According to information currently circulating online, Riot Games may move League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) matches to a fully online format. The only exception would be special roadtrip events. The changes are expected to take effect in 2027.
During a co-stream of the First Stand tournament, former professional League of Legends player Kim “Wadid” Bae-in said he had heard that Riot plans to stop hosting matches at the usual Riot Games Arena in Berlin.
Wadid claims he received this information from a “very reliable source” and that some teams are already preparing for a transition to online matches.
The cancellation of LAN matches could be part of cost-optimization measures. Riot has previously introduced cost-cutting steps, such as hosting fewer arena shows or running match days without a live audience.
At the moment, Riot Games has not made any official statement. According to Wadid, the final decision may not have been made yet.
Reminder: IO Interactive and the MindsEye developers have ended their partnership.
