectations
If the labels of LCS and LLA were removed, 100 Thieves’ loss to Movistar R7 wouldn’t seem like an upset. It was a case of inexperienced players being bested by seasoned veterans. The expectation that 100 Thieves would win was driven more by the assumption that a major region team should be superior by default.
The LCS: A League in Decline
The LCS has been struggling for years. Issues like overspending on rosters without synergy and failing to market players have plagued the league. Winning isn’t the only way to build a fan base in esports, and the LCS teams have largely failed to understand this.
South American Fandom and Passion
South American fans are incredibly passionate about esports, and their teams understand how to leverage this enthusiasm to thrive. This is a sharp contrast to the LCS, where fan engagement has waned.
Competitive Parity and Entertainment Value
Concerns about North American teams dominating South American teams have been proven unfounded. Tier 2 teams from the LLA and CBLOL have shown they can compete with or even surpass NA teams. The match between Rainbow7 and 100 Thieves was filled with mistakes but was entertaining, demonstrating that “good” League of Legends isn’t always the most fun to watch.
The Future of Competitive League of Legends
The LCS had positive changes through 2024, and its end is unfortunate. However, this transition could be a step forward for competitive League of Legends. The new structure could invigorate the remaining teams, fostering regional rivalries and improving both viewership and competition.
Conclusion: A Necessary End
The demise of the LCS, while sad, was necessary for the growth of competitive League of Legends in the Americas. By creating a more sustainable ecosystem, Riot Games can build a stronger foundation for the future.
The loss of 100 Thieves may have felt like a blow to many LCS fans, but it also signals a new beginning filled with potential. The restructuring aims to create a more competitive and engaging league, benefitting both players and fans.
