In a recent dialogue with Sheep Esports, Christopher “SeeEl” Lee, the head coach of Vivo Keyd Stars, expressed his opinions on Riot Games’ recent decisions regarding the allocation of international spots in the League of Legends ecosystem. His comments revolved around the evolving dynamics of the competitive league in South America, particularly the CBLOL (Campeonato Brasileiro de League of Legends).
Investments Enhance the CBLOL Landscape
Lee acknowledged the improvements in the CBLOL, attributing much of the progress to increased investments in both infrastructure and the player base. He noted significant player acquisitions over the past year, including notable names like Malrang (Kim Geun-seong) and Mireu (Jeong Jo-bin). These changes reflect a growing strength in the region’s competitive scene.
Furthermore, the restructuring of technical staff has contributed positively. “The influx of skilled personnel, like Thinkcard (Thomas Slotkin) with FURIA, has been transformative,” he stated. Lee emphasized that Riot’s organization of bootcamps, particularly the LA bootcamp that allowed teams to practice against North American squads, proved instrumental in enhancing performance.
Rebranding of LTA South to CBLOL
The recent decision to revert LTA South back to CBLOL has generated mixed feelings among players and coaches. While Lee is enthusiastic about the brand’s return, he raised concerns about Riot’s strategic direction. The shift is considered economically driven, yet it may not fulfill users’ expectations for greater international representation.
Concerns Over International Representation
Lee articulated a significant concern regarding Riot’s retreat from commitments to expand international opportunities for South America. He pointed out that, while the financial rationale is clear, it undermines the region’s potential growth. “With a CPM (cost per mille) dramatically lower than North America, it’s crucial to acknowledge the vast player base and growth potential in South America,” he explained.
- Brazil’s CPM: Approximately $0.20 to $1.00
- North America’s CPM: Ranges from $9 to $16
Lee suggested that Riot should focus on improving community engagement and grassroots initiatives to leverage Brazil’s competitive growth. He believes these efforts could significantly enhance League of Legends as a national esport.
Recommendations for Riot Games
Lee posited that the community’s perception of being undervalued is harmful to long-term retention. With 1.5 million ranked players in Brazil, he questioned the viability of expanding this base to 4 million through effective support and investment.
He criticized Riot’s reliance on traditional metrics like viewership hours without addressing the foundational community dynamics that drive the game’s popularity. “The strength of League of Legends has always stemmed from its community,” he asserted, stressing the importance of creating sustainable initiatives at the grassroots level.
In conclusion, SeeEl argues that returning focus to community and collegiate programs offers a path forward for Riot. He highlights that merely increasing international spots for North America does not address the root issues affecting team sustainability and player engagement.
