Riot Games, known for managing two of the most popular esports titles globally, League of Legends and VALORANT, faces scrutiny over scheduling conflicts. Many fans are frustrated over the apparent preference for VALORANT events over the traditional League matches, particularly within the context of the European Championship (LEC).
A recent post on Reddit sparked a discussion about Riot’s lack of a fair scheduling strategy for both esports. One fan expressed their disappointment, likening the situation to past conflicts between North America and Europe during the LCS era, where schedules were heavily influenced by American play times. They argued that it’s unreasonable for one sport to reschedule its events for another when dedicated facilities exist for both.
The issue arose when Riot scheduled two LEC matches on a Tuesday (August 26), which deviates from the usual weekend format, catching fans off guard. This move was made in light of the upcoming VCT EMEA Stage Two finals (scheduled for August 30 and 31), necessitating the use of the EMEA Esports HQ studio that serves both VALORANT and League.
Despite the explanation, many LEC fans were dissatisfied with the decision, as they prefer traditional weekday schedules, leading to discomfort with unexpected changes.
Some fans took the discussions a step further by making comparisons between the two games. They view VALORANT as a newer title while insisting that their beloved MOBA represents the pinnacle of esports on PC and console. Several opinions voiced concerns that VALORANT‘s viewership remains stagnant, questioning why Riot would prioritize its development. Some comments reflected personal biases, with detractors suggesting that VALORANT could never rival established games like CS:GO.
However, advocates for VALORANT countered that this year’s schedule only saw a minor number of LEC games affected in favor of VCT events. They pointed out that VCT matches are typically arranged for mid-week to keep weekends clear for LEC matches, stating that playoffs and finals deserved higher priority than regular season matches.
Currently, while League leads in terms of viewer engagement, VALORANT holds a commendable fifth place according to metrics from Esports Charts. Riot’s efforts to support both titles are therefore valid and understandable.
On the flip side, fans emphasizing consistency in match timing also present solid arguments. Given that the Riot Games Arena in Berlin transitioned from being a dedicated LEC studio to a multi-title venue, it is understandable why some League fans are displeased with the changes to their familiar schedule, even if temporary.
With Riot’s significant investment in both games, exploring options for additional venues or separate studios could help mitigate future scheduling clashes. Meanwhile, LEC commissioner Artem Bykov has reassured the community that plans are underway for a new structure by 2026 aimed at reducing overlap with VCT events. Fans are hopeful for a future with fewer conflicts.
