Riot Games to Eliminate LTR Requirements in ERLs by 2026
Riot Games announced a significant shift regarding the locally trained players (LTR) requirement in the European Regional Leagues (ERLs), set to take effect in 2026. This decision will remove the enforced LTR status, allowing teams greater flexibility in building their rosters.
Changes to the LTR Requirements
As per a report from Sheep Esports, Riot Games will no longer mandate that ERLs include LTR players. Some leagues may still choose to impose their own local player restrictions. However, Riot’s decision means they will not enforce these conditions anymore.
Impact on the French League
The League of Legends French league (LFL) plans to lift all LTR restrictions entirely. Consequently, teams will be permitted to include up to five non-French players in their starting lineups. Each roster must still contain at least three players from the EMEA region. This change aims to prevent an influx of non-European players, specifically from countries like China and South Korea, into the tier-two competitive scene.
History of the LTR Rule
The LTR requirement evolved during the 2025 season, which allowed leagues to increase the minimum number of LTR players from two to three. Most ERL tournaments required at least two LTR players to promote local talent development.
Gaining LTR Status
Foreign players could obtain LTR status if they met specific residency criteria. A player needed to reside mainly in the ERL area for at least 36 of the previous 60 months to qualify. As a result, more foreign players gained LTR status, limiting the exposure of domestic talent in these leagues.
Implications for Competitive Play
This decision carries both positive and negative implications for the tier-two esports scene. On the positive side, teams may find it easier to form competitive rosters due to fewer restrictions. However, removing the LTR requirement could discourage players from participating in smaller regional leagues, making those leagues weaker over time.
Long-Term Effects
The absence of LTR players might shift the balance of power among ERLs, particularly during tournaments like the EMEA Masters. While the intent behind this change is to enhance roster competitiveness and elevate player preparation for the LEC, it could also lead to a concentration of elite players and stifle the development of upcoming talent.
Given the current economic challenges facing the ERLs, this transformative strategy may be essential. Observing how this policy unfolds in the coming season will be crucial for the growth of new generations of players in the competitive scene.
