UPDATE: Riot Games just announced the highly anticipated schedule for the 2026 League of Legends EMEA Regional Leagues (ERLs), signaling major changes that could reshape competitive gaming in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. In a bold move, Riot is eliminating the controversial locally trained representative (LTR) rules, allowing tournament organizers greater flexibility in roster construction.
This comes on the heels of Los Ratones exiting the NLC and ERLs, raising questions about the future of regional leagues. By removing LTR mandates, Riot aims to tailor team compositions to regional needs while maintaining a focus on talent development. Tournament organizers can now set their own player limits, a shift that promises to enhance fan engagement and attract sponsorships across diverse markets.
Riot Games emphasized that the goal is to empower tournament organizers to create the best possible product for their audiences. “Fostering regional talent is what enables our TOs to engage with local fans and connect with meaningful sponsorships,” a spokesperson stated.
In a significant leadership change, Last Lap will take over operations of Spain’s league, partnering with Cabal Esports to manage top teams like Origen and MAD Lions. This strategic shift is part of a broader effort to streamline competition and enhance the viewing experience for fans.
The full schedule for the 2026 ERL season is as follows:
– **Winter:** January 7 – March 8 (EMEA Masters: March 9–15)
– **Spring:** March 23 – June 7 (EMEA Masters: June 8–25)
– **Summer:** June 26 – September 17 (EMEA Masters: September 21 – October 19)
The lineup for the 13 competitive circuits includes:
– Ligue Française de LoL (France)
– Prime League (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
– LoL Italian Tournament (Italy)
– Arabian League (Middle East & Africa)
– Hellenic Legends League (Greece & Cyprus)
– Hitpoint Masters (Czech Republic & Slovakia)
– Northern LoL Championship (UK & Nordics)
– Rift Legends (Poland & Baltics)
– Liga Portuguesa de LoL (Portugal)
– Esports Balkan League
– Road of Legends (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)
– Turkish Championship League (Turkey)
– Spain ERL
Fans and teams alike are eager to see how these changes will affect the dynamics of the leagues. With the new flexibility, speculation is already swirling about more diverse and competitive rosters.
As the 2026 ERL season approaches, all eyes will be on how these adjustments will foster regional talent while enhancing the overall competitive landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as developments unfold in the world of esports!
