Major Updates to League of Legends Americas League by Riot Games
Introduction to Riot Games’ Tier-Two League Changes
Riot Games has announced significant changes to the tier-two structure of its League of Legends (LoL) Americas League. This update includes restructured Latin American leagues and a one-year guest slot in the tier-one Americas League.
New Tier-Two Structure for League of Legends Americas
In June, Riot Games revealed plans to merge the tier-one Americas leagues LCS, CBLOL, and LLA into a single pan-Americas circuit by 2025. This new circuit will operate under a two-conference model. The final LCS split has shown promising viewership numbers, indicating a positive reception.
The new tier-two system will also feature two conferences, each with two leagues. North America and Brazil will retain their existing NACL and CBLOL Academy competitions. Latin America’s qualifiers will be transformed into fully-fledged tier-two leagues named Liga Regional Norte (LRN) and Liga Regional Sur (LRS). The conferences will be divided into North (NACL and LRN) and South (CBLOL Academy and LRS).
Format and Competition Details
All four leagues will adopt a two-split format, running concurrently with the tier-one split two and three. They will have dedicated qualifiers to maintain an open ecosystem. The first split in the Americas tier-two league will feature the Full Fearless format, which prohibits teams from selecting the same champions used in their previous matches within a series.
The competitive season will culminate in a tier-one Promotion Tournament. The top two teams from each tier-two regional league will compete against a Guest Team from each tier-one conference. Winners will secure a slot in the tier-one Americas league and a chance to qualify for international events like the Worlds Championship. Promoted teams will operate under a business model similar to that of partner teams.
Future Plans and Integration
Riot Games aims to integrate additional elements into the tier-two ecosystem. This includes the introduction of tier-one Sister Teams, Collegiate Teams, and the Americas Challengers Tournament. The first pan-Americas League will feature six tier-two teams competing for a $75,000 prize pool.
The full schedule for the 2025 tier-two season will be released later. Riot Games’ strategic updates aim to create a more competitive and inclusive environment for League of Legends players across the Americas.
Conclusion
Riot Games’ updates to the League of Legends Americas League tier-two structure are set to enhance the competitive landscape. By restructuring leagues and introducing new formats, Riot aims to foster a more dynamic and inclusive esports ecosystem. As the 2025 season approaches, fans and players alike can look forward to a more engaging and competitive experience.
