Riot Games to Eliminate LTR Requirements in ERLs Sources Say
Riot Games is set to eliminate the locally trained (LTR) requirement for European Regional Leagues (ERLs) starting in 2026. This change will allow players from any European country to compete without restrictions. Previously, teams were required to have a certain number of LTR players, which ensured national representation within each league.
Implications of the LTR Requirement Removal
The removal of the LTR requirement means that a team could potentially feature five players from the same country, such as Spain, in leagues like the Nordic Championship (NLC). Teams will still need to include at least three players from the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. However, this new rule opens the door for greater flexibility in team compositions.
Historical Context of LTR Rules
Until now, every team was mandated to have at least two LTR players. This rule was adjusted in 2025, allowing leagues to require three. The focus was to limit the number of imports and encourage teams to draw from local talent. Nevertheless, there were exceptions, such as TeamOrangeGaming competing without local players in this past summer’s Prime League.
Mechanics Behind LTR Status
Players could obtain LTR status by competing in an ERL, with specific conditions laid out in the 2025 ERL Rulebook. Key requirements included:
- Residing in the competitive area for a minimum of 36 out of the last 60 months.
- Participating in the majority of matches in at least three of the last five ERL splits.
Additionally, players who had been part of an ERL team roster could still meet LTR conditions even without active participation, provided they did not participate in another ERL during that split.
Future Outlook for ERLs
This decision to remove LTR requirements reflects ongoing discussions about enhancing the competitive landscape of ERLs. After a challenging showing for LEC teams at Worlds, ensuring a steady influx of talent from Tier 2 leagues has become vital. With the LTR restrictions lifted, assembling elite teams with top players will become much easier, regardless of their nationality.
However, this change poses potential risks. There is a concern that talent may become concentrated in a few prominent leagues, possibly weakening smaller regional leagues. Such a scenario could disrupt the balance of power in future EMEA Masters tournaments.
As Riot Games continues to maneuver through these changes, this move signifies a pivotal step toward unifying the European gaming ecosystem, enhancing the competitive edge of the leagues involved.
