In a significant shift within the Latin American League of Legends (LLA) landscape, prominent esports organisation All Knights has announced its withdrawal from the league’s top division. This decision, communicated via All Knights’ official social media channels, marks a pivotal moment for both the organisation and the regional esports scene at large.
Founded in 2018 and hailing from Chile, All Knights has been a formidable presence within the LLA since its inception. However, the organisation’s departure signifies a strategic redirection, as it aims to reallocate resources and focus on other competitive endeavours. Notably, All Knights will maintain its operations in the esports sphere, particularly within the burgeoning VALORANT Challengers ecosystem.
The catalyst behind All Knights’ exit appears to be a recalibration of its competitive strategy, reflecting the dynamic nature of the esports landscape. While the organisation’s apex in League of Legends was marked by their triumph in the LLA Opening 2020, securing qualification for the prestigious Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), unforeseen circumstances, notably the global COVID-19 pandemic, thwarted their participation in the event. Subsequent LLA seasons witnessed a divergence from their previous heights, prompting a reevaluation of their trajectory within the league.
Amidst All Knights’ departure, the LLA faces the challenge of adapting to a reduced team count, shrinking from seven to six teams for the forthcoming Closing Split following MSI. In response to this restructuring, Riot Games, the governing body behind the LLA, has committed to unveiling a revised competitive format in due course. This transition underscores the league’s resilience and adaptability in navigating shifts within its ecosystem.
All Knights joins the ranks of Mexican organization Team Aze, which similarly withdrew from the LLA following the conclusion of the 2023 season. While the departure of these organizations marks a loss for the league, recent viewership trends suggest sustained interest and engagement from the community. The LLA Opening Split of 2024 witnessed notable success in terms of viewership, recording the second-highest peak viewership since its inception in 2019. Estral Esports emerged victorious in this split, earning the opportunity to represent the region at the ongoing MSI event in Chengdu, China.
As the LLA prepares for its upcoming Closing Split with a reshaped competitive landscape, stakeholders within the esports ecosystem eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the league’s revised format. Despite the departure of All Knights and previous organizations, the enduring appeal of League of Legends within the Latin American region remains undiminished, promising continued excitement and competition for fans and players alike.
