Riot Games says it has conducted an ethics and professional conduct education program for players and coaching staff competing in League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) ahead of the 2026 season and the upcoming LCK Cup. The session, held Jan. 2 at the LCK Arena in LoL Park, focused on competitive operations, rule updates, athlete responsibilities, and integrity standards across the league and its developmental Challengers League.

According to the league organizer, the program was designed for personnel listed on the unified rosters for both LCK and LCK Challengers League. The four-hour session included briefings on format adjustments for the 2026 season, updates to competitive rules, and guidance on “Coach Comms,” which will be implemented during the LCK Cup group stage. Officials also outlined Riot’s global esports code of conduct, disciplinary policies, and key gameplay changes planned for the new League of Legends season.

Around 150 players and coaches from 10 teams participated

The education day also incorporated mandatory anti-doping instruction led by the Korea Anti-Doping Agency in preparation for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The segment covered testing procedures, prohibited substance resources, and player rights and obligations during controls.

Beginning at 3 p.m., attendees were divided into separate tracks based on professional experience. First-year players received a session on standard player contracts from attorney Ahn Chan-sik of Law Firm Chungjeong, who walked through contract structures, dispute-resolution processes, and areas rookies should review closely before signing. Veteran players with two or more years in the league participated in a sportsmanship seminar delivered by Kim Jin-hoon of the Sports Ethics Center, emphasizing respect for teammates, opponents, and competition rules as core expectations of professional conduct.

The LCK, one of six major regional League of Legends esports leagues worldwide, has operated under a single-season format since 2025, running from April to September with 10 teams. In addition to domestic play, LCK teams regularly compete at international events including First Stand, the Mid-Season Invitational, and the League of Legends World Championship.

Riot Games said the education initiative is part of its broader effort to align players and staff with evolving regulations and integrity standards ahead of the new competitive year. The league is scheduled to host its 2026 Season Opening Event on Jan. 9 at the LCK Arena in Seoul.