Riot Games Unveils League Ascend South Asia

Riot Games has unveiled an exciting new initiative in the realm of esports with the announcement of the “Legends Ascend South Asia” tournament. This event is set to be an integral component of the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) ecosystem, further solidifying Riot’s commitment to expanding competitive opportunities within the gaming community.

Partnering with Aftermath Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm, Riot Games is launching this open-to-all, online amateur tournament designed to nurture and uplift aspiring professional players in the Southeast Asian market. This strategic collaboration underscores Riot’s determination to foster new talent and expand the reach of League of Legends in this dynamic region.

The structure of Legends Ascend South Asia is meticulously designed to facilitate competitive engagement over four months. The tournament will feature a comprehensive framework comprising three open qualifiers, followed by a round-robin group stage and culminating in a double-elimination knockout phase. Notably, the tournament offers a substantial prize pool of INR 1 million (approximately USD 11,713), which adds to the stakes and excitement for participants.

Arun Rajappa, Country Manager for India and South Asia at Riot Games, emphasized the initiative’s objectives: “Legends Ascend is about giving players in South Asia a real shot at competitive League of Legends. It’s a step towards building a stronger, more connected community where players and fans can all find more ways to play, engage, grow, and be part of something bigger.”

This tournament is open to players from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives, providing extensive opportunities for regional talent to showcase their skills. The victors of Legends Ascend South Asia will earn a coveted spot in the LCP Wildcard Playoffs, where they will contend for an opportunity to participate in the promotion and relegation tournament for the LCP—opening doors to participation in the premier League of Legends competition in the region.

Tournament Timeline

Round-Robin Stage

• Dates: June 13 – June 20
• Format: Teams will compete in a round-robin format leading to playoff qualifications.

Playoffs

• Dates: July 25 – August 3
• Format: Double-elimination knockout stage, culminating in the identification of champions ready to advance to the next competitive level.

Open Qualifier Details

1. Open Qualifier #1

   • Registration: April 27 – May 3
   • Games: May 4 – May 11

2. Open Qualifier #2

   • Registration: May 12 – May 17
   • Games: May 18 – May 28
3. Open Qualifier #3
   • Registration: May 26 – May 31
   • Games: June 1 – June 8

This new tournament is set to stir excitement within the esports community, providing a platform for emerging talents to make their mark in competitive gaming. As the landscape of esports continues to evolve, initiatives like Legends Ascend South Asia reflect the increasing investment in regional competitiveness, community engagement, and the establishment of professional pathways within the gaming ecosystem.

Stay tuned for further updates and prepare for an exhilarating journey into the world of League of Legends!