League Of Legends Pros "Overwhelmingly" Vote To Strike
The North American League of Legends pro players' association (LCPSA) has voted "overwhelmingly" to walk out for the remainder of the 2023 season if Riot doesn't reinstate the North American Challengers League (NACL).
"This is not a decision LCS players have come to lightly," the LCSPA wrote following last night's historic vote. "Countless discussions and debates were had between all LCS players in the week leading to this historic vote. One thing is clear from those conversations: our players want to play and compete above all else. Joining hands to put competition aside is a testament to the significance and urgency of the issues at hand."
Related: League Of Legends’ Player Walkout Is Gaming History In The Making
At issue is Riot's decision to allow North American professional teams to drop their Challengers League rosters. For those unaware, the NACL serves as League of Legends' little league, while the Championship Series (LCS) is the big league. Many professional North American players get their starts in the NACL before moving on to the LCS. Previously, teams were required to have an active NACL roster, but that requirement was dropped earlier this month after team owners petitioned Riot to do so. Owners argued successfully that current economic conditions made running NACL teams too costly.
What made matters worse is Riot's decision coming soon after assuring players that changes to the NACL wouldn't affect those players' careers. "Riot lied to us," LCSPA executive director Phil Aram told esports journalist Mikhail Klimentov. "And the outcome of that lie is that half our players’ jobs are gone overnight."
To underscore the severity of the issue and show solidarity with the fired NACL teams, the LCSPA held a
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