Media Days @ Worlds 2024

Well hi there, time for some updates in light of my attending Worlds media day (and typing this as fast as my fingers can manage while in the Worlds Press room), so I'm sure we all saw the subsequent announcements from the media day – a new international event, MSI going to Canada, Worlds going to Chengdu China and so on – but how about a breakdown of some other details? I aim to please and that’s what’s going to be in this blog – you’re welcome in advance ;) so without further ado lets get into it.

 

I'm watching game 2 on the screen as I type so apologies in advance for any jumbled words that appear throughout this article. BLG just executed what can be only described as a stomp.

 

A small preface before we get into this – I'd like to thank Riot Games and EMEA Riot for the opportunity to attend Media day – I am truly incredibly grateful and appreciative and could not write a lot of upcoming content without their support. So, thank you.

 

Anyway without further ado, let’s get into it!

 

Riot’s Esports Growth

 

During media day the lovely CEO came on and gave us some stats, aside from the obvious like over 14 glorious years of LoL, but also that there are now 84 co-streamers across the globe in 21 different languages – which is honestly incredible, we stan companies who make their games and streaming accessible for all.

 

“Worlds inspire our players with the highest level of competition, where passion and skill are put on display for fans all around the world - celebration of the game, community, the game and creativity that make lol the powerhouse that it is” – Riot’s Global CEO

 

Additionally, for the last semi final match of Worlds 2024 – Gen G vs T1 the viewership (outside of China) was 4.8million making it one of the most viewed matches. What this proves in my mind, is that to all the haters and indeed doubters, that LoL is more than just a game and not only an incredible esport paving the way for the future but also that gaming is so much bigger than just hitting keys and staring at a pc screen – just in case anyone was under any illusion about what esports actually is.

 

There was also discussion on making LoL esports a sustainable eco system which I for one find interesting, not because I'm particularly passionate about finances but because in a world with such uncertainty and the constant conversation around AI taking over, it’s interesting to consider how gaming can be made sustainable for humans.

 

Worlds 2024 + Beyond

 

Something I really loved hearing about during media day was how winners will receive the cup in their region – I know this is probably a small detail in comparison to larger news like host cities for internationals next year – and a new international – but I love the opportunity this provides and of course who doesn’t want to see T1 play with the summoner’s cup behind them?

Ok now let’s talk about the part that had me screaming in my uni room – my flatmates almost definitely hate me by now – that Worlds 2025 is going to Chengdu, that MSI is off to Canada and that we are getting another new international event! I was like an overexcited child hearing that Worlds is headed back to China, as I bang on enough about how my first Worlds was 2020 China and how much I loved the scenery and also the content teams made while in China, I'm thrilled to see the return and beyond excited at what new content could come out of it.

 

I also really love that MSI is headed to Canada, it’ll be cool to see what a new (to me) host country can offer the tournament and I'm excited to see what the stage will look like – and what new things we will see, especially as MSI in London had a themed stage of the Tube – our underground train system. I can’t wait to see what the creative team come up with for Canada, but I hope it’s something ice hockey related as although I am injured currently from ice skating, I'd love to see it incorporated!

 

Ok ok, I’m at the part we are all excited for – First Stand – the new international tournament in LoL Esports for the 2025 competitive season starting in Seoul, South Korea next winter. No I won’t be there in person – I'm as bummed about it as you are but someone tell my uni that – but I am so excited that there is a new addition to the competitive calendar that will spice up a year of esports, I also love that First Stand is going to have a series ban on champions i.e. once played in the series they can’t be chosen again. That’ll really spice things up and make each match even more tense – I'm not sure my heartrate will love that part so much but I sure as hell will be doing a lot of screaming in the next competitive season.

 

Condensing Regions

 

Finally let’s talk the thing that a lot of fans I imagine are divided on – condensing regions. When I first started watching LoL in 2020, I’ll be honest that when my friend was giving me a crash course on all the regions, my mind was boggled. I literally could not keep up and gave up to focus on the main regions as opposed to the minor ones. But I also have to acknowledge that I got my start in a minor region – the LCO – which was amalgamated into the PCS and will now be further amalgamated for the 2025 season.

 

So here’s my thoughts on the region changes – I get why fans are sad, not all their teams will get through and that is a shame, but teams from their regions are going through which I think we have to admit is better than nothing. It also means that not all players will go through with their current teams, but I don’t believe that’ll mean the end of a career, we all know about one door closing meaning another one will be opening soon, and doors are always opening in esports. But I do understand and empathise with what those fans must be feeling right now – especially as during my research for this article I couldn’t seem to find the teams for the new LTA league which will be the Americas.

 

On the flip side of it, I do like this idea a lot – it makes it easier for new fans to understand who is from where, and see the structure of leagues, five is a lot more manageable to learn – which I found easier in VALORANT due to the simplified nature. I think it’ll heighten regional rivalries, and definitely form new ones too because the team pool will be such that you know your competitors and always have them in your sights – it also makes visibility for the former minor regions easier, and their players are on the main stage more and more visible when there are few regions to take into account or for fans to contend with.

 

Like I said, I get it from minor region fans, but I think it is a good thing – it makes the ecosystem of LoL esports so much easier to understand, I imagine it makes it easier logistically too in many ways, and for the LCP – the Pacific’s – there is still a range of teams, with teams from Vietnam, Japan, Australia and Taiwan. All in all I think there is a lot to be excited about with this model – I’m not saying I think it’s perfect but I do think it will move LoL forward and make it easier on new fans wanting to not only watch but also be involved as a career.

 

 

So there we have it, my rundown on media day – drop a comment and let me know what you think, or don’t the choice is yours! Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you on another Worlds piece very soon!

 

Byeeee