Riot Games announced that it is making changes to its ERLs (European Regional Leagues) system for League of Legends Esports in 2025. At a glance, those new changes will include allowing more flexibility for tournament organizers, relaxed rules on broadcasting, no more mandatory substitute rules for players/teams, an option for tournament organizers to increase the number of locally trained representatives (LTRs), laxer rules on players who want to compete in third-party events, in-person event rules, and changes to division 2 rules.
Riot said in its announcement that it will give “greater flexibility” to tournament organizers to create their own competition formats for ERLs in 2025. While there will still be a structured split format in 2025, TOs will have freedom to create split formats that “are better tailored to serve their specific communities.”
There will also be changes to rules on broadcasting and co-streaming, most notably that TOs will now have the option to host either studio or remote setups as part of their official broadcasts, and won’t have to “air every match.” TOs will also be granted more flexibility when it comes to providing co-streaming rights to teams, allowing them to co-stream all ERL matches “at the TO’s discretion” (this includes first-person view streams). These changes will offer “a greater diversity of streaming possibilities,” and “enhance the viewing experience for fans, as well as give TOs more opportunities to tailor their experience to their fans’ needs,” according to Riot.
The requirement of having a substitute will also be removed in 2025 for ERLS, with teams being allowed to sign an “emergency substitution” if required during an active competition. Obviously, substitutes would have to meet the requirements found in the official rulebook and be approved by the ERL’s respective TO.
In 2025, TOs will be able to increase the number of LTRs in ERLs at their discretion. Riot said that this change in the rules will promote “local talent and nurture the growth of regional players in the hope of expanding and improving our talent pool throughout the region.”
Riot also said that it has decided to remove the requirement for hosting mandatory live events. This change will allow TOs to use their resources better, without the pressure of hosting in-person events. The company is also loosening the rules on players/teams participating in third-party competitions, allowing more competitive opportunities—at the TO’s discretion.
Finally, Riot has decided to remove the 2nd Division requirement, though a “promotion-relegation tournament will remain compulsory at least once throughout the competitive season, with the possibility of at least one team being promoted.” More details about “Tier 2 format changes coming to LoL Esports in EMEA will be revealed in the coming weeks,” according to Riot.