Riot Games Global Head Chris Greeley Reflects on First Stand, CBLOL Worlds Expansion, and Visa Hurdles

Callum Mercer, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 24/03/2026

At the conclusion of the First Stand tournament, Chris Greeley, the Global Head of League of Legends Esports at Riot Games, sat down with media to break down the lessons learned from the event and provide a roadmap for the 2026 competitive season.

From expanding regional representation to tackling the perennial headache of international visas, Greeley touched on the pivotal changes coming to the LoL ecosystem.

CBLOL Secures Second Worlds Slot

One of the most significant updates from the briefing was the confirmation that Brazil’s CBLOL will receive a second slot for the World Championship.

While some fans speculated this was a reaction to community outcry or recent performance at the Americas Cup, Greeley clarified that it was actually the result of an internal Riot Games review.

After the LCS and CBLOL were restored as separate entities, Riot initially reverted to a single-slot allocation for Brazil.

However, after revisiting the competitive landscape in January, the team concluded that the region’s growth and depth justified a second spot on the global stage.

First Stand: A Successful Experiment for Riot Games

The First Stand tournament represented a new chapter for international League of Legends, serving as a third major global event in the calendar.

Greeley expressed high satisfaction with the “experiment,” noting that moving to an eight-team, full best-of-five structure resonated far better with fans than previous iterations.

“Viewership is up, and fan sentiment appears favorable,” Greeley noted, highlighting that the community’s demand for more international play is being heard.

Riot Games appears committed to keeping this momentum going as they look toward the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).

Addressing Fan Interaction and Player Security

Early in the tournament, some fans felt disconnected as players were quickly ushered backstage post-match.

Greeley addressed these concerns head-on, explaining that security protocols were adjusted after the first day to allow for more “authentic” engagement.

The goal moving forward is to balance player safety with the fan experience, ensuring that those in attendance get the chance to cheer on their idols in a way that feels natural rather than restricted.

Looking Ahead: 2026 World Championship and Visa Challenges

With the 2026 World Championship set to take place in the United States, the conversation inevitably turned to the logistical nightmare of visas. Riot Games is well aware of the history of “immigration issues” that have plagued past events in North America.

Greeley assured that Riot maintains standard operating procedures to assist teams, working with third-party agencies and government contacts to streamline the process. While fallback options are always on the table for isolated cases, the developer is being proactive to ensure the world’s best talent can actually make it to the stage.

The Future of Third-Party Events

As the LoL esports calendar becomes more crowded, Greeley also touched upon the role of external tournaments.

While Riot Games is open to conversations about balancing official and third-party events, he indicated that exclusive deals for premier events like Worlds remain unlikely.

For now, the focus remains on refining Riot’s own circuit while ensuring the ecosystem remains stable and accessible for a global audience.

Callum Mercer, Senior Editor

Callum “Cal” Mercer is a UK-based esports journalist covering competitive titles across the LEC, VCT, and global Counter-Strike circuits. With a background in broadcast production and data analysis, he specialises in tactical breakdowns, roster strategy, and the business dynamics shaping modern professional gaming.

All Posts By Callum Mercer