Riot Games has officially announced the contraction of the North American League of Legends league, reducing the participant count from 10 to eight teams in the upcoming 2024 season. The shake-up sees the departure of two prominent teams, Golden Guardians and Evil Geniuses (EG), leaving players and staff in search of new opportunities within the esports industry.

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Riot Games to Reduce Participant Count From 10 to eight Teams in LCS 2024 season

Contrary to the highs of the 2023 World Championship finals, the league is grappling with downsizing. Riot Games attributes this decision to a reevaluation of its structure. The absence of Golden Guardians and EG raises intriguing questions about the LCS's impending format and potential opportunities for new organizations to claim a spot in the franchised league.

Riot's president of esports, John Needham, revealed that both teams willingly terminated their "team participating agreements" (TPA) after careful consideration. The Golden State Warriors, parent company of Golden Guardians, has opted to redirect its focus towards traditional sports, specifically basketball. On the other hand, EG's publicized financial struggles compelled the organization to withdraw from LCS participation.

The void left by these departures prompts contemplation regarding potential shifts in the LCS landscape. Will the league witness structural modifications, or are there eager organizations prepared to fill the vacant slots? Riot Games remains tight-lipped about its next move, promising disclosure early next year. As fans eagerly await the revelation, players from the departed teams are in a race against time to secure positions with other organizations before the 2024 season kickoff.

Riot has hastened the settlement process with Golden Guardians and EG, allowing players an opportunity to find new teams. However, the fate of the dedicated staff remains uncertain, as Riot cannot intervene in their employment situations.

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Amidst the uncertainty, LCS enthusiasts must come to terms with the reality that the 2024 season will commence with a diminished roster, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the league's evolution. As the esports community grapples with these changes, all eyes are on Riot Games, awaiting the unveiling of its blueprint for the future of North American League of Legends.