Riot Games to Revamp LoL Esports Financial Model in 2026

Riot Games explained that under the previous system, regional prize pools provided relatively small payouts for players, while the overall investment in the leagues significantly increased. Beginning in 2026, these funds are planned to be used more strategically — to support team stability, infrastructure development, and the long-term growth of the ecosystem. However, due to the specifics of partnership models, these changes will not affect CBLOL and LCP — their regional prize pools will remain unchanged.

International Tournaments Will Retain Prizes

Organizers specifically emphasized that the prize pools for international tournaments — First Stand, Mid-Season Invitational, and Worlds — will continue to be funded by the Global Revenue Pool. Thus, key global events of the season will maintain financial appeal for teams and players.

Strategic Context

Riot Games emphasizes that this decision reflects the maturity of the global esports scene and a shift in the approach to investing in League of Legends Esports. The goal of the update is to make the system more sustainable, interconnected, and development-focused in the long term.

The financial reform was announced ahead of the Worlds 2025 finals as part of the LoL Showcase. Over the past few years, Riot Games has gradually been reviewing the competition format and league structure, focusing on stability and scaling the global LoL Esports ecosystem.