Riot Games Global Head of League of Legends Esports Chris Greeley sat down with media during a press conference at the conclusion of First Stand to reflect on the tournament and address several key topics shaping the competitive calendar. With the Mid-Season Invitational and 2026 World Championship on the horizon, Greeley provided insight into Riot’s evolving approach to international events, regional representation, and logistical challenges.
One of the most immediate announcements from the discussion was the addition of a second Worlds slot for CBLOL. The Brazilian league had initially been allocated only one slot at the start of the season. Greeley clarified that the change was not driven by community pressure or recent competitive results such as the Americas Cup. Instead, it stemmed from an internal review conducted after splitting the LCS and CBLOL back into separate entities. When restoring parity, CBLOL was initially given a single slot across events, similar to its pre-merger allocation. Upon revisiting formats in January, Riot concluded that a second Worlds slot was warranted. The decision was finalized while the team was in Brazil for First Stand, allowing them to announce it on-site rather than delay for a broader format reveal.
Greeley emphasized that the adjustment aims to maintain flexibility for future events without limiting options for Play-Ins or other tournaments. The move reflects Riot’s ongoing effort to balance regional growth with competitive integrity as the global ecosystem continues to expand.
Visa and travel concerns for the 2026 World Championship in the United States were also addressed. Greeley acknowledged that immigration issues have been a recurring challenge for international events in recent years. He noted that Riot maintains standard operating procedures to support teams facing difficulties, working directly with players, third-party agencies, and government contacts to facilitate entry. In cases where isolated teams or players encounter problems, fallback options are considered, as has been done in the past. While he stopped short of detailing specific contingency plans, Greeley stressed that the organization continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring qualified teams can participate fully and enjoy the experience.
The addition of First Stand as a third international tournament was evaluated positively overall. Greeley described it as an experiment that has provided more opportunities for top teams to compete on the global stage, something fans have clearly wanted. He noted improvements in format this year, including expanding to eight teams and adopting a full best-of-five structure, which drew stronger reactions compared to last year’s smaller event. Viewership is up, and fan sentiment appears favorable. Greeley confirmed that Riot will continue to refine the event based on feedback, metrics, and engagement data, acknowledging that some pieces are still missing, particularly more direct competition between certain regions like the LCS and LEC.
The choice of a smaller indoor venue for First Stand also came up in discussion. Greeley explained that indoor settings remove variables such as weather, heat, and glare that can complicate competitive play. While outdoor venues were explored during the COVID period for safety reasons, they introduced challenges that made consistent high-level performance difficult. Indoor venues like the Riot Games Arena in Brazil offer greater control over the environment, which is especially important for an event focused on best-of-five matches and narrative storytelling. He contrasted this with larger historical venues for events like MSI, noting that First Stand and MSI serve different purposes and operate in very different timeframes.
Fan-player interaction was another area Greeley addressed. Early in the tournament, security protocols moved players backstage quickly, leading to perceptions of restricted access. After the first day, the team reviewed feedback from handlers and adjusted procedures to allow more natural engagement. Greeley stated that the goal is to enable players to interact with fans in ways that feel authentic, whether through cheers as they pass by or closer post-match moments. The adjustments have resulted in positive on-site experiences, reinforcing Riot’s belief that some level of interaction enhances the fan experience without compromising player safety or focus.
On the topic of third-party events and parallel competition, Greeley noted ongoing conversations with regional leaders about balancing official and external tournaments. Drawing inspiration from traditional sports like English football, Riot is evaluating how to manage team schedules amid growing demand for more games. The rise of the third-party ecosystem has introduced variety in formats and locations, but Greeley stressed the need to avoid competition for competition’s sake. Team and player feedback remains the primary signal for determining what feels like the right balance.
Regarding broadcast deals, Greeley highlighted the importance of accessibility. While commercial partnerships exist, such as those with Naver and SOOP in Korea, the priority is ensuring fans can watch in as many languages, formats, and platforms as possible, including co-streamers and influencers. He indicated that exclusive deals for major events like Worlds are unlikely under current agreements, though the organization remains open to exploring options that serve the broadest audience.
The selection of Daejeon as host for the 2026 MSI was also touched on. Greeley explained that the decision followed an open bidding process, with factors including venue familiarity, local fanbase strength, travel logistics, and city cooperation playing key roles. He noted that the process varies by region and event, sometimes relying on targeted discussions or external advisors rather than open bids.
As First Stand concludes, Riot’s focus shifts toward refining its competitive calendar while addressing logistical and fan-experience challenges. Greeley’s comments paint a picture of a league in transition, balancing innovation with stability as it prepares for MSI and the 2026 World Championship. The addition of a second CBLOL slot, continued format experimentation, and proactive visa planning all point to an organization working to strengthen the ecosystem even amid external uncertainties.
For fans, the takeaway is clear: Riot is listening, adapting, and prioritizing competitive integrity and accessibility. Whether through expanded regional representation, venue choices that favor player performance, or efforts to facilitate fan interaction, the goal remains delivering the best possible experience on and off the Rift. The coming months will reveal how these adjustments shape the rest of the season, but the early signals suggest a commitment to growth that keeps the global League of Legends community at the center.
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