FlyQuest is set to break new ground in the North American League of Legends competitive scene by streaming its scrims against Cloud9. The announcement, made on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that the practice matches will go live on FlyQuest’s Twitch channel today (February 4th) at 8:45 PM GMT / 2:45 PM EST.
This unprecedented move comes after a temporary rule change by Riot Games, allowing LTA (League of Legends Americas) teams to stream scrims against fellow competitors. While co-streaming has become a significant aspect of esports engagement, broadcasting behind-the-scenes practice sessions is a rarity in the LoL ecosystem.
A Step Toward Greater Transparency in LTA
FlyQuest’s decision to publicly share its practice sessions aligns with a growing push for transparency and engagement in the professional scene. The initiative was first suggested by FlyQuest’s top laner, Gabriël ‘Bwipo’ Rau, in a post-match interview during LTA North play.
Following a dominant win against Shopify Rebellion, Bwipo advocated for scrims to be made public, believing it could elevate the competitive level of the entire region.
“We want to show the rest of the league and our fans what makes us winners,” Bwipo stated. “Revealing our methods will make everyone better, helping the region improve and perform stronger on the international stage.”
LTA Policy Shift: A Temporary Experiment?
The decision to allow scrim broadcasts is a major shift in Riot Games’ long-standing policies. Mark Zimmerman, the LTA Commissioner, confirmed on February 2nd that this is a temporary change for the league’s first split, with feedback playing a crucial role in determining its long-term viability.
Historically, teams have kept scrims private to prevent giving away strategies. However, FlyQuest’s willingness to share its practice sessions may inspire other teams to follow suit, creating a culture of open development within the league.
A Concept Borrowed From EMEA
While FlyQuest is the first North American team to implement this, it isn’t an entirely new concept. European team Los Ratones, founded by popular LoL streamer MarcRobert ‘Caedrel’ Lamont, has successfully integrated behind-the-scenes scrim content as part of its esports branding.
Bwipo openly credited Los Ratones for inspiring the initiative: “It’s their idea. We stole it. But I think it’s a fantastic way to engage fans, involve the community, and push everyone to do better.”
FlyQuest’s Road to Cross-Conference
FlyQuest’s upcoming scrims against Cloud9 carry additional significance, as the two teams are in vastly different positions heading into the LTA Cross-Conference tournament.
- FlyQuest’s Playoff Battle: The team must defeat Dignitas in the lower bracket on February 10th to secure a spot in Cross-Conference.
- Cloud9’s Upper Hand: Cloud9 has already qualified, finishing second in LTA North behind 100 Thieves.
- High Stakes: The top four teams from LTA North and South will battle for the first-ever LTA title, with the winner earning a slot at Americas’ First Stand.
Ironically, Cloud9 was the team that pushed FlyQuest into the lower bracket, setting the stage for an intense rematch should FlyQuest advance.
The Bigger Picture for North American LoL
FlyQuest’s decision to stream scrims could set a new precedent for how teams prepare and interact with their fanbase. If successful, this initiative may encourage more LTA squads to experiment with open-practice models, potentially reshaping North America’s competitive landscape.
Final Thoughts
With Riot Games open to adjustments based on community feedback, the future of public scrims remains uncertain. However, FlyQuest and Cloud9’s willingness to test this new system could mark the beginning of a more transparent and engaging era for professional League of Legends in the Americas.
Tune in later today to witness FlyQuest’s scrims against Cloud9 and be part of this groundbreaking experiment in competitive LoL.
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