Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
A crowd watches the League of Legends LCS Championship 2023 in the U.S.
Photo by Marv Watson via Riot Games

LCSPA rips Riot for ’11th hour decision-making’ after EG, Golden Guardians exits

Will we see labor action after the drastic changes?

Riot Games has confirmed that the LCS will be an eight team league in 2024, with Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians mutually agreeing with Riot to exit the league without being replaced, but the Players Association isn’t pleased.

Recommended Videos

The LCSPA released a statement following Riot’s confirmation of the news today, arguing that Riot made an “11th hour” decision that has taken jobs away from 20 percent of the league overnight.

The Player’s Association would go on to say that while there are frustrations with how the decision was communicated and that the players on the teams affected don’t have enough time to find jobs again, removing “struggling” orgs is a net benefit. In early 2023, Evil Geniuses reportedly mistreated Kyle “Danny” Sakamaki, a young North American star. In Dota 2, they were sued by Syed “SumaiL” Hassan, and the case is heading to trial. They’re also reportedly in dispute with their VALORANT roster as well.

“Only when players have their voices fully heard, can we all build a better future for the LCS than what franchising has delivered so far,” the Player’s Association said.

Earlier in the year, the LCSPA showed that it actually has a bit of muscle. When Riot unexpectedly stopped requiring LCS teams to field Academy rosters, the PA voted to walk out of the opening games of the Summer Split. The walkout vote forced Riot to postpone the games, and later threaten to cancel the Split and strip Worlds qualification slots outright rather than face embarrassment.

The LCSPA cannot order a formal strike, merely a walkout, because it is a player’s association and not a recognized union. Unionization efforts in esports with developer-franchised leagues are hampered by having more parties than traditional unions. Typical unions are the employees and the employer; in the LCSPA’s case it’s the players, the organizations, and Riot themselves.

It remains to be seen if this is an inflection point for the LCSPA, and whether they will vote to take action again.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Hunter Cooke
Hunter Cooke
Investigative Unit. Rainbow Six Siege, VALORANT.