As the world of esports continues to grow and evolve, so does competitive gaming for League of Legends. 2023 marks a significant year for LoL Esports in Europe, with the introduction of the EMEA Championship, a culmination of a decade of thrilling matches, passionate fans, and groundbreaking developments.
The format has changed so much that keeping track of everything might be hard. That’s where we step in! Here’s what you need to know about this exciting evolution!
A Decade in Review and a New Beginning
Europe has been home to some of the most electrifying moments in League of Legends Esports for ten years. Recognizing the need to continue evolving and setting the stage for the next era of competition, the governing body of the sport has released the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) Championship.
This expansion sees the merger of Europe with three additional regions:
| Region | Full Name | Description |
| Türkiye | Türkiye Şampiyonluk Ligi (TCL) | This is the primary competitive league for League of Legends in Turkey. |
| CIS | Commonwealth of Independent States | Represents the countries of the former Soviet Union, excluding the Baltic states. The primary competitive league for this region is the LCL (League of Legends Continental League). |
| MENA | Middle East and North Africa | Represents countries from the Middle East and North Africa. It’s a newer region in LoL esports, and its development and leagues have been growing in recent years. |
The unified EMEA aims to bridge fans from various continents, fostering regional pride along with providing a platform for international success.
More teams means more competition, and higher stakes. For all we know, this could be the push we need to see the west rising against the east.
The EMEA Vision
The ambition behind the EMEA is simple: to elevate competitive League of Legends, bringing it to the forefront for a new generation of players and fans. It wants to create pathways for emerging talents, such as those showcased in the revamped EMEA Masters, and give them the platform to shine.
It’s about every game, every series, and every moment – celebrating what the EMEA League of Legends community has to offer. The journey over the last ten years was merely the prologue, with the vision for EMEA set on crafting a legacy for years to come.
“We’re focused on offering our players the best competition possible. These changes will further enhance the opportunities for professional and aspiring LoL players in the region, giving them more avenues to reach the elite level of competition in EMEA.” said Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director, League of Legends Esports, EMEA.
A Refreshed Competitive Structure
In 2023, the LEC (League of Legends European Championship) is set to experience a profound metamorphosis. It’s not merely a cosmetic name alteration but a complete re-envisioning of its competitive structure.
The competitive calendar will be carved into three distinct six-week periods: the chilly Winter, the blossoming Spring, and the fiery Summer, each climaxing in its own LEC Season Grand Finale. Here is the architecture of each split:
- It kickstarts with a fierce ten-team BO1 (Best of One) round-robin duel that stretches over three weeks.
- This is followed by an intense eight-team BO3 (Best of Three) double-elimination skirmish.
- The crescendo is a high-stakes four-team BO5 (Best of Five) double-elimination showdown. Emerging victorious from any split (be it Winter, Spring, or Summer) ensures an automatic berth in the illustrious LEC Season Finale.
As for the remaining slots, they’ll be carved out based on the amassed Championship Points throughout the season.
The Importance of the LEC Season Finals
The LEC Season Finals is the pinnacle event in the EMEA calendar. Bringing together the six best teams from the region, the Finals are more than just a display of regional dominance.
They serve as the gateway to the international stage, with teams vying for the opportunity to represent EMEA at the coveted League of Legends World Championship.
This format, though novel for EMEA, is part of a pilot program. Its success will determine the future of competitive League of Legends not just in EMEA but globally.
If embraced by fans, teams, and professionals, this structure could be replicated in other regions. Conversely, feedback will be just as important in refining and perfecting the format for the global audience.
In Conclusion
The League of Legends EMEA Championship is more than just a merger of regions or a format change. Consider it a bold vision for the future of esports, one that recognizes the rich tapestry of talents across continents and aims to bring them under a unified, competitive banner.
As the world of esports continues its rise, the EMEA Championship is poised to be a defining chapter in the storied history of League of Legends. I’m stoked about what latter 2023 is bringing to the table. The only question now is: what kind of play will we witness?
