The LTA North’s Challenges

The LTA North, a newly launched League of Legends league consolidating Latin America (LLA), North America (previously LCS) and Brazil (CBLOL) regions, is struggling with viewership numbers. Their inaugural season saw a noticeable decrease in viewership, with the recent Split 2 experiencing over a 50% drop compared to the equivalent period in the 2024 LCS Spring Split. Viewers fell from an initial peak of 191.5k to a rather worrying low of 94k.

LTA North’s Viewer Statistics

Detailed examination of viewer numbers tells a tale of dipping interest. There was an almost 50% cut in both average and peak viewer numbers compared to the LCS Spring 2024, a trend that rapidly became evident during the first part of their 2025 season, Split 1. The opening weekend proved lacklustre with just 148k spectators at peak and a modest 101k average – a decrease of 23% and 13% respectively compared to LCS Spring 2024’s opening scores.

Comparing LTA North and South

Interestingly, while the LTA North grapples with a decrease in viewers, the other half of the organisation, LTA South, has enjoyed growing viewer numbers. The region, which represents Latin American and Brazilian teams, recorded a gratifying 18% rise in viewers from the CBLOL Split 1 2024, peaking at 254k spectators during its opening match.

Causal Factors for LTA North’s Declining Numbers

A number of factors are thought to have contributed to the North’s dwindling viewer numbers. An impactful one could be the dissolution of the LCS which led to the exit of heavyweight teams such as TSM, Immortals, and Counter Logic Gaming, disrupting traditional fan bases and rivalries. Other contributing factors may include the perceived inadequacy of event promotion and lacklustre pre-event hype leading to lower levels of engagement. Finally, criticism targeted at what some consider to be a lack of high-stakes or exciting matches, which curtailed the appeal of the inaugural games.

Structural Changes in the LTA

In the face of these setbacks, significant changes have been introduced in the game’s structure. Attempts to invigorate engagement include separating the North and South competitions, with cross-conference matches now determining representation in international tournaments like MSI (Mid-Season Invitational) or EWC (Esports World Championship). The restructuring was intended to enhance regional representation but has yet to spur the viewership in the North.

Broader Overview: Sprint 2024’s Performance

Before its dissolution, the LCS Spring 2024 successfully garnered a peak of 246k spectators during its final match between Team Liquid and FlyQuest. Encouragingly, it showed consistent viewership growth in its final year, aided by measures such as closer competition, rescheduling matches to weekends, and introducing live patch gameplay.

New LTA North Split 2 Format

The new LTA North competition format has adapted a multi-phase structure to stoke competition. This includes a Positioning Phase (BO1 round-robin), Group Stage (BO3 snake draft), and Fearless Playoffs (BO5). The objective of this modification is to boost match diversity and ramp up fan engagement.

Future Implications for LTA North

Riot Games is faced with the task of restoring fan loyalty and fortifying LTA branding. They may need to resort to enhanced storytelling, introducing nostalgically appealing elements from past LCS competitions, and a focus on high-intensity matchups to rouse interest. Future success might pivot on metrics from the new Split 2 format and the performance in international tournaments like the MSI and EWC.

In essence, while structural changes might have widened regional inclusivity as intended, the importance of preserving the essence of previous rivalries and legacy branding is clearly paramount for the long-term success of LTA North.