Riot Games has outlined the return of League of Legends Game Changers Rising, with the 2026 edition featuring a vastly expanded format, which will see more games and more competition.
The inaugural League of Legends Game Changers Rising saw Eterna qualify from the Open Qualifiers, before completing an undefeated Group Stage, defeating G2 Hel twice in the Playoffs to claim the LoL Game Changers Rising 2025 crown.
LoL Game Changers Rising returns with new format
League of Legends Game Changers Rising, which Riot describes as “the official EMEA League of Legends competition for anyone identifying as women,” was confirmed to return in March, however, the format of the competition was not known at the time.
In March, the IP was confirmed to be in the hands of N.E.O (New Esports Org), a French Tournament Organizer which managers EMEA Masters, Evo France, EVA Pro League, and holds the French broadcast rights to the Esports Nations Cup.
Under the new partnership, Game Changers will feature competition from May to October, with the first ‘Kick off’ stage running from May 29 to May 31.
The format will see similar three-day stages running each month from May to September, before culminating in the October playoffs.
High placings in the stages will earn points, which will determine the six teams that will earn their spot at the October playoffs.
With up to 32 teams in each of the stages, the competition is set to have more representation, more depth, and more competition throughout as teams fight for those playoff spots.
In the playoffs, the six qualified teams will be joined by the winners of the German female competition, Equal Esports Cup, and the French Nova Series, integrating the competition into existing female esports competitions.
Riot stated their intent with the competition as part of the announcement, stating, “Building an inclusive and supportive environment for all players is fundamental to what we do.
“The continuation and evolution of the League of Legends Game Changers goes beyond competition: it’s about actively creating the conditions for women across EMEA to step forward, compete at the highest level, and be seen and recognized for their talent and achievements.
“Our leagues are open by design, and our ambition is clear: ensure that when the next generation of top players rises, they are not only welcomed, but fully valued as part of the competitive landscape.”
The participating teams will be announced in due course, with G2 Hel being chief amongst the names expected to play in the competition. Stay tuned for more news!
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Darragh is an Esports Journalist for Insider Gaming specialising in Counter-Strike. He loves to explore how esports teams work, or why they very often do not.
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