Controversial TFT Esports World Cup is a huge letdown from Riot LAN events

The Esports World Cup for Teamfight Tactics kicked off on Aug. 8 to a fanfare light show and a giant LAN stage—but it lacked everything that made the Riot Vegas Open memorable. 

Eight teams from around the globe stepped onto the EWC stage for the first of four days of competition in Riyadh, to silence. Teams competed in the newly founded 4v4 team format to determine the top two advancing to the playoffs. Under the banner of bringing esports together, many fans and players opposed the EWC since it’s a Saudi Arabia-backed event—while some players couldn’t take part at all. But with the industry and teams hurting for cash, the money was too good to pass on. Yet, despite the fanfare and money thrown into the TFT event, it has nothing on the Vegas Open. 

The Vegas Open showcased the launch of TFT Set 10 and the beginning of a new esports era, with sets dropping quarterly throughout the year. Many players had a disadvantage heading into the Vegas Open as it dropped right after Set 10 launched—much like the EWC kicking off one week into TFT Set 12. 

Despite the lack of preparation from players at the Vegas Open, spirits were high, the smack-talking was at S-tier, and everyone was vibing from the hype of being able to gather under one roof to play TFT. This was not the vibe I experienced while watching the opening of the EWC.

And it’s a shame. The 4×4 format in TFT has an abundance of potential and a bright future, with many hoping Riot carries it over into the Macao Open that will take place from Dec. 13 to 15. But it can’t be the only format. 

Similar to MTG running multiple formats during high-stakes events, TFT should do the same as LAN events become more common with the growth of the autobattler. Both 4×4 and traditional Solo showcase teams and players. And as we’ve seen before at Worlds, regional battles and rivalries are healthy for the esport, creating storylines and interest beyond stats and scores. 

The EWC event will continue on Aug. 9, available to watch on Twitch and YouTube. You can also tune into co-streamers, of which I recommend Frodan.