Riot Games launches legal dispute resolution mechanism for EMEA esports

The mechanism, which is officially live and available for use from November 7, only applies to stakeholders in the publisher’s official Tier 1 and Tier 2 leagues in League of Legends and VALORANT. The mechanism covers the EMEA region only, though Riot Games indicated it would like to expand to other regions in the future if it sees success.

The system will see Munich-based law firm Martens Rechtsanwälte, which specializes in dispute resolution, act as the Secretariat for the DRM. The law firm will administer the system as well as find and appoint an independent arbitrator to each dispute.

Examples of issues that might be brought through the DRM include disputes over unpaid prize money, salaries, transfer fees and bonuses. It is important to note that the mechanism is only for disputes with and between players, coaches and teams, not disputes with Riot Games itself. However, Riot Games confirmed that it would respect all decisions made through the DRM.

In a press conference at Worlds 2024 detailing the new system, Riot Games "Head of EMEA Esports", Alberto Guerrero, said that many legal disputes arise in its Esports scenes between teams and talent — but it is legally difficult for Riot Games to deal with those incidents. Guerrero highlighted that this solution also allows the publisher to remain neutral.

The Dispute Resolution Mechanism is voluntary, so parties are free to decide whether they want to resolve their dispute through this mechanism, or through other means such as local courts. Riot Games has already been working with teams, agents and players directly to promote the incorporation of the DRM into player contracts.