Riot Games has teamed up with Movember for the EMEA region in a multi-year partnership for LEC and VCT EMEA League of Legends, Valorant, and Game Changers teams.
The partnership is focused on creating new mental health systems in the leagues, giving esports players a support system. Movember will provide the resources to do this, focusing on building healthy habits for players and the environment to talk about their mental health.
To start with, the first plans are to introduce a mental health training for both players and staff. There will also be player-only roundtables that focus on coping with the stress of esports, and the goal is to create a system of information and help for the esports community.
Movember will also be on the ground at events and will share messaging during online events about mental health and its importance as it seeks to break the stigma surrounding the topic.
Daniel Ringland, the Head of Valorant Esports, EMEA, spoke about the Movember and Riot Games partnership:
“Supporting the wellbeing of the VCT EMEA community, our players, and team staff is something we are committed to strengthening, so we’re thrilled to welcome Movember as a partner. While supporting open conversations and ensuring our players know trusted resources are available is a priority, this partnership also helps raise awareness around mental health and wellbeing across the wider VCT EMEA community. Movember’s expertise will help normalize these discussions beyond the competitive stage, and provide the tools so everyone connected to our ecosystem feels supported by professionals committed to making a positive impact.”
Maximilian Peter Schmidt, the Director of League of Legends Esports, EMEA, also shared comments:
“Partnering with Movember allows us to take our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our players and teams to the next level. We want our community to feel empowered to speak openly about the challenges they face and know resources are available if needed. Gaming should be a safe and healthy space for everyone, and this partnership will help us ensure that the environment is maintained and strengthened.”
The Global Director of Innovations at Movember, Dan Cooper, also spoke about esports and Movember:
“Movember is committed to bring community first solutions to today’s most urgent mental health challenges. Esports is a focus area for our work in mental health, and by working with Riot Games we aim to have a real impact and drive positive change in esports.”
For more information on Movember, check out its mission and initiatives here. You can also learn more about the Game Changers leagues, the all-women’s esports events, and the rising recognition of League of Legends esports, as pro player Faker recently received the Cheongnyong Medal in the Republic of Korea.