Riot Games has introduced a Dispute Resolution programme aimed at strengthening and enhancing the esports ecosystem across EMEA.
The Dispute Resolution for Riot Games’ Esports, an independent arbitration court, will handle and resolve contractual and financial disputes within the region’s professional and semi-professional leagues.
This initiative aims to provide support to players, coaches and teams within the League of Legends esports and VALORANT esports communities. Additionally, it sets out to raise standards of professionalism, promote contract stability and strengthen integrity throughout Riot Games’ esports in the EMEA region.
Whalen Rozelle, Chief Operating Officer, Esports at Riot Games, stated: “We’re committed to maintaining healthy, professional esports ecosystems and this initiative is another step towards enhancing what we offer our partners who are helping us build a bright future for esports.
“This initiative will better serve our players, coaches, and teams across EMEA, providing them access to legal support should they need it.”
Players, coaches, and teams can use the Dispute Resolution for Riot Games’ Esports in EMEA to address various issues they face, such as unpaid salaries, bonuses, prize winnings and transfer disagreements.
Riot Games has designated Martens, a European law firm with expertise in sports and dispute resolution, as the secretariat for the Dispute Resolution to promote fairness, efficiency and accessibility. Martens will manage the Dispute Resolution process and select arbitrators who will make unbiased decisions independently of Riot Games.
Valérie Horyna, EMEA Esports Rules and Compliance Manager at Riot Games, commented: “Esports continues to evolve and we believe maintaining contractual stability and integrity is becoming more important.
“Solving contractual disputes has historically been very complex, especially in EMEA, which has different legal processes across many countries. We’re seeking to help solve these issues, providing an easy-to-access platform for our stakeholders.”
This is a pivotal moment for esports in the EMEA region, which has recently emerged as a central hub for both the sport and its competitions.
In April, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) hosted the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event featured a prize pool of $60m – the highest prize pool of any esports event.
