League of Legends announces changes to ERLs in 2025

The ERLs, or EMEA Regional Leagues, play a crucial role in League of Legends esports in EMEA. Allowing newly emerging talent to shine through and make their way to the Tier-1 leagues, the ERLs serve as the very foundation for the competitive scene in Europe, while simultaneously fostering a passionate appreciation for LoL Esports in local communities.

Now, Riot Games is introducing several changes to the ERLs for 2025 in order to form a more sustainable ecosystems for players, teams and tournament organizers across the Tier-2 scene.

Several exciting changes are coming to the ERLs for the coming 2025 season. (Credit: Riot Games)

Increased flexibility across the board

To ensure the Tier-2 scene has a chance to thrive without too many obstacles, Riot Games will grant the ERLs some much needed flexibility across several fronts in 2025.

More format flexibility

The ERLs take place all across the EMEA region, and, naturally, different communities adhere to different needs, timelines, and preferences. For this reason, ERL tournament organizers will have increased flexibility when creating split formats for their leagues.

This way, the ERLs can better tend to their fans, players, and teams needs.

No more need for substitutes

In 2025, ERL teams will no longer be required to have a substitute player. This will be especially helpful for teams with smaller budgets who are hard pressed to pay salaries to more than five players at a time.

While the option to have substitute players will still exist, teams will be given the possibility to sign an emergency substitute even during active competition, so long as the situation calls for it.

Co-streaming galore

To ensure increased exposure and viewership for the Tier-2 scene, co-streaming and broadcasting requirements for the ERLs will be more relaxed than ever before.

Tournament organizers will now have the ability to grant teams the possibility to stream all ERL matches. This option will also include first-person view streams, meaning you might get the option to see exactly what the players see during competitive matches.

No more need for live events

The requirement to hold live events will be removed from the ERLs in 2025. Without the need to host in-person events, it should become easier for tournament organizers to allocate resources where they see fit.

Loosening up on third-party events

In 2025, Riot Games will be granting teams and players increased flexibility when it comes to participating in third-party events. By attending more tournaments, players will have increased exposure and gain more competitive experience, ultimately promoting growth across the board.

ERLs second division no longer compulsory

Going forward, ERLs will no longer be required to maintain a second division. A promotion-relegation tournament must still be held at least once per competitive season, allowing for the possibility of at least one team being promoted. These adjustments aim to foster an open competitive landscape that supports the development of local talent.

Key takeaways - ERLs changes in 2025:

• Having a substitute will no longer be mandatory
• More flexibility for ERL tournament organizers
• Teams and players will be allowed to stream their games
• Teams and players will be able to attend third-party events
• 2nd division no longer compulsory

All of the upcoming changes to ERLs will help promote the growth of players, tournaments, and the EMEA League of Legends esports scene as a whole. In 2025, players in Tier-2 teams will have the chance to earn more competitive experience, while we, the fans, will be offered a more unique viewing experience, raising interest in the ERLs to an all-time high.

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Image source: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games

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