Riot Games unveils Competitive Changes for MSI and Worlds in 2024, New Hall of Legends

League of Legends

5 Jan

Foo Zen-Wen

Riot Games has unveiled their annual ‘State of the Game’ address for League of Legends. The 2024 edition contains further details on changes to be carried out to the format for the Mid-Season Invitational and World Championship.

MSI Matters Now!

In 2024, Riot will be introducing sweeping changes to the distribution of Worlds slots per region. Following on from their format changes in 2023 that saw additional teams attend MSI and Worlds as well as a revitalized competitive format for both tournaments, Riot now aims to create a stronger connection between MSI and Worlds.

This will be done in two steps. The reduction of base Worlds slots for the Major regions. And the introduction of earned Worlds slots via MSI - similar to the practice in VALORANT in 2023 - wherein teams may earn additional slots for their region through victories in non-Worlds international tournaments.

The following regions will now have a base number of 3 Worlds slots:

In 2023, the LPL and LCK each had 4 base slots. The LEC and LCS each had 3; and was given the opportunity to earn the final slot between them at the Worlds Qualifying Series (between the LEC and LCS 4th seeds). Now the LPL and the LCK have each been reduced as well. However, there is no mention of the return of the WQS or the introduction of another one for the LCK and LPL.

“We’re hopeful that these adjustments will up the stakes and establish a meaningful throughline between the two tentpole moments across the LoL Esports season: MSI and Worlds.” - Riot Games, State of the Game 2024.

PCS and VCS each retain 2 Worlds slots. LLA and CBLOL each retain 1 Worlds slot. Furthermore, MSI 2024 has been given extra importance through the following changes:

Winner of MSI 2024 earns a guaranteed* spot to Worlds.
Riot suggests the MSI 2024 winner’s spot is guaranteed, however, includes the stipulation that the MSI 2024 winner also has to qualify for their region’s Summer Playoffs.
MSI 2024 winner’s guaranteed spot counts as an additional slot for their region. Thereby, it will not impact the base slots available for the region.
Runner-up region at MSI 2024 earns an additional slot for their region at Worlds.

Date and Schedule for League of Legends MSI and Worlds in 2024

MSI 2024 is set to be held between 1st-19th May in Chengdu, China. This marks the first time an international event for LoL Esports will be held here. VALORANT’s second Masters in 2024 has also been confirmed to be held in May, in Shanghai, China. This means both Riot Games’ titles will host international tournaments in China in 2024, marking a dynamic shift in approach.

Worlds 2024, meanwhile, will return to Europe. The last time Worlds was in Europe was in 2019, during the infamous G2 run to the Grand Finals. The Grand Finals for Worlds 2024 has already been confirmed to be held at the iconic 02 Arena in London, England. Worlds 2024 will run from 25th September to 2nd November. As previously reported, Riot intends to kick off Worlds 2024 in Berlin, in their newly remodeled Riot Games Arena.

Worlds 2024 Location and Timeline Breakdown

Play-Ins // Swiss Stage: Riot Games Arena, Berlin, Germany.
Quarterfinals // Semifinals: Adidas Arena, Paris, France.
Grand Finals: 02 Arena, London, England.

Introducing the League of Legends Hall of Legends

Riot thus far has given precious little information on this new concept. The Hall of Legends, from what they have shared, is a partial commemoration of the 14 years of competitive League of Legends, and partial commemoration of individual professional players, past and present.

“Throughout this decade-plus, we’ve witnessed pro players from around the world leave their mark, displaying incredible resilience, mastery of League of Legends gameplay, and inspiring millions of fans across the globe.”

Riot underlined that the basis for any inductee’s introduction into the Hall of Legends was the measured ‘lasting impact’ they left on the game, the sport, and the community. As part of their effort to honor these players’ legacies, Riot is looking to introduce the LoL Esports Hall of Legends.

Criteria for an Inductee

Along with the already mentioned ‘lasting impact’ criteria, Riot also made reference to a gathering of an independent voting panel of esports industry veterans and experts from every region. The purpose of this voting panel is to vote and select inductees. Those who have been inducted each year, will have their historic careers celebrated both IRL and in-game. It is currently unknown how many inductees will be introduced per year.

Final Note

This ‘State of the Game’ summary only covers current confirmed information. As more information becomes available, Strafe Esports will produce covers, so stay tuned for more information on any of the above mentioned subjects.

Credit: League of Legends Esports // Riot Games

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