Riot Games is reportedly launching a League of Legends Game Changers ecosystem for the EMEA region.
Game Changers aims to provide women and marginalised genders with an official esports circuit and a development pathway within League of Legends’ esports ecosystem.
First reported by Sheep Esports, the launch of a League of Legends Game Changers programme for the EMEA region has been in the works since 2023.
Following the successful implementation of Game Changers within the VALORANT ecosystem, Riot Games aims to capitalise on growing interest from esports organisations fielding women’s rosters.
The report reveals that “at least three existing LEC teams” have expressed an interest in competing in the inaugural League of Legends Game Changers circuit for the EMEA region. Names of the organisations interested were not disclosed. Riot Games aims to invite at least eight teams to its inaugural season.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Riot Games has launched a Game Changers project for League of Legends. In 2021, the company unveiled LCS Game Changers to mentor and recruit women into the North American League of Legends ecosystem.
Esports Insider reached out to Riot Games for a comment on the report prior to publishing. The company chose not to comment on the story.
Since its launch in 2021, Riot Games has seen great success with its VALORANT Game Changers programme, building a diverse and inclusive ecosystem.
Its 2024 Game Changers Championship saw ten teams compete for a $500,000 (~£402,100) prize pool.
In January 2025, Shopify Rebellion became the first Game Changers team to qualify for VCT Challengers, the second tier of VALORANT esports.
When does League of Legends Game Changers EMEA start?
The first season of League of Legends Game Changers EMEA is reportedly set to begin in April. Season one is expected to run until May and a second season is scheduled to take place from July until September.
Similar to other League of Legends competitions, Game Changers EMEA will consist of a group stage and playoffs to determine the eventual winner. Details such as prize money and locations have not been revealed in the report.