Riot Games has launched League of Legends Game Changers (LGC), the first official women’s League of Legends competition across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The inaugural LGC Rising tournament will kick off in August, marking a concerted effort to build a sustainable, competitive ecosystem for women in the region.

Drawing inspiration from the success of VALORANT Game Changers, Riot will work alongside existing community initiatives rather than replace them. Teams such as G2 Hel, which advanced to the Liga Nexo playoffs, and local events like Germany’s Equal Esports Cup and France’s Coupe des Étoiles have laid the groundwork for a thriving scene. Riot plans to support and grow alongside these organizers and LEC franchises, with event production handled by licensing partner Webedia.

LGC Rising will feature eight teams, three of which are active rosters affiliated with LEC organizations selected by invitation. Three additional slots will go to the Equal Esports Cup Germany finalists. An open qualifier in August will offer emerging squads a final chance to secure a spot. The group stage, scheduled for September 13–14, 20–21 and 27–29, will split teams into two groups competing in single round-robin, best-of-one matches. The top three squads from each group advance to a double-elimination playoff bracket in October, where best-of-five series will determine the two teams that clash in the Grand Final.

Rather than rush into live events, Riot will begin with online play to ensure health and longevity. However, LGC Rising will culminate with a live Grand Final on October 30 at Paris Games Week, one of Europe’s largest gaming conventions. Riot stresses that this measured approach aims to foster organic growth and maintain a welcoming environment for all women competitors.