Photo: Riot Games
The Worlds of League of Legends always represent the high point of the competitive season. Where the MSI is still struggling to convince teams, players and the public, the world has nothing to worry about. Everyone wants to take part in this great party and its cast is always a dream. In Europe, we are still waiting with hope for a winner, since the original crowning of Fnatic in season 1. It did not go far in 2018 and 2019 (finals), but China and South Korea still seem to be a notch behind. -above.
Traditionally, the various competitive regions rotate the role of host. In 2021, Europe had inherited the tournament, in rather special conditions. Because of Covid-19, the Worlds had been rescheduled in Iceland (without an audience), when originally the teams should have gone to China. In 2022, it’s the turn of america to receive this honor. Originally, several countries were to host the competition depending on the stages. But to avoid the risks, there was a change in the program.
Canada disappears from the list
The basic plan was as follows: the qualification phases at the Mexico (Mexico City), groups and quarter-finals at USA (New York), the semi-finals at Canada (Toronto) and the grand finale at USA (San Francisco). 4 cities and 3 countries were honored and shared the role of host, a good way to give a little happiness to everyone while collecting a maximum of aid and sponsors.
But the regulations of the United States are still a little harsh at the moment vis-à-vis the coronavirus. It disrupts the process of obtaining multiple entry visas. To avoid travel, the semi-finals have been moved. They will not take place in Toronto, but in the State Farm Arena from Atlanta (Hawks room). We will therefore remain on American soil from the groups to the grand final. Only the Play-In will be played in a different country.
Canada continues to be sidelined
We tend to forget it, but the NA region, the LCS, are not limited to the United States. Canada is also part of the scene, but it is true that its big neighbor takes up a lot of space. However, in the region there are currently a lot of Canadian talents: poome (CLG), Biofrost (Dignitas), jojopyun (EG) or licorice (Golden Guardians).
North America has hosted the world championships several times: 2012, 2013, 2016. Many cities have received this honor for hosting at least one stage: Los Angeles, Culver City, San Francisco, Chicago But the Canada has always been ostracized. Riot Games originally intended to fix this anomaly. But we will still have to wait after this change of plan. While the Worlds regularly change region, it will be necessary to wait for a new rotation (at least 2 or 3 years) so that Canada can claim a new chance.