As we enter 2024, the esports scene in North America is on the brink of substantial transformation. With the recent closure of the Overwatch League, Blizzard is redirecting its focus by launching the Overwatch Champions Series in collaboration with ESL. Meanwhile, League of Legends faces declining viewership, and the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is encountering its own hurdles.
League of Legends: A Shift in Dynamics
League of Legends continues to stand as a dominant force in the esports realm, achieving remarkable viewership records in 2023, largely thanks to outstanding performances from Korean and Chinese teams. However, North American teams have struggled to compete on the global stage. For example, while the Korean summer split attracted a peak of 1.5 million concurrent viewers, the North American League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) recorded only 223,000 viewers—a significant decline from 370,000 in 2022.
The 2024 season introduces several critical changes. The number of teams in the LCS has decreased from 10 to 8, leading to the exit of notable teams like Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians. Additionally, a new best-of-one format aims to speed up gameplay and enhance the viewing experience. Fans are eager to see how these changes will impact the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) in May.
Rocket League: Financial Struggles and New Formats
The RLCS is currently grappling with financial difficulties and undergoing significant changes. This year, the league will feature only two major tournaments instead of three, alongside the World Championship, and fewer slots will be available for North American and European teams. The overall prize pool has been reduced from $6 million to $4.3 million.
To address these challenges, the league has transitioned to open qualifiers, enabling a broader range of players to compete for spots in the RLCS, moving away from the previous model where teams purchased their entries. This change aims to enhance the competitive landscape by encouraging wider participation.
Valorant: A Growing Force
In contrast, the Valorant esports scene is flourishing, achieving a peak viewership of 1.4 million during the 2023 Valorant Champions Tour. This year, the tour is expanding its open qualifiers with the introduction of VCT Premier, providing more opportunities for players to showcase their skills. Moreover, the VCT Game Changers series promotes inclusivity by highlighting players from marginalized genders, further enriching the competitive environment.
The Future of Esports
Overall, the current state of esports reflects a dynamic and evolving landscape, with some genres thriving while others face significant challenges. The shift towards open qualifiers in various games underscores a commitment to inclusivity and broader participation, which could be essential for nurturing the next generation of esports talent.
As we progress through 2024, the ramifications of these developments are likely to reshape the future of competitive gaming in North America. Esports betting is going to become more and more exciting. Stay tuned to Bet Esports Blog for the latest insights and updates on this exciting world of esports.
