Currently categorized as a Non-Accredited ERL (see lolesports announcement), we currently are faced with the reality of having to reduce our participants to 8 and have to cut back on 4 of our previous teams. After many discussions it was decided fairest to hold a promotion tournament (coined the “Battle Royale”) in which the 3 bottom teams from both leagues would be given a chance at 2 spots within the upcoming Benelux ERL.

Understanding Riot’s efforts toward building a better future for its lower European divisions, we’ve decided to make a push toward elevating the Benelux and replaced the previous application procedure with a set of “Minimum Criteria” (see previous article). These criteria are based on various key elements from the original application sheet, the feedback we have received on its process throughout the year, and ultimately shaped by the status quo of already participating organisations. The goal of these criteria is to ensure that any Benelux ERL participants are viable on a long term basis and can join us in creating a better and sustainable environment and path toward improving the ecosystem and becoming an Accredited ERL.

Sadly, as the organisation of the promotion tournament was greenlit and started advancing internally, some of our previous long standing organisationsdecided to pull back on their participation within our upcoming Promotion Tournament:

• Dynasty: One of the longest standing actors within the Benelux, Dynasty themselves have announced on the 12th of October that they would be leaving contention towards the upcoming Benelux ERL. One of the oldest standing organisations in Benelux League of Legends, Dynasty (previously known as New Dynasty) has always been an incredible asset to the region from their stellar entry in 2018 to their stunning developmental rosters, fostering new local talent like none others. Their legacy within the Dutch League is surely one to be remembered and will not be forgotten. Today we are not bidding them farewell, instead, we are saying see you soon. It is without a doubt that the organisation will rise anew and show once more the talents this region has to offer.
• Team THRLL: Home of stellar results in the Open Tour Benelux and several Dutch League appearances, THRLL may have had a tumultuous legacy as they’ve reached the highest highs of 1st place but also lowest lows of 6th place and yet, they have without a doubt brought professionalism and strong dedication throughout their stay in the region since their acceptance in the Dutch League in 2020. The blue and white banners of THRLL will continue flowing over the history of the league as time moves on and the players they’ve helped build up will continue burning bright like shining stars. It is without a doubt that the staff and talented people behind THRLL can rest easy with all they’ve done for the region and their players.
• Starlan Gaming Club: While their stay within our League was short, Starlan’s sudden meteoric rise through the Open Tour straight into the Belgian League is surely one that will be remembered and was felt by any fans of the League. Coming straight out of the blue and defying all expectation, the Walloon organisation has pierced their way through the competition, coming one game close to a 1st place finish within the Open Tour and rising up to the Belgian League as a spot was freed and the opportunity for them to prove themselves arose. Simple numbers and standings cannot describe the impact that the team had upon the later league, coming close to defeating several favorites within the tournament and barely missing out on playoffs in the end. For all their involvement in our ecosystem, all we can say now is “Merci pour tout ce que vous avez accompli! Du fond de nos cœurs, nous espérons plus que tout vous revoir bientôt”.

Sadly short paragraphs like these simply cannot express how thankful we are to each of these teams whom we not only considered partners but also friends. We also want to thank all teams who have participated in previous splits of the BL & DL and left us along the day, this includes: 4Elements Esports, Aethra Esports, Brussels Guardians, RSCA Esports, and Timeout Esports.