Why Riot Abandoned the LTA Format
In 2025, Riot combined the LCS, CBLOL, and LLA leagues into the LTA structure. The initiative aimed to enhance competition levels, introduce new solutions, and launch a global revenue pool. However, the format faced criticism from fans and teams: regional specificity was lost, the structure was overloaded, and the schedule was inconvenient. Riot acknowledged that communities still associate themselves with the original leagues and want their full return.
What Will Change in 2026
From the new season, LCS and CBLOL will once again operate independently of each other, with their own schedules and championships. Cross-regional stages will be canceled, freeing up more game days for internal matches and extending the duration of splits. Riot plans to simplify formats, make schedules more understandable, and give teams more time on stage. Both leagues will maintain a three-split structure and hold separate finals at the end of the year.
Qualification for International Tournaments
The selection system will return to the 2024 model:
- First Stand: one team each from LCS and CBLOL
- MSI: two teams from LCS, one from CBLOL
- Worlds: three teams from LCS, one from CBLOL
This system aims to enhance transparency and stability in qualifications.
What Remains from the LTA Format
Although LLA will not return as a separate league, teams from Latin America will remain part of the ecosystem. LCS will cover North and Central America, CBLOL will cover Brazil and LATAM South. Leviatán and LYON will retain their status as partner teams in their leagues.
Guest slots will also be retained: LCS will invite a team from NACL or LRN, and CBLOL will invite from CD or LRS. Riot will continue to strengthen Tier-2 scenes to provide a path to the pro level for new players.
What's Next
The final formats and schedule will be announced by the end of 2025. Riot emphasizes that the return of regional leagues is not a step backward but a transition to a sustainable model that combines past experience with new approaches to the development of esports in America.
