Strafe logo
LCS players agree to a walkout, protesting NACL changes

LCS players agree to a walkout, protesting NACL changes

League of Legends
30 May
Andrew Donovan

LCS players have come together in solidarity and protest against Riot's decision to not make it mandatory for LCS teams to field an NACL (North American Challengers League) roster. A momentous occasion in LCS history, and no doubt esports history.

LCS Walkout: Timeline

On May 12, Riot Games made the decision for LCS organizations to choose whether or not to field an NACL roster. 2023 has been a growing pains year for esports, with organizations backing out of different games at a pace not seen yet. In hindsight, it's no surprise Riot gave an opportunity for organizations to cut costs greatly by doing away with a tier 2 team.

Of the ten teams currently in the LCS, only FlyQuest, Team Liquid, and Evil Geniuses decided to keep their NACL roster. This may be a moot point, however, seeing as the planned start date of June 1 for the 2023 LCS Summer Split is very likely going to be delayed until LCS players and Riot Games can come to an agreement with how the league ought to be run.

With Riot Game's NACL announcement, came immediate action from the LCSPA (LCS Players Association). The LCSPA Tweeted a picture of the Players Association's signed response sent directly to Riot Games, underlying grievances and corresponding requests to "protect the future of the LCS."

https://twitter.com/NALCSPA/status/1657111385392795666

Reporter Mikhail Klimentov spoke with Phil Aram, executive director of the LCSPA. Aram told Klimentov: "If we have 26 out of 50 of the LCS player[s] willing to do something, I can tell you right now, the league's not running." Following the vote, it was overwhelmingly decided among the players to follow through with the walkout, until Riot and the players can come to a more common ground.

What Now?

https://twitter.com/NALCSPA/status/1663039093557608448

Very likely, the planned June 1 date of LCS games will be delayed. The Players Union is in place for these very reasons, and the LCSPA is exercising their right of collective action. More importantly, this is a watershed moment in esports - players actively striking when dissatisfied with the current NACL structure and funding.

Esports, being a new industry when compared to traditional sports, is now beginning to put their unions into action. Up until the LCS strike, another important esports protest from players came from Overwatch. To protest a competitive ruling sending 01 Esports to the lower bracket, players on both 01 Esports and Ex Oblivione refused to play in any capacity in their scheduled lower finals match of the Overwatch Contenders 2022 Summer Series.

The LCSPA and their decision to drive players to protest against the LCS is commendable: an important example of collective action being exercised in esports.

Comments (0)

Log in to comment on this match