Esports 2024: Global Changes and New Perspectives

The last weeks and even days were quite busy in the Esports industry. They were related not only directly to individual teams or tournaments. More global things were also happening, including the acquisition of KOI and Movistar Riders. 

Important changes also affected the Canadian Esports segment, including serious changes that happened with MSI and Worlds 2024. It was also reflected in Canadian Esports fans' extreme activity on top bookies, including GG.bet. At the same time, it was not surprising given the wide selection of eSports bets you can find there, competitive odds, and a built-in broadcast option. 

Changes in MSI and Worlds 2024

The Publisher recently revealed the latest key changes and developments in the LoL ecosystem for the 2024 season. First of all, this concerns the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). Journalists learned more about European regions where the League of Legends World Championship and the Hall of Fame will take place. This time, all events will take place in China. 

A little reminder: this region is quite popular for different tournaments and events. For example, the finals of the Honor of Kings International Championship 2023, Naraka Bladepoint World Championship, and Crossfire Stars 2023 took place there recently.

It also became known that in 2024, London will be the place where the League of Legends World Championship will be held. Moreover, fans learned about the places for its other stages. For example, Swiss Stage and Play-ins teams will perform at the brand new Riot Games Arena in Berlin.

As for the new Riot Games Hall of Fame, it is now called the "Hall of Legends". As before, its only purpose is to recognize the top players who grace the League of Legends scene. At the same time, fans still do not know about the exact time of the first call to the Hall of Legends. 

Regarding the timing, the only thing that we can say for sure is that the event will be this year. The very first participant will be selected by independent voting. The jury will include veterans of the Esports industry as well as experts from most regions.

Separately, Riot Games announced some changes to MSI competitions. As you know, their winner will get a place at Worlds 2024. Moreover, this is considered an additional place for the region. The next best-performing region will receive 4th place in their league.

OverActive Media's Plans Towards KOI and Movistar Riders

An official representative of the popular Esports corporation OverActive Media has recently said about ideas about the acquisition of KOI as well as Movistar Riders.

If everything is ok, OverActive Media can claim all of the companies' Esports assets. Moreover, OverActive Media representatives said they want to unite both companies under one brand by the end of 2024. 

As you know, OverActive Media is currently the parent company of the LoL MAD Lions franchise. So, if game developer Riot Games approves the acquisition of KOI and Movistar Riders, the company will start the LEC 2024 season as MAD Lions KOI. Are these the only pluses for the company? Of course not, as OverActive Media will additionally receive a guaranteed place in the VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA. 

The changes affected not only the rebranding but also the management features of OverActive Media. For example, Fernando Picker will join the company as Chief Strategy Officer. If you have not followed him, here is a brief info: Fernando is the founder of Movistar Riders. 

Once all acquisition transactions are successfully completed, the co-founder of Movistar Riders (Gabriel Saenz de Buruaga) will join the board of directors. Even though all the operation details have not been disclosed, it became known that the acquisition will add approximately 10 to 12 million Canadian dollars to OverActive Media in the new year. 

The company's management is aimed at expanding its geography as well. For example, they put a lot of effort into developing their brand and the popularity of OverActive Media in Spain, the EMEA region, and Latin America.

Changes in the Gameplan Platform

The well-known educational and management platform for Esports Gameplan decided to increase the number of employees and hired Chris Eviles.

He accepted the position of chief promoter of the product, where he will develop and popularize educational Esports. The main region of his responsibility will be North America. In that region, he will try to integrate Esports into educational institutions. 

Was the choice of Chris accidental? Of course not, as he already has substantial experience in the industry. So, more than 5 years ago, he founded the nonprofit organization Garden State Esports. Currently, it specializes in organizing several educational tournaments in the United States.

For those not following the Gameplan activity, we remind you that this platform allows teachers to access and create Esports-oriented lessons. At the time of writing, this platform can be accessed in about 300 schools around the world.

However, the responsibilities of the chairman do not end there. He will also continue to serve on the advisory board of the American Riot Scholastic Association. This organization aims to control the activities of academic and university LoL and VALORANT.