Riot Games to reassess League of Legends esports in Oceania

Game developer Riot Games has announced that it will revamp League of Legends esports in Oceania (OCE).

According to the announcement, the changes will be an attempt to adapt to the ‘evolving landscape’ and make better use of resources due to the ‘intensive demands of operating an esports league’. As a result, the decision has seemingly put an end to the League of Legends Circuit: Oceania (LCO).

Riot Games is currently exploring options in terms of a new competitive circuit for OCE LoL, but have confirmed that the company wants to create a pathway from OCE into the Asia-Pacific (APAC) League of Legends esports ecosystem in 2025.

The first official OCE League of Legends regional competition occurred in 2015, then called the Oceanic Pro League (OPL), and held two splits every year until it was dissolved in 2020. That same year it was announced that the Oceania region would no longer take up import slots in North America’s LCS.

OCE wasn’t without a dedicated league for long through with the LCO, run by ESL Australia and Guinevere Capital, launching in 2021. Since its debut, the LCO has spanned eight splits, all of which had a prize pool of $30,000 (~£22,500).

League of Legends esports in Oceania — and Asia Pacific more broadly — has undergone many changes over the years. This included the LCO becoming a part of the Pacific Championship Series (PCS) ecosystem. Later, Japan’s LJL also joined the PCS.

Most recently Riot Games announced that a new APAC League will combine teams from Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macao, Japan, Oceania and the rest of Southeast Asia in 2025, replacing the current leagues that represent the regions.

Since the announcement of the APAC League, Riot went on to explain the structure of the new league which will include a hybrid partnership plus promotion/ relegation mode. This means that the league will feature both partner teams and ‘guest teams’.

It is yet to be seen how the changes to the OCE competitive structure will be integrated into this league.

In Riot Games’ announcement of the OCE changes, the company made a statement thanking the fans and the LCO: “Before we get into future plans, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every LCO fan, who made this journey unforgettable. You have been the foundation for the league’s success, fueling every match with your passion and unwavering support.

“To EFG, Guinevere Capital, players, teams, staff, and everyone who’s had a part to play in the LCO ecosystem, thank you for your contributions, collaboration, and trust. Your support has been instrumental in growing the LCO to what it is today.”