Top Tier-2 teams will have the opportunity to qualify for the LTA and earn the Guest Slot
Following the LCS, LLA, and CBLOL merger we reported last June, the format of competitive play across the continent is undergoing significant changes, extending to the Tier 2 leagues. On Tuesday, Riot Games confirmed that all Tier 2 leagues in the Americas will adopt a new structure, format, schedule, and qualification system, culminating in a Promotion Tournament for entry into the LTA. Below, you'll find all the essential details to understand how the revamped circuit is shaping up.
Tier 2 Leagues and Teams
The Americas Tier 2 system will consist of four leagues divided into two conferences:
North Conference
- NACL (North America Challengers League): Includes 10 teams from the USA and Canada.
- LRN (Liga Regional Norte): Features 8 teams from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
South Conference
- CD (Circuito Desafiante): Hosts 10 teams from Brazil.
- LRS (Liga Regional Sur): Covers 8 teams from Chile, Peru, Argentina, and other South American countries (excluding Colombia and Brazil).
The leagues will launch in 2025 with a mix of returning teams, newly invited organizations, and open qualifier participants. Each league will finalize its lineup with qualifier tournaments early next year. More information about how to sign up, the schedule, and the format will be disclosed by Riot Games later on.
2025 Seasonal Format
The Tier 2 season will consist of two competitive splits and a Promotion Tournament, each designed to test and elevate the best teams.
Split 1: Fearless Draft
- Full Fearless Draft format for strategic depth.
- Single round-robin Bo3 regular season and double-elimination playoffs.
Split 2: Path to Promotion
- A shorter Bo1 regular season focusing on expansive double-elimination playoffs.
- No Fearless Draft to align with Tier 1 standards.
- Top teams advance to the Promotion Tournament.
Path to Tier 1: Promotion Tournament and Guest Slot
The most interesting piece here is the return of an up-and-down system attached to the Tier 1 league. Indeed, Riot Games introduce a Promotion Tournament, offering the top Tier 2 teams a chance to secure th Tier 1 Guest Slot. This slot grants entry into prestigious international tournaments, such as First Stand, MSI, and Worlds.
- Competition Framework:
- The top two teams from each Tier 2 league will face the current Guest Slot holder in a Promotion Tournament.
- Successful teams represent either the North or South LTA conference as Guest Teams for a year, with the opportunity to defend their position in subsequent tournaments.
- Guest Teams gain access to the Global Revenue Pool (GRP), providing financial support to sustain operations.
To maintain fairness, Guest Slots are non-transferable and must be earned through competitive performance.
2025 Schedule
The 2025 Tier 2 calendar is aligned with Tier 1’s second and third splits:
- Split 1: March - June
- Split 2: July - September
- Promotion Tournament: October
Header Photo Credit: Riot Games
- Clément Chocat -
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