Riot Games Establishes Arbitration Tribunal for LoL and Valorant in Europe

Ahead of the 2025 competition season, Riot Games has introduced a new dispute resolution mechanism for Tier 1 and Tier 2 competitions of League of Legends and Valorant in the EMEA region. The law firm Martens will serve as both partner and secretariat for the tribunal. Arbitration follows Swiss law.

Riot Games has set up an independent arbitration tribunal for professional and semi-professional esports within its Tier 1 and Tier 2 competitions for League of Legends and Valorant across EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). The aim is to provide a fair and efficient resolution to contractual and financial disputes while avoiding the need for parties to go through traditional courts. Such arbitration bodies are common in sports and are typically established by or under the auspices of relevant associations.

Riot Games has entrusted the law firm Martens with establishing the arbitration board. In August and September, Martens had already been searching for interested lawyers willing to serve as arbitrators in a new esports arbitration court. However, it was not initially disclosed which ecosystem Martens was recruiting arbitrators for.

"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," said Whalen Rozelle, Chief Operating Officer, Esports at Riot Games. "This initiative will better serve our players, coaches, and teams across EMEA, providing them access to legal support should they need it."

"Esports continues to evolve, and we believe maintaining contractual stability and integrity is becoming more important," said Valérie Horyna, EMEA Esports Rules & Compliance Manager at Riot Games. "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 by providing an easy-to-access platform for our stakeholders."

The arbitration board is available to players, coaches, and teams in the relevant leagues to resolve disputes related to matters such as outstanding salaries, bonuses, prize money, or transfers. Arbitration is voluntary and conducted by an arbitrator. To reduce costs and ensure efficiency, there will be no hearings beyond the submission round, unless the arbitrator deems otherwise. Decisions are based on fairness and equity without reliance on specific national or international laws. Arbitration will follow Swiss law, and Riot will enforce arbitral awards and take disciplinary action for non-compliance, as per the Esports Global Code of Conduct.

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