Moin Khot
Dec, 13.2023
In a thrilling turn of events for the North American League of Legends community, Riot Games has officially declared the return of the LCS to its roots with a weekend schedule for the 2024 season. After a year of experimenting with a contentious weekday format, the league has heeded the impassioned feedback from fans and is set to reclaim its broadcasting glory on Saturdays and Sundays.
LCS To Commence on 20th January With Weekend Schedule
The decision to shift the league to Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday last year was met with widespread disapproval, leaving fans longing for the traditional weekend viewing experience. Riot Games, acknowledging the decline in overall viewership over the past year, has responded by revamping the schedule to cater to the community's desires.
Americas' League esports head, Carlos Antunes, expressed confidence in the revamped 2024 LCS schedule, assuring fans that it aligns with their preferences. Antunes stated, "After careful examination of our schedule and listening closely to community feedback, we are confident the 2024 LCS schedule will allow fans to follow their favorite sports and leagues during a schedule that works for them."
Anticipating heightened excitement among fans, additional updates on the schedule and formats are promised in early January. This strategic move aims to reinvigorate interest and engagement, countering the alarming drop in viewership experienced by the LCS in the past year.
The league's challenges extend beyond scheduling, with the 2024 season witnessing significant transformations. The departure of powerhouse teams Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians has shrunk the league to an eight-team tournament, a first in NA's history. The exodus of star players further compounds the challenges, raising concerns about the league's competitive landscape.
In a bid to steer the league towards a brighter future, Riot Games has appointed Mark "MarkZ" Zimmerman, a well-known content creator and shoutcaster, as the new LCS commissioner. With a decade of experience within the competitive League ecosystem, MarkZ is poised to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the role. His journey from a color commentator to commissioner underscores his commitment to the league's growth.
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As the LCS embraces the return to weekends and welcomes a new leader, fans can look forward to the revitalization of their beloved league. The 2024 LCS Spring Split is set to kick off on Jan. 20 and 21, marking the beginning of an era that promises excitement, innovation, and a renewed sense of community.