2024-01-08 13:26:56
After the Christmas holidays, enthusiasm for esports is slowly returning. News emerged this week that Riot Games is negotiating to allow a League of Legends exhibition tournament at the Esports World Cup, something that was recently announced by the government of Saudi Arabia. It is an eight-week gaming festival and multi-title sports competition series taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (previously known as Gamers8) starting in July.
The information is based on internal emails (not yet confirmed) sent to confidential company employees during the holidays. The email said Riot Games is still waiting for details about the third-party League of Legends event, but will allow two teams from each league to participate and will not choose who will attend the event.
The email said that Chris Greely, global strategy director for League of Legends Esports, asked each league to “do everything possible to pave the way for an Esports World Championship for the first week of July.”
A Riot Games spokesperson declined to comment specifically on the contents of the leaked email, but told Esports Advocate on Tuesday night that discussions are underway with third-party tournament organizers, as well as the Esports World Cup.
The representative of Riot Games states that: “We have been evaluating our approach towards third-party events. If done correctly, third-party tournaments could provide teams and professional players with additional optional competitive opportunities, as well as new revenue streams. Also We know fans have been asking for more international and inter-regional tournaments, and while these events would not be operated by Riot, we believe they could be part of fulfilling that request, in addition to the competitions we produce. Last year’s Asian Games were a great example of the positive impact that third party events can have on our esports, and we believe there is room for more if carefully planned. We have been in talks with several tournament organisers, including the Esports World Cup, about how to unlock participation of teams at such events. We are actively exploring these opportunities, including if and when they may fit into the 2024 calendar, but nothing has been confirmed at this time. “We will have more information to share as we complete the evaluation process.”
It may be that in the future Riot Games will include its two famous video games in the Esports World Cup.
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