Riot Games Announces ERL 2026 Dates, Ditches LTR Rules
Riot Games has announced the 2026 schedule and key structural tweaks for League of Legends EMEA Regional Leagues (ERLs), the 13 competitive circuits across Europe, Middle East, and North Africa serving as Tier 2 pathways to the LEC.
Amid speculation fueled by popular org Los Ratones exiting the NLC and ERLs entirely, Riot is scrapping mandatory locally trained representative (LTR) rules to grant tournament organisers (TOs) full roster flexibility, tailoring limits to regional needs while preserving talent development focus.
A new operator takes Spain’s reins, and splits align neatly around EMEA Masters playoffs, skipping Worlds clashes. These shifts aim to boost fan engagement and sponsorships in diverse markets.
LTR Mandate Removed: TOs Gain Roster Control
Gone are the days of enforced LTR quotas, previously requiring at least two local players per roster. Like Swedish stars Baus and Rekkles propping up Los Ratones in the NLC. Last year, TOs could tighten rules regionally, now, for 2026, they set all limits freely.
France’s LFL eyes total removal, starting rumors of import heavy squads. Riot emphasizes continuity: “Fostering regional talent is what enables our TOs to engage with local fans and connect with meaningful sponsorships. We want to instead empower TOs to deliver the best product possible for their audiences.”
Spain ERL Hands Over to Last Lap & Cabal
Liga de Videojuegos Profesional (LVP) steps aside as Last Lap teams with Cabal Esports to run Spain’s powerhouse league, for EMEA Masters champs like Origen, MAD Lions, and Team Heretics.
2026 ERL Lineup
The 13 circuits battling it out:
- Ligue Française de LoL (France)
- Prime League (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
- LoL Italian Tournament (Italy)
- Arabian League (Middle East & Africa)
- Hellenic Legends League (Greece & Cyprus)
- Hitpoint Masters (Czech Republic & Slovakia)
- Northern LoL Championship (UK & Nordics)
- Rift Legends (Poland & Baltics)
- Liga Portuguesa de LoL (Portugal)
- Esports Balkan League
- Road of Legends (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)
- Turkish Championship League (Turkey)
- Spain ERL
ERL 2026 Schedule
- Winter: Jan 7 – Mar 8 (EMEA Masters: Mar 9–15)
- Spring: Mar 23 – Jun 7 (EMEA Masters: Jun 8–25)
- Summer: Jun 26 – Sep 17 (EMEA Masters: Sep 21 – Oct 19)
Since: October 29, 2025
