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Riot Games Lays Off 2xK Staff, Signals EMEA Esports Shift

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ys-off-2xk-staff-signals-emea-esports-shift.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 18:59 GMT by Dexerto
      Locales: KOREA REPUBLIC OF, UNITED STATES, GERMANY

Los Angeles, CA - February 9th, 2026 - Riot Games has confirmed significant layoffs within the 2xK esports organization, marking a challenging shift in its approach to the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. The cuts, impacting a substantial number of staff, stem from a decline in player numbers across key titles and a strategic reassessment of Riot's esports investment in the territory.

The news, which first surfaced on social media on February 6th, has sent ripples through the EMEA esports community. 2xK, formerly known as Arrows Gaming, was acquired by Riot in 2022 with high expectations, rapidly becoming a pivotal force in both League of Legends and Valorant competitions. The organization's consistent performance in the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) and the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) solidified its position as a key player. However, the recent restructuring indicates that performance alone isn't enough to guarantee continued support.

In a statement released to Dexerto, a Riot spokesperson attributed the decision to "lower-than-expected player numbers." They emphasized the company's ongoing commitment to the EMEA region but stressed the need for investments to align with demonstrable player participation and viewership. This signals a hardening of Riot's financial approach to esports, prioritizing quantifiable returns on investment over simply maintaining a broad regional presence.

A Broader Trend: Esports Facing Economic Headwinds

The situation at 2xK isn't isolated. The broader esports industry has been experiencing headwinds in recent months, with several organizations facing financial difficulties. The initial boom of the early 2020s, fueled by significant investment and rapid growth, is giving way to a more mature - and demanding - economic landscape. Several factors contribute to this shift.

Firstly, the COVID-19 pandemic, while initially boosting esports viewership due to lockdowns, has receded, and traditional sports have reclaimed their audience share. Secondly, the cost of running a professional esports team, including player salaries, travel, and infrastructure, is incredibly high. This is particularly true in regions like EMEA, where logistical challenges and varying economic conditions add to the expenses. Thirdly, and crucially, monetization remains a significant hurdle. While advertising and sponsorship revenue are growing, they haven't consistently kept pace with the escalating costs.

The China Precedent and Global Implications

Riot's actions with 2xK echo a similar move made last year with its Valorant esports presence in China. The reduction of investment there suggests a broader pattern of re-evaluation within Riot, potentially impacting its global esports strategy. The Chinese market, despite its enormous potential, presented unique challenges related to regulation and competition, leading Riot to scale back its ambitions. It appears Riot is now applying similar scrutiny to other regions, prioritizing profitability and sustainable growth.

Industry analysts predict that we'll see further consolidation in the esports space, with larger organizations acquiring smaller ones or, in some cases, folding altogether. This could lead to a decrease in the number of professional teams and a more concentrated competitive landscape. The impact on players, coaches, and support staff is a serious concern, highlighting the need for improved financial stability and career support within the industry.

What Does This Mean for the Future of EMEA Esports?

The reduction in support for 2xK raises questions about the future of the EMEA esports ecosystem. While Riot maintains its commitment to the region, the cuts undoubtedly diminish the competitive landscape. The loss of a prominent organization like 2xK could have a ripple effect, impacting player development and overall viewership.

It is likely that Riot will focus its resources on a smaller number of teams and leagues, potentially prioritizing partnerships with organizations that demonstrate strong player engagement and viewership metrics. This shift may also see an increased emphasis on regional development programs aimed at nurturing local talent. The company will likely lean more heavily into the franchise model in other regions to ensure profitability.

The coming months will be crucial in determining how Riot navigates these challenges and shapes the future of esports in EMEA. The industry will be watching closely to see if this restructuring signals a temporary correction or the beginning of a more fundamental shift in the way esports are financed and organized.