Look Sports Media – Riot Games has unveiled significant changes coming to the League of Legends EMEA Regional Leagues (ERLs) in 2026, setting the stage for a potentially transformative season. These alterations, impacting everything from roster rules to tournament organization, could reshape the landscape of Tier 2 LoL competition in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The ERLs, serving as the crucial stepping stone to the LEC for aspiring pro players across the EMEA region, are facing a pivotal moment. While the leagues have thrived in the past, recent developments, such as Los Ratones’ departure from the NLC and the ERL ecosystem, have raised questions about their future.
One of the most impactful changes is the removal of the locally trained representative (LTR) mandate. Previously, teams were required to field at least two LTRs, fostering regional talent and connecting with local fanbases. However, Riot is now granting tournament organizers greater flexibility in setting roster limits, allowing them to tailor the rules to better suit their specific regions. This decision, while intended to empower organizers, has sparked debate about its potential impact on the development of local talent.
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France’s LFL, a highly competitive league, is reportedly dropping the LTR requirement, fueling speculation about team movements and roster compositions. Despite this shift, Riot maintains that the ERLs’ focus on nurturing young talent remains unchanged, emphasizing the importance of regional engagement and sponsorships.
In addition to the roster rule changes, Spain’s ERL will see a new tournament organizer at the helm. Last Lap, in collaboration with Cabal Esports, will take over from Liga de Videojuegos Profesional (LVP), which has a strong history of producing EMEA Masters champions.
The 2026 ERL season will follow a familiar split structure, with Winter, Spring, and Summer Splits culminating in EMEA Masters tournaments. The Winter Split kicks off on January 7th and runs until March 8th, followed by EMEA Masters Winter from March 9th-15th. The Spring Split will take place from March 23rd to June 7th, with EMEA Masters Spring between June 8th-25th. The Summer Split, the longest of the year, will run from June 26th to September 17th, with the final EMEA Masters of the year scheduled for September 21st to October 19th.
The future of the EMEA Masters Summer winners and their potential participation in LEC Versus in 2027 remains unconfirmed. However, with the new format, teams like Los Ratones and Karmine Corp Blue will compete alongside LEC teams in LEC Versus next year.
These changes signal a new era for the ERLs, and only time will tell how they will impact the competitive landscape and the development of League of Legends talent in the EMEA region.
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