Introduction: The S16 season has officially started, and most players have been closely following the recent matches. The competitions across major regions have been quite intense. This season, the organizers made further adjustments to the regions, and the return of the North American region has thrilled many fans who believe the "Big Four" regions must be preserved. However, before the matches even began, the LCS region encountered serious issues. Due to the large number of Korean imports, LCS matches were scheduled later, and visa problems prevented many players from arriving on time. Out of eight LCS teams, six faced visa delays for their players.

Only two LCS teams can compete as scheduled

Most players are quite familiar with League of Legends, an esports game that has grown remarkably within just over a decade. In recent years, the esports industry has faced a downturn, with many top players retiring, causing a sharp drop in competition popularity. The organizers have made many changes—merging regions, increasing matches—to boost interest, but some moves have sacrificed local players. This season, the official announcement of North America's return, splitting it from the Americas region, was welcomed. After all, LCS was the first League of Legends region, and merging it was a bold move.

During the winter transfer period, insiders revealed that Korean players now outnumber those from the US and Canada combined in the LCS region. Almost all teams have imported Korean talent. These players generally have higher personal discipline, are easier to manage, and are cost-effective, making them better choices than local players. In 2022, Korean imports made up only 18%, with North American players at 42%. By S16, Korean players accounted for 43%, while locals dropped to 33%. As the new season approached, internal LCS issues were fully exposed.

Industry insiders openly stated that LCS matches are currently impossible to hold. Among the eight teams, six are facing visa delays, meaning starting rosters cannot assemble. How can matches proceed? If the season does start, teams will have to rely on local substitutes. The LCS region feels more like child's play, no wonder Riot merged them before. There is no real competitive tension; even in international matches, players leave smiling regardless of win or loss.

Visa issues are not only about Korean imports but also reflect problems within the region and team management. Team owners seem indifferent, operating with a laid-back attitude. For many Western teams, investment is minimal—for example, the well-known C9 team backed by one of the largest global entertainment companies. If the league continues this way, disbandment may be near. Only the LPL and LCK regions seem capable of catching up with traditional sports; otherwise, esports would not be included in events like the Asian Games.

Farewell thoughts

Who would have thought that as the LCS season is about to start, six teams still cannot field their players? What meaning does this competition hold? No wonder the organizers merged the North American region. If not for the massive fanbase in Brazil, North America might never have returned. Now, the North American region has effectively become a secondary league to the LCK, dominated by Korean players.

What do you all think about this situation?