Riot builds second stage at Berlin arena as LEC and VCT EMEA set to run simultaneously from July

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 29/05/2026

Riot Games has announced a significant scheduling and production overhaul for both the LEC and VCT EMEA, centred around the construction of a brand new Studio Stage inside the Riot Games Arena in Berlin.

The move is designed to allow both leagues to broadcast simultaneously from the same venue, something that has not been possible before. The new stage is already built and will be in use from July 15, when VCT EMEA Stage 2 begins.

Second stage to facilitate expanding Valorant esports effort

VCT EMEA Stage 2 is getting a much bigger overhaul, prompting the need for more space in the league. Throw in that the LEC shares the venue with VCT EMEA, and there is a bit of a scheduling conflict. As of right now, the LEC tends to go on a roadshow or take a hiatus between formats to let VCT into the studio. But the new stage gives some more breathing space to run tournaments as planned, especially now that Challengers teams will also be joining the mainline VCT teams in Berlin. More teams means more match days, and more match days means a scheduling conflict with the LEC if both leagues are sharing a single stage.

Rather than cut matches, Riot built a second space. The Studio Stage is a broadcast-first environment, meaning it is optimised for production and online viewership rather than a live audience. Tickets will not be available for matches played on the Studio Stage. Matches on the original stage, now renamed the Arena Stage, will continue to have tickets available as normal.

Having visited the Berlin studio in 2024, there is a noticeable large space at the back as you turn right rather than left toward the Arena Stage, which is likely where the new Studio Stage has been built.

The VCT will be broadcast on weekends now too

The most tangible benefit for VCT EMEA fans is weekend matches. The expanded schedule made possible by the Studio Stage means VCT EMEA will have matches on weekends throughout Stage 2, something the community has been requesting for some time. VCT EMEA typically played on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, while the LEC had the studio on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. The extra stage gives both leagues room to run simultaneously without bleeding into each other. The only time VCT previously played on weekends was when the LEC was offline, either through a playoff break or an LEC Roadtrip, such as the MKOI roadtrip that ended the regular split on a bang.

Riot was clear that the two-stage arrangement is not a temporary fix. The setup is expected to continue into 2027 as the longer-term vision for both the LEC and VCT EMEA takes shape.

Does this change anything for LEC?

For the most part, the LEC is not switching things up. Everything will remain the same bar some Valorant crossover on certain dates. It is likely that the LEC will retain most of the Arena Stage time given the franchising arrangements of the league. There could be some crossover for bigger VCT matches that require stage time, especially now that the LEC operates on regular season best-of-threes, making it easier to spread more high-profile match days for both VCT and LEC into the Arena Stage for live audience ticketing.

It also comes after rumours circulating earlier in the year that Riot was considering taking the LEC online only. Expanding the staging of the arena suggests that for now at least, things are staying as they are.

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Craig began his career with Esports News UK back in 2015/2016, looking to write about a passion while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. He stayed there for several years before moving on to other websites to begin his career after graduating. Now he's back, covering esports adjacent topics and UK stories.

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