Riot on Third-Party LoL Esports Events in 2025

Riot Games is adjusting its 2025 League of Legends global esports calendar to accommodate third-party tournament organizers. A company representative confirmed that a strategic window will open in August, immediately following the conclusion of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). This scheduling shift is intended to provide teams within the ecosystem the flexibility to participate in external competitions, such as the Saudi Arabian government-backed Esports World Cup.

While Riot maintains a hands-off approach regarding the direct organization of these external events, the company continues to exercise its authority through potential licensing fees. This development follows the inclusion of League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics in the 2024 Esports World Cup, which featured top-tier teams from the LPL, LCK, LEC, and LCS. Participation in that event was determined by performance in respective regional Spring Finals, with organizations such as T1, Gen.G, G2 Esports, and Team Liquid among those involved.

The decision to open the 2025 calendar reflects an ongoing evaluation of international event participation. Riot currently holds a one-year contract with the Esports World Cup Foundation and has not yet finalized long-term plans for the inclusion of its titles in future iterations of the event. Decisions regarding continued participation for League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and Valorant remain contingent on public reception and international performance metrics. This adjustment is part of a broader series of structural changes to the League of Legends esports ecosystem, including the introduction of new major events and the consolidation of regional leagues.