League of Legends Game Changers Arrives in EMEA: A Long-Awaited Leap for Women in Esports

Ritesh Deshmukh
20 Jun, 2025

Hey Summoners and Esports Fans!

This one’s for anyone who's dreamed of seeing women shine at the highest level of League of Legends. Riot Games just dropped a game-changing reveal: the Game Changers League (LGC) for women is launching in EMEA this year. After over 15 years of building LoL esports, Riot is finally stepping up to solidify a platform that feels long overdue. And trust me, it's a big deal.

What’s LGC Rising All About?

If you've followed VALORANT Game Changers, you know Riot’s not messing around. That league kicked off around 2020 and quickly grew into something players respected—tier‑2 pros even made it to tier‑1 teams. Now, Riot’s bringing that same energy to League of Legends in EMEA, starting with LGC Rising:

  • Open Qualifiers: August kicks things off with online qualifiers.

  • Group Stages: September weekends (13–14, 20–21, 27–29).

  • Playoffs: First phase (Oct 10–12), second phase (Oct 14–15).

  • Grand Final: Live on stage at Paris Games Week on October 30.

Eight teams will battle it out:

  • 3 invited (likely G2 Hel, SK Avarosa, Vitality Rising Bees)

  • 3 from Equal Esports Cup

  • 2 from open qualifier

It’s structured to be tight, focused, and meaningful from day one.

Why Riot is Finally Doing This

It's taken more than a decade. LoL esports is massive—Worlds, MSI, countless millions watching. Yet for so long, women lacked a dedicated stage. LGC Rising is Riot’s answer to that: a safe, inclusive space designed to help women grow, compete, and be recognized .

And Riot's learning from VALORANT’s success. They want LGC to adapt and grow with community feedback—not just be a one-off gig.

Group Stage & Playoff Breakdown

Stage Format Details
Qualifiers Open, online (August) 2 teams qualify
Group Stage 8 teams, 2 groups, BO1 round-robin Top 3 from each group advance
Playoffs 6 teams, double elimination, BO5 Winners head to Paris final
Grand Final Single match at Paris Games Week Oct 30—live and center stage in Paris

And What About Inclusion?

Open exclusively to those who identify as women, aiming for a respectful environment where anyone can grow and compete. Riot acknowledges that this is a focused first step and values existing events like the Equal Esports Cup and France’s Coupe des Étoiles—LGC isn’t replacing them but teaming up with them.


Real Voices from the Scene

  • Mia “Miella” Steger (SK Avarosa ADC) says:
    “The future finally feels really bright again. I’m really, really hyped and excited to see y’all supporting us!”

  • Laure Valée (Freelance Desk Host) adds:
    “The women’s scene needs this kind of boost to really grow… I can’t wait for them to have a space of their own!”

Why This Matters for Esports

  1. Visibility – Female players get a clear and respected stage.

  2. Career Path – Opens new pipelines into professional gaming.

  3. Fan Engagement – Builds diverse fanbases and inspires more female players.

Think of it this way: a budding esports star no longer wonders, “Can I make it here?” They can see a fresh, tangible path in League of Legends.

Pro Tips for Watching or Competing

  • Set reminders for qualifiers in August, and group stage weekends in September.

  • Cheer for grassroots teams—they’ll face well-supported rosters first.

  • Follow LEC org announcements—expect more teams to join hands with LGC.

  • Engage online during the live final at Paris Games Week (Oct 30).

FAQ

Q1: Who can play in LGC Rising?
Anyone identifying as women.

Q2: How do teams qualify?
3 invited, 3 from Equal Esports Cup, and 2 via open qualifier.

Q3: Where can I watch?
Matches will stream on LoLEsports.com and LEC’s socials.

Q4: Is this a one-time thing?
No—it’s designed to grow annually, organically.

Q5: Will non-binary players be included later?
Current focus is on women; Riot may revisit inclusion policies as things evolve .

In Summary

  • LGC Rising launches August–October 2025 in EMEA.

  • Structured, inclusive, and inspired by VALORANT Game Changers.

  • 8 teams compete online, with a live Grand Final in Paris.

  • Aim: build a sustainable league, recognized pathway, and equal opportunity.

Final Thoughts

This is more than "just another league." It’s a cornerstone for equal opportunity in esports. Whether you're cheering from home or dreaming of competing, now's the time to support and get involved. The future of League of Legends esports is brighter—and more inclusive—than ever.

Want timelines, team predictions, or insights on how LEC orgs will back this league? Let me know—I’ve got more on the way.

Ride with us through LGC Rising—watch it grow, celebrate it, and be part of this game-changing history.

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