In a significant shift for the European League of Legends (LoL) ecosystem, Riot Games has announced plans to eliminate the “locally trained” (LTR) requirements in the European Regional Leagues (ERLs) starting in 2026. This change will allow teams to form rosters without restrictions on national representation.
Elimination of LTR Requirements in ERLs
This decision marks a major departure from the existing rules that mandated teams to feature players with LTR status. Previously, teams needed to include at least two LTR players, a requirement that persisted until the 2024 season. In 2025, Riot permitted leagues to increase this minimum to three LTR players.
Key Changes Expected
- Complete removal of LTR status for all ERLs.
- Teams can now include players from any European country without prior experience in that regional league.
- At least three players must still come from the EMEA region to maintain some level of local representation.
This transformation means that squads can consist entirely of players from different regions. For instance, five Spanish players could compete together in the Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC) without any prior participation in that league.
Local Regulations May Still Apply
While Riot Games will not enforce LTR conditions, individual leagues may opt to establish their own local rules. For instance, the LFL has indicated it will lift previously imposed restrictions, allowing a more diverse player pool.
Importantly, foreign players are still categorized as imports and cannot solely make up a team’s roster. This reflects Riot’s intentions to bolster local talent while allowing teams more freedom in constructing their lineups.
Impact on Competitive Balance
This policy change arises during ongoing discussions concerning the future of ERLs. With a challenging start for LEC teams at the World Championships, the need to rejuvenate Tier 2 talent has become increasingly urgent. By allowing teams to combine the best players from different leagues, the competitive landscape could shift dramatically.
However, there is concern that this move may lead to a concentration of talent in major leagues. Smaller regional leagues could struggle to retain their top players, potentially disrupting competitive balance across the EMEA Masters.
This latest adjustment may signal a step towards further unification in the European competitive ecosystem, aligning with other reforms aimed at enhancing the overall quality and appeal of League of Legends in Europe.
