Riot Games, the powerhouse behind the globally renowned title League of Legends, has set its sights on Taipei, Taiwan for the upcoming launch of the League of Legends APAC League. Slated to commence next year, this league marks a significant consolidation for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, merging teams from Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Japan, Oceania, and Southeast Asia into a single competitive platform. This unified approach replaces the existing structure of four separate leagues, streamlining competition and enhancing regional representation.
Taipei, Taiwan has been chosen as the base for this new league, a decision underscored by the city's storied history within the League of Legends esports landscape. The region boasts illustrious achievements, including Taipei Assassins' landmark victory at the second-ever League of Legends World Championships. Additionally, Taiwan-based powerhouse Flash Wolves has left an indelible mark on the international stage with star players like SwordArt, Maple, and Karsa.
The announcement of Taipei as the league's headquarters follows Riot Games' recent revelations regarding substantial changes in the League of Legends esports ecosystem. The APAC League's inception aims to optimize revenue distribution among fewer tier-one teams, thereby bolstering sustainability and competitiveness across the board.
Details have emerged regarding the structure of the APAC League, delineating spots for eight teams divided into two categories: partnered and guest slots. Partnered slots guarantee permanent league participation and will be allocated via a rigorous selection process akin to Riot's established practices in other esports circuits like the VALORANT Champions Tour. Meanwhile, guest slots will be subject to promotion and relegation, fostering dynamic competition and allowing emerging talents to shine.
Furthermore, two spots in the league will be secured through competitive merit: one from the PCS playoffs encompassing teams across the Asia-Pacific, and another from the VCS playoffs specifically featuring Vietnamese teams. This inclusive approach ensures a diverse representation of teams, promoting a vibrant and competitive environment.
Riot Games emphasizes that inviting teams to fill the remaining two slots aims to further enrich the league's diversity, ensuring a robust and inclusive competitive landscape for players and fans alike. This strategic move underscores Riot's commitment to cultivating a thriving esports ecosystem that celebrates talent from across the APAC region.
As anticipation builds for the League of Legends APAC League's debut in Taipei, fans can look forward to witnessing top-tier competition and the emergence of new esports stars in this groundbreaking chapter for regional esports.
Stay tuned for more updates as Riot Games continues to unveil further details about this exciting new venture in the world of League of Legends esports.