Riot Games has officially announced the return of LoL Game Changers Rising for 2026, the EMEA competition designed for players who identify as women. Following a successful inaugural season in 2025 — won by Eterna over G2 Hel — the program is back with a significantly expanded format.
A brand new format: 5 monthly open stages
The competition kicks off on May 29-31, 2026 and runs all the way through October — a considerably longer season than the inaugural edition. The format includes five open stages where teams accumulate championship points to secure their spots at the October Playoffs.
- Season start: May 29-31, 2026
- 5 monthly open stages (up to 32 teams per stage)
- Top 6 in overall standings qualify for October Playoffs
- 2 additional playoff spots via Germany's Equal Esports Cup and France's Nova Series
N.E.O partnership and co-streaming opportunities
Riot Games has renewed its partnership with N.E.O as the tournament's official licensing partner. A key addition for 2026 is the introduction of co-streaming and community broadcasting, allowing content creators and community casters to bring the action to their audiences throughout the season.
Confirmed through 2027
Riot Games VP of Esports Operations Bertrand Amar confirmed that LoL Game Changers competitions will take place in both 2026 and 2027, signaling a long-term commitment to women's esports in the League of Legends ecosystem.
Game Changers Rising 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. — Riot Games