Riot Games Overhauls League of Legends Esports Finances for 2026: Prize Pools Removed from Major Leagues

Riot Games announced a major financial overhaul for League of Legends Esports starting in 2026, shifting focus from traditional regional prize pool payouts to long-term sustainability. The key change eliminates split prize pools for leagues in the Global Revenue Pool (GRP), affecting major circuits including the LEC (EMEA), LCK (Korea), and LCS (North America). Riot explained that as overall investments increased, these regional payouts had become relatively small for players, allowing funds to be redirected to more impactful areas of esports development. Regions like CBLOL (Brazil) and LCP (League of Legends Championship Pacific) remain unaffected due to their unique partnership models. International events, including First Stand, Mid-Season Invitational, and World Championship, will continue featuring dedicated GRP-funded prize pools. This transition reflects the maturity of the global ecosystem, aiming for a more centralized and connected professional scene. The changes underscore Riot's strategy to build a sustainable future amid growing esports investments.