LoL community divided after Riot signs Tyler1 as newest LCS co-streamer

Tyler1 has always been one of the most controversial figures in the League of Legends community. From toxic beginnings and permabans to becoming one of the most popular streamers in the world, the 29-year-old is now part of the LCS co-stream team—and the community has plenty to say.

Riot Games announced that Tyler1 would start co-streaming the 2024 LCS Summer Split, starting on week six, much to the delight of his fanbase. The popular content creator has been featured on multiple different Riot broadcasts before, but after even more discussion has swirled around the LCS and its floundering viewership, this might be exactly what the league needs.

Compared to other leagues around the world, the LCS has been struggling when it comes to maintaining a consistent average viewership. The league currently has a concurrent average of about 80 thousand viewers on a given game day, which places it behind multiple other sister leagues like the LEC, LCK, and CBLOL.

Many people place the blame on Riot’s current scheduling for the LCS, which features a three-week break in the middle of the split. With such large breaks and various unexplained schedule changes, a major divide has built up between fans and the league that has prevented any rhythm from building within the fanbase.

Tyler1, meanwhile, has been one of the most popular League streamers, with a concurrent average of about 16 thousand viewers per stream. He is one of the most polarizing characters in the League community, and should be a great boost of viewership for the LCS as the league tries to keep its feet under itself.

There are, however, some fans who are hesitant to celebrate Tyler1’s addition to the co-streaming lineup, stating that it’s “weird to be championing someone whose whole brand is being toxic, albeit in an entertaining way.” Many people agreed, saying that Tyler1 glorified toxicity, and fostered a culture that encourages others to act the same way during their ranked games.

“I get it, since the guy is pretty funny, but decisions like these make anything Riot says about inters and flamers completely hollow,” one fan said on the League subreddit. “Just be funny when you int, and Riot will reward you.”

Whether you’re watching on the official LCS broadcast or on Tyler1’s stream, the 2024 LCS Summer Split will continue on Saturday, Aug. 3, starting NRG vs. Dignitas.