LoL Game Changers Launches in EMEA

Riot Launches League of Legends Game Changers for Women in EMEA

Riot Games is officially bringing its Game Changers initiative to League of Legends in the EMEA region. After years of demand and successful grassroots events, Riot has announced LGC Rising—the first official tournament for women in the League of Legends competitive ecosystem across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Set to kick off in August 2025 and culminate in a live Grand Final at Paris Games Week in October, this move marks a new chapter for representation and competition in League. It also opens the door for new players to boost their visibility and carve out a path toward professional play.

Let’s break down everything we know so far about LGC Rising and what it means for the future of women’s League of Legends in EMEA.

A Long-Awaited Competitive Platform for Women

The success of Game Changers in Valorant proved there’s both demand and talent ready to shine when given a platform. Riot is now aiming to bring that same energy to League of Legends. With LGC Rising, the developer is laying the groundwork for a sustainable, long-term competitive environment for women—a space where they can safely grow, compete, and boost their skills at the highest level.

While this is the first official tournament under the Game Changers banner in League of Legends, it's not the first sign of progress. Events like Germany’s Equal Esports Cup and France’s Coupe des Étoiles have been crucial in building grassroots momentum over the years. LGC Rising is simply the next step forward.

When Does LGC Rising Begin?

LGC Rising will start with online qualifiers in early August 2025, leading up to a Grand Final on October 30 at Paris Games Week. The event is positioned as a “pilot” edition, but Riot has made it clear that this isn’t just a one-off. It’s meant to evolve alongside the scene, with the goal of creating a long-term, inclusive competition framework, even in the highest rated competitive tournaments.

With Riot’s backing—and support from major LEC teams—LGC Rising could become a valuable stepping stone for female players who are invested in making it to the big ranks and break into the broader League ecosystem.

Format and Teams

The tournament will feature eight teams:

• Three direct invites will likely go to orgs already fielding women’s rosters, such as G2, SK Gaming, and Team Vitality.
• Three additional teams will earn their place through the Equal Esports Cup.
• The final two spots will be decided via an open qualifier, set to run in early August.

The competition will begin with two groups of four teams each, playing best-of-one round robins. From there, the top three teams in each group will advance to a double-elimination playoff bracket with best-of-five matches. Riot hasn’t confirmed yet whether the playoffs will use Fearless Draft, a system introduced in other high-stakes competitions.

This format should give both experienced and up-and-coming teams a solid chance to prove themselves—and offer plenty of exciting games for fans to follow.

Riot’s Vision and LEC Support

According to Riot, LGC Rising is the “first step” toward creating a meaningful competitive ecosystem for women in League of Legends. Just like with Valorant Game Changers, the goal is to provide a space where players who identify as women can thrive, free from toxicity and able to boost their confidence in a professional setting.

Backing from major LEC organizations is also key. Riot confirmed that these teams are fully supporting the initiative, and we may see even more LEC affiliates establishing all-women rosters soon. This kind of involvement not only adds legitimacy but also increases visibility and career opportunities for players participating in LGC Rising.

For those hoping to reach the pro scene, this is more than just a tournament—it’s a launchpad. With strong showings here, players can start boosting their individual brands, securing sponsorships, and possibly even moving up to top-tier leagues.

LoL Esports in 2025

This initiative comes at a crucial time. The push for inclusivity in esports is stronger than ever, and Riot is taking concrete steps to ensure that women aren’t left out of League’s competitive future. LGC Rising could help shift the landscape by introducing new stars, showcasing underrepresented talent, and allowing players to rank up without facing the barriers that have historically held women back.

By building a more inclusive structure, Riot is also encouraging more people to see League of Legends as a game where anyone—regardless of gender—can compete, grow, and succeed.

The Next Big Tournament?

We’ll likely get more details about team invites, casting talent, and possible broadcast plans in the coming weeks. For now, all eyes are on August’s qualifiers and the road to Paris Games Week, where the inaugural LGC champion will be crowned.

If you're a fan of League of Legends, now is the perfect time to tune in, support emerging talent, and witness the beginning of what could become a transformative moment for the game. Whether you're climbing the ladder or cheering from the sidelines, LGC Rising is a huge new event for the entire community.

 

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