Is League of Legends esports getting a third international tournament?
Riot is reportedly adding a third international event to its League of Legends circuit.
For the past 10 years or so, there have only been two international events during Riot’s official League of Legends pro circuit. The Mid-Summer Invitational is a test and show of power between the Spring and Summer Split, bringing all top teams from every region together after the Spring Split results. Then, the World Championship is for the best of the best teams from all over the world to fight for the top spot at the end of the season.
What would a third international event mean for pro-League players?
What is the new League of Legends event?
Esports journalist Alejandro Gomis has reported that Riot has allegedly confirmed the addition of a third international event for the 2025 season.
This international event would be held between the Winter and Spring Split, Gomis stated, but the name, location, and format of the tournament have yet to be shared.
What we do know, however, is that it will involve just one top team per region — most likely the best of that region for that season. The report states that this will most likely include minor regions as well.
If this is to become a reality, it would introduce international play as early as March next year. This is pretty exciting, although it would mean the rest of the season would be pushed back a bit to give teams time between the event and the upcoming split. That means MSI would be held later in the year than usual.
It’s also unclear if the LCS, LCK, and LPL would adopt a three-split format to fit into this new schedule. This could also change how teams in each region qualify. However, the three-split format would align the three big regions with the LEC.
According to Gomis, Riot will officially announce this competitive update in June 2024. We might learn more about these season changes at that point.
Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.
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