Casual gamers may not be very familiar with multiplayer online battle arena games, but they are ever-popular with hardcore fans. More commonly called by the acronym MOBA, games like Dota 2, Overwatch, and Valorant are some of the biggest names in the genre.
The MOBA that may be most recognizable to those who haven't played them is likely League of Legends. It is the second-most streamed multiplayer online battle arena game and it continues to grow more popular, especially with big tournaments being held that bring the title even further into the light.
Red Bull has previously hosted a tournament series called Red Bull Solo Q, and their partnership with League of Legends is now set to continue. The tournament is returning this year to North America, with the qualifiers beginning to take place this month.
Full details can be found in the official press release included below.
THE ULTIMATE AMATEUR 1V1 LEAGUE OF LEGENDS® TOURNAMENT SERIES “RED BULL SOLO Q” RETURNS TO U.S. AND CANADA
A Year of Action-Packed Competition to Crown the Next Red Bull Solo Q Champion Kicks-Off with First Qualifiers on May 29
2021 Registrations Now Open for Local Competitions
SANTA MONICA, CA – May 11, 2021 – Red Bull North America, Inc., in partnership with the League Championship Series (LCS), announced the return of the ultimate League of Legends® (LoL) 1v1 experience, Red Bull Solo Q, to the United States and Canada. Amateur players across North America will have the opportunity to compete for prizes, community pride and the highly-coveted Red Bull Solo Q trophy in one of the most unique League of Legends tournament formats created. Today, fans and amateur players in the United States and Canada can sign up online to compete against thousands of hopeful contestants starting with the first, regional U.S. qualifier on May 29th. The winner of the qualifier will secure a spot in the respective U.S. and Canada Finals, which is one step closer to joining the prestigious global final at the end of the year. The global final will be held in Germany, but as the health and safety of players is our priority, this is subject to change pending COVID-19 impacts and regulations. U.S. and Canada qualifiers will take place on the following dates:
U.S. Qualifiers
● May 29 - St. Louis, MO
● June 5 - New Orleans, LA
● June 12 - Chicago, IL / New York, NY / Los Angeles, CA
● June 27 - National Open Qualifier 1
● July 10 - Atlanta, GA
● July 25 - National Open Qualifier 2
● July 31 - San Francisco, CA / Orlando, FL / Dallas TX
● August 14 - Salt Lake City, UT
● August 28 - Boston, MA / Columbus, OH
● August 29 - National Open Qualifier 3
● November 14 - National Open Qualifier 4
Canada Qualifiers
● September 18 – East and West
● October 2 – East and West
● October 16 – Open Qualifier
● TBA – National Finals
In Red Bull Solo Q, amateur players showcase their individual skills in a 1v1 gameplay format which is traditionally played in a 5v5 team setting. Players compete in the top lane of Summoner’s Rift and can claim victory by being the first player to get two kills under seven minutes, or one kill after seven minutes, destroying the opposing player’s outer turret, or achieving a 100-minion creep score first.
"Last year’s Red Bull Solo Q tournament in North America provided thrilling competition for fans and amateur players alike,” said Matt Archambault, Head of Esports Partnerships for NA & OCE at Riot Games . “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Red Bull and bring the tournament back for another year, as we find new ways for fans to experience LoL competition in North America.”
Red Bull Solo Q 2021 will build on last year’s success, which attracted over 80,000 signups and national and international champions crowned around the world. Alongside the 2021 competition will be special appearances from some of the biggest stars in League of Legends, including Alberto “Crumbz” Rengifo, Nicki Taylor and other talent to be announced. These personalities will be part of exclusive Red Bull Solo Q content, events and tournaments throughout the competition series this year.
To make the 2021 competition the best yet, Red Bull has joined forces with industry leading partners to bring the very best hardware to competitors. Red Bull welcomes SteelSeries, the worldwide leader in gaming and esports peripherals, as the new official Red Bull Solo Q Peripheral Partner, providing headsets, keyboards and mice to duelists (in-person events only), ensuring full immersion with tools built for both elite performance and durability. Additionally, AOC, the global leader in gaming monitors, returns as the Official Monitor Partner for the event, bringing exceptional visual clarity and ultra-high refresh rates to competitors (in person events only).
What do you guys think? Are you excited to watch the event, or do you plan on qualifying for the tournament yourself?
Regardless, be sure to share your thoughts on this news in the usual place. Also, fans of gaming will certainly dig our interview with Kabam Games' Gabriel Frizzera below!