Disguised has officially secured their position in a tier 1 esports division under Riot Games by entering the LCS, now referred to as the LTA. Although they will need to fight to maintain their spot and prove their worth in the league, they are set to compete at the pinnacle of competitive gaming.
The transition to Riot’s franchising system has posed significant challenges for new teams aiming to break into tier 1 League of Legends leagues. Since relegation was eliminated during the franchise shift, teams like Disguised have found it nearly impossible to qualify for the league, even after demonstrating strong performances in tier 2.
However, with the formation of the LTA, which effectively marks the end of the LCS, Disguised has finally made the leap into the main arena. They will be battling against established powerhouses such as Cloud9 and Team Liquid for opportunities to compete against the world’s top teams in international tournaments.
It’s important to note that Disguised’s ascendance was not solely due to being the top team in North America; rather, their success is largely based on their extensive brand presence and the influential creator backing them. It’s uncertain how many members from the NACL roster will remain with Disguised, if any, but they have a rejuvenated opportunity in the LCS.
Toast has openly discussed the financial toll his esports endeavors have taken, costing him hundreds of thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, he has consistently supported his teams and players despite these setbacks. Now, it appears this dedication is finally bearing fruit, as North American League of Legends receives a renewed chance through the LTA.
In the past, Toast has criticized LCS teams for their lack of content creation skills, and now he has the opportunity to showcase his vision and create something extraordinary.
While the restructuring into the LTA signifies the end of the LCS as we knew it, Riot’s decision to elevate Disguised over potentially stronger NACL performers indicates a shift towards prioritizing creators in the esports landscape.
The impressive viewership success of teams like Karmine Corp and MAD Lions KOI in the LEC—despite their modest in-league performances—highlights that the future of League of Legends esports may heavily depend on creators who passionately advocate for their teams.
Image Credit: Dexerto.com
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