Riot Games Hosts Urgent Ethics Training for 150 LCK Players

UPDATE: Riot Games has just announced an urgent ethics and conduct training session for 150 players and coaches in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) ahead of the 2026 season and the upcoming LCK Cup. The session took place on January 2, 2026, at the LCK Arena in LoL Park, focusing on critical updates and standards that will shape competitive play.

This initiative is part of Riot Games’ commitment to uphold integrity and professionalism in esports as the league gears up for a highly anticipated year. The four-hour training covered essential topics such as competitive operations, rule updates, and athlete responsibilities, ensuring that all participants are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

Riot emphasized the importance of the program, which was mandatory for personnel listed on the unified rosters of both the LCK and the LCK Challengers League. Attendees received detailed briefings on format changes for the upcoming season and new “Coach Comms” guidelines that will be implemented during the LCK Cup group stage.

“It’s vital that our players and coaches understand the evolving regulations and integrity standards,” said an official from Riot Games. The education also included a mandatory anti-doping segment led by the Korea Anti-Doping Agency, which prepared participants for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. This part of the training covered testing procedures, prohibited substances, and player rights during controls.

Beginning at 3 p.m., participants were divided into tracks based on their professional experience. First-year players gained insights on standard contracts from attorney Ahn Chan-sik of Law Firm Chungjeong, focusing on contract structures and dispute resolution. Meanwhile, veteran players attended a seminar on sportsmanship led by Kim Jin-hoon from the Sports Ethics Center, reinforcing the importance of respect and adherence to competition rules.

The LCK, a key player in the global League of Legends esports scene, has maintained a single-season format since 2025, running from April to September with ten competing teams. Alongside domestic play, LCK teams actively participate in prestigious international events such as the Mid-Season Invitational and the League of Legends World Championship.

As the 2026 Season Opening Event approaches on January 9 at the LCK Arena in Seoul, this education initiative highlights Riot’s proactive approach to aligning players and staff with the highest standards of conduct. Fans and participants alike can expect a season marked by professionalism and competitive integrity.

Stay tuned for more updates as the LCK prepares for an exciting year ahead, making sure players and coaches are equipped to meet the challenges of the evolving esports landscape.