In a historic conclusion to the League of Legends European Championship (LEC) Winter Split 2024, the league has achieved unprecedented success, setting new records for viewership and fan engagement.
The LEC, a cornerstone of esports in the EMEA region, saw a remarkable 30 percent increase in its Average Minute Audience (AMA) compared to the previous year’s Winter Split, according to an announcement on the league’s official social media account.
Factors driving success
Maximilian Peter Schmidt, the Director of League of Legends Esports EMEA, attributed the Winter Split’s triumph to various factors.
These included the implementation of a new format introduced the previous year, continuous enhancements in co-streaming capabilities—both remote and on-site at the state-of-the-art Riot Games Arena in Berlin—and the rise of new competitive teams alongside the growth of existing ones.
Impact of EMEA Esports ecosystem
Schmidt emphasized the pivotal role played by the EMEA LoL Esports ecosystem, which encompasses amateur circuits and European Regional Leagues.
This ecosystem has been instrumental in nurturing local talent and fostering vibrant communities, contributing significantly to the overall success of the LEC Winter Split 2024.
Schmidt noted that achieving “successful viewership” has been years in the making, underscoring the league’s enduring commitment to excellence.
Challenges and resilience
Despite facing challenges, including significant layoffs at Riot Games in January, which impacted LEC production and led to some broadcast issues during the Winter Playoffs, the league persevered.
The introduction of Karmine Corp and its new roster, map, and format injected further excitement into the competition, bolstering overall viewership and fan engagement.
Schmidt hailed the Winter Split 2024 as the best in LEC history, marking a significant milestone for League of Legends esports in the EMEA region.
As the gaming industry scales down commitments in the year’s first quarter, the LEC faces the challenge of sustaining its positive momentum.
Schmidt highlighted the importance of comprehensive annual figures in assessing the state of fan engagement and viewership within the league. While the Winter Split 2024 showcased remarkable growth and achievement, maintaining this upward trajectory will require ongoing dedication and innovation.
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