Artem Bykov named new LEC Commissioner

(ESI Illustration) Image credit: Riot Games

Game developer Riot Games has appointed Artem Bykov, formerly of ESL Gaming, as its League of Legends European Championship Series (LEC) Commissioner.

Bykov will be tasked with improving the LEC competitive ecosystem whilst also representing LEC’s teams and players to help determine the league’s direction. He will work closely with Peter Schmidt, Head of Esports for League of Legends in EMEA and Filipe Borges, Riot Games’ Esports Product Manager.

Bykov succeeds Schmidt as LEC Commissioner following his promotion to Head of LoL Esports.

Traditionally, the role of the Commissioner in Riot Games titles is similar to those in other sports. This means that while the Commissioner usually does have a lot of power, he or she is not solely responsible for the league, but is rather the person that makes sure the league runs smoothly.

Artem Bykov has garnered an impressive tenue within the esports scene. His most recent position was as ESL Gaming’s General Manager within its Game Management department.

Prior to that, he worked for more than five years at Blizzard Entertainment and has held other positions at Natus Vincere, Freaks 4U Gaming and Epic Esports Events.

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New LEC Commissioner Artem Bykov said: “I am thrilled to join Riot Games as Commissioner of the LEC. The LEC is continuing to go from strength to strength and I am relishing the opportunity to help build on the success of the League.

“Riot’s player-first experience and dedication to the growth of esports is why I am eager to get underway during what is a super exciting time for League of Legends in the EMEA region.”

Ivan Šimić
Ivan comes from Croatia, loves weird simulator games, and is terrible at playing anything else. Spent 5 years writing about tech and esports in Croatia, and is now doing it here.