TL;DR:
We're excited to unveil initial details for the Americas as a regional league next season, representing a new chapter of LoL Esports.
The league will follow a three-split format: Split 1 kicks off with a tournament, Split 2 encourages teams to hone their skills while allowing fans build stronger connections with their favorite teams and players, and Split 3 ramps up the intensity as teams battle for a spot at Worlds.
We'll also break down the new Tier 2/Academy system and how it feeds into Tier 1.
League of the Americas
As we continue to shape the future of League of Legends Esports, the League of the Americas marks the beginning of an exciting chapter that honors the storied legacy of the LCS, LLA, and CBLOL. In developing the newly proposed model, our goals are to capitalize on the strengths of each region, grow our existing fan bases, improve competitive play and Americas' results in international tournaments, and enhance the pathway to pro play. This new chapter sets the stage for fresh stories and unforgettable moments.
For over a decade, these three leagues have built deep connections with our communities, crafting memories that have defined LoL Esports in the Americas. Now we believe it’s time to take a bold step forward and create something that can grow and evolve. The League of the Americas is designed to blend innovative competition with the rich heritage of these beloved brands, uniting the strengths of our uniquely passionate communities in a way that’s never been done before.
As we embark on this journey, we’re eager to share more about the league and the exciting path ahead for LoL Esports in the Americas. Stay tuned for more details on the branding of the league and its Northern and Southern conferences in the coming months.
Tier 1 Teams
As we prepare for the next chapter, we want to provide insights into the process of determining the Tier 1 teams that will shape the Americas next season. Our regional leagues historically have been profoundly influenced by the contributions of exceptional team partners who have played a crucial role in crafting the narrative of LoL Esports. In regions like the LCS and CBLOL, where franchise models were adopted, teams underwent rigorous evaluations based on their vision for the sport, business strategies, and the resources they brought to the table.
Since the initial franchising, our partners have evolved significantly, adapting to the fiercely competitive and ever-changing esports landscape. Some have excelled, others have had to pivot and adapt to new challenges, and some have left us entirely. This evolution brings us to a pivotal moment where it is crucial to reassess and ensure that our team partners are aligned with our future direction. Through a comprehensive evaluation process, including strategic reviews, in-depth discussions with team executives, and an analysis of lessons learned in recent years, we’re committed to collaborating with teams that not only share our vision but also have the capabilities to achieve it. We plan to announce full details regarding the Tier 1 teams after the 2024 season concludes, setting the stage for a new era of competition in the Americas.
New Americas Format
In the new Americas league, both North and South conferences will operate under identical formats and calendars—a strategic decision to ensure consistency and fairness across the entire region. This uniformity is essential as we work to develop the region and foster cross-conference competition throughout the year. Each conference will host its games in their respective headquarters—the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles for the North, and the CBLOL Arena in São Paulo for the South. Twice a year, the top teams from each conference will come together at LAN events to compete for seeds in global tournaments, adding an extra layer of excitement and regional pride.
The road to Worlds in 2025 will be defined by a series of innovative and challenging formats, tailored specifically for the unique structure of the Americas. Each split is designed to have its own identity and purpose, building anticipation and momentum throughout the year. The first split will kick off with a dynamic tournament where teams introduce themselves to the region, showcasing their mastery and ingenuity through Fearless Draft. Every match will bring a fresh and exciting experience, culminating in the first cross-conference showdown between the top teams from both conferences.
The second split will follow a traditional format, challenging teams to refine their strategies while allowing fans to deepen their connections with players and teams as they follow their journey. Matches will take place within each conference, with teams competing against regional rivals. The top team from both the North and South conferences will earn a coveted slot at MSI, emphasizing the importance of regional dominance during this stage of the competition.
The third and final split will heighten the intensity, featuring aggressive formats with series play and high stakes every week. This split will culminate in a final LAN event where the top teams will vie for three coveted spots at Worlds. While the top-performing teams from both the North and South conferences will earn one slot each, the third and final slot will be up for grabs. The season will conclude with a Regional Championship roadshow, celebrating the sport and its community as it travels to a new location within the Americas each year.
Tier 2
Tier 2 remains a cornerstone of our competitive ecosystem, providing a vital pathway for aspiring players to ascend to the professional stage. It’s within this tier that regional talent is nurtured, laying a sustainable foundation for the long-term success of LoL Esports in the Americas. Over the years, we've seen numerous players who started their careers in leagues like NACL and CBLOL Academy quickly rise to the top of their region's teams. This rapid progression, fueled by the intense competition in our tournaments, allows teams to identify and develop new talent with greater efficiency. As we look to the future, this accelerated development will be crucial in elevating the Americas to new heights on the global stage.
We’re committed to strengthening the connection between Tier 2 and Tier 1 by offering emerging players and organizations the ultimate incentive: a one-year slot in the Americas league. This renewed emphasis on Tier 2 development will be supported by a robust structure designed to promote both accessibility and competitive depth.
While North America and Brazil will continue with their existing Tier 2 leagues (NACL and CBLOL Academy), Latin America will significantly enhance their current qualifiers, evolving them into fully fledged Tier 2 leagues—the LRN (Liga Regional Norte) and LRS (Liga Regional Sur). These changes are crafted to ensure that players from all regions have the opportunity to advance through promotion and relegation, with cross-tier matchups in the Tier 1 Promotion Tournament providing an exciting opportunity for Tier 2 teams to compete for a coveted spot in Tier 1. Furthermore, the adoption of the Full Fearless format, which has garnered positive feedback, will become the standard across all Tier 2 leagues in the Americas, further elevating the competitive landscape.
To learn more about Tier 2 format and changes coming in 2025, check out our deep dive article here.
More to Come!
As we near the conclusion of the 2024 season and turn our focus to Worlds, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the community for your unwavering support and passion. There’s still so much more to reveal in the coming months, including detailed insights into the format, the Tier 1 teams, and other exciting developments for the Americas league. Your enthusiasm and dedication have been the driving force behind our progress. Thank you for being an integral part of this incredible adventure!
