Riot Games’ ambitious restructuring of the League of Legends professional scene in the Americas has not had the impact many hoped for. The League of Legends Championship of The Americas (LTA), which merges the competitive scenes across the continent, has struggled to attract viewership in its inaugural split.
Both the North and South Conferences recorded significantly lower numbers compared to their predecessors, raising concerns about the league’s long-term engagement.
A Rough Start for LTA’s Regular Season
The first split of LTA’s regular season concluded on Sunday, with the final matches determining playoff qualifications. However, despite the competitive action, audience numbers paint a bleak picture for the league’s performance in its opening season.
Image via Riot Games.
Disappointing Viewership Numbers
According to data from Esports Charts, the LTA’s North and South Conferences have failed to meet the audience benchmarks set by the now-defunct LCS and CBLOL.
- North Conference: Peaked at 148,653 viewers, well below the LCS’s previous low of 250,000.
- South Conference: Reached a maximum of 254,464 viewers, which, while maintaining some of CBLOL’s audience, did not place among the top 10 most-watched CBLOL matches in history.
Image via Esports Charts.
Comparisons with Previous Leagues
The numbers for LTA’s North Conference are particularly alarming, as they fall significantly short of the lowest recorded peak for the LCS. Riot Games had made several structural changes in 2024 to revitalize the North American League of Legends scene, but the transition to LTA does not appear to have carried over the previous audience.
Image via Riot Games.
Can Playoffs Turn the Tide?
While the early numbers are not encouraging, it may still be too early to judge LTA’s success. The regional playoffs, set to begin on February 14, will feature cross-conference matchups, which could bring renewed interest and drive up viewership.
Key Factors to Watch:
- Impact of Inter-Conference Matches: As teams from North and South face off for the first time, audience interest could rise.
- Performance of Legacy Teams: Fan-favorite teams from LCS and CBLOL might attract more viewers in high-stakes matches.
- Potential Adjustments from Riot: Depending on playoff engagement, Riot Games may need to reevaluate LTA’s format to improve future viewership.
Conclusion
LTA’s debut season is off to a rocky start in terms of viewership, particularly in the North Conference, where numbers have dipped far below expectations. However, with the playoffs on the horizon, Riot Games still has an opportunity to turn things around.
Whether the upcoming matches can reinvigorate interest in the league remains to be seen, but early indicators suggest the new format may need further refinement to truly capture and retain its audience.
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