Riot Games has outlined the structure for the 2026 season of its EMEA Regional Leagues (ERLs), introducing significant operational shifts including the removal of a unified LTR (Locally Trained Representatives) mandate and the arrival of new tournament organisers for the Spanish league.

The upcoming season, which will retain its three-split format, is designed to grant tournament organisers greater autonomy to tailor their leagues to local needs while continuing to develop the next wave of EMEA talent. The circuit will see 13 leagues return, with one under new management. LastLap and Cabal Esports will take over the operation of the Spanish ERL, previously named LVP Superliga, from LVP.

The 2026 ERL season will run from 7th January to 17th September, divided into Winter, Spring, and Summer splits, culminating in three separate EMEA Masters tournaments. A key philosophical change for the season is the removal of the mandatory rule requiring teams to field a set number of LTRs. This move is intended to empower tournament organisers to set their own roster rules that they believe best support their specific region’s competitive landscape and fan engagement.

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In a statement, Riot Games explained the rationale: “With 13 leagues all across EMEA, we understand that each league has unique circumstances: there isn’t always a one-size-fits-all approach. That is why, for 2026, we are removing this unified mandate altogether.” The company emphasised that the goal of fostering regional talent remains, but it now “trusts our local TOs know, better than anyone else, what their fans want and regions need.”

Furthermore, the season will be directly impacted by the wider LEC changes for 2026. The top ERL teams from the previous year, Karmine Corp Blue and Los Ratones, have earned guest spots in the new LEC Versus tournament, which replaces the LEC Winter Split.

This marks the first time ERL teams will participate in a Tier 1 competition, guaranteeing them at least 11 games against LEC opposition as they compete for a place at the international First Stand event. Their participation in LEC Versus means both teams will miss the regular season of their respective ERLs, though Riot is working with the tournament organisers to provide flexibility for their Winter Split Playoffs.

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