Riot Games Halting Wild Rift Esports League Operations Outside Asia for 2023

Riot Games has officially announced that the League of Legends: Wild Rift esports operations will now only focus on the Asia region. However, the publisher clarified that it shall partner with third-party tournament organizers to host various esports events in other regions. The official Wild Rift League will now feature 12 teams from China and eight teams from the Asia Circuit. Riot Games aims to host a cross-regional mobile esports league with two seasons, similar to the previous Wild Rift summer and fall splits. The former head of Wild Rift esports, Leo Faria also commented on Riot Games’ decision, stating that some regions still need more time to grow.

Wild Rift Esports to focus only on the Asia region in 2023

In a recent blog on the official Wild Rift website, Riot Games revealed its plans for the mobile MOBA title in 2023. According to the post, official league operations will now only be made available for the Asia region.

“In 2023, we will centralize the operation and focus of Wild Rift Esports in Asia, the biggest and most active mobile esports market in the world,” wrote John Needham, president of Riot Games Esports.

The official Wild Rift league will now consist of 12 teams from China’s Wild Rift League (WRL) and eight more teams from other 2022 Asian Regional leagues. There will be two splits per year which shall showcase the best teams from the most competitive region in Wild Rift esports.

“The new Wild Rift Asian league will bring the intensity and hype of regional rivalries more regularly to our fans in Asia. We’ll have more details to share about this new league in early 2023!” stated John Needham.

He added that regions outside Asia will still get their chance to experience Wild Rift esports as Riot games will be partnering with various third-party tournament organizers to host events.

“We believe these changes will give the community time and runway to grow organically and establish what role high-level competition will play in their ecosystem. As the Wild Rift esports landscape evolves, we’ll be ready to move in lockstep,” explained John Needham.

Wild Rift talents outside Asia expressed their concerns regarding this sudden change of plans for the game’s esports scene. While some were upset, many were understanding of the situation and hoping for a brighter esports scene in the coming years.

The former head of Wild Rift esports, Leo Faria responded to the fan’s sentiments through a Tweet.

“I realize these news are disappointing. When we set to build Wild Rift as a sport we went all in, and I hope big moments like Icons made you proud. But we have to be realistic, look at each market individually and do things when the time is right. Some regions need more time,” captioned Leo Faria. 

It will be interesting to see how Riot Games’ decision pans out. As of now Wild Rift Esports in Asia is its focus on account of its popularity and hopefully, the game picks up in other regions as well for it to become a global esport again.