According to the Sheep Esports portal, Riot Games plans to launch the Game Changers initiative in the League of Legends discipline for the EMEA region. The program is expected to start in April 2025 and will become the first large-scale tournament for women and marginalized genders on the professional LoL scene. However, there has been no official confirmation from Riot Games yet.

Expansion of a Successful Model

The Game Changers program has already proven its effectiveness in VALORANT, where the development of women's esports has been actively supported since 2022. One of the main successes was Shopify Rebellion Gold reaching the VALORANT Challengers North America, despite the departure of their key player Eva "florescent" Eugene to the male team Apeks, which competes in the VCT EMEA.

In League of Legends, there have been no similar initiatives in the EMEA region. Despite local tournaments like the Equal Esports Cup and Coupe des Étoiles, the women's professional scene has long lacked centralized support. However, the situation is now changing.

Structure of the New Tournament

According to insider information, Riot Games has already approved the tournament format. In 2025, the competition will be divided into two seasons:

• First season: from early April to mid-May.
• Second season: from late July to mid-September.

Each stage will include a group stage and playoffs, and SK Gaming will handle the organization of qualifying matches in March. Additionally, there is a possibility of hosting a LAN final for the second split, which might be tied to the LEC Roadshow.

Teams and Participation of LEC Clubs

While the final list of participants has not been announced yet, Riot Games aims to attract organizations from LEC. Among the expected invited teams are: G2 Hel, SK Gaming Avarosa, and Vitality Rising Bees. Possible participants from the European Regional Leagues include Galions Pearl, Solary Académie, and GameWard Astrals. It is still unknown whether they will receive direct invitations or need to go through qualifying tournaments.

New Momentum for Esports

The launch of Game Changers in League of Legends could become a significant boost for the development of women's and inclusive esports in the EMEA region. According to sources, at least three LEC organizations, which previously did not have women's rosters, are already negotiating the creation of teams to participate in the tournament.

Thus, Riot Games is responding to a long-standing request from the community, creating a new path in professional esports for women and marginalized genders. The first step might be taken as early as this spring.