Zelli0n
Inspiration: “Why isn’t there a league already?”
The idea for LCM originated with Yansin, who believed Malta’s League of Legends scene deserved its own stage. Luke Cardona, also known as Peljo stated that the concept gained traction after Playcon, a Maltese gaming expo, saying,
“The thought of getting the chance to play against some of the best Maltese teams while improving my understanding of the game riled me up as a player. As a caster, I wanted to grant teams the opportunity to feel like pro teams—matches streamed, commentators hyping them up, and the pride of claiming they’re the best in Malta.”
This isn’t just about filling a gap; it’s about asking, why hasn’t this been done already? As Luke put it, “League of Legends is one of the most popular games globally, with a solid player base in Malta. It was only a matter of time.”
Challenge ImPossible
LCM is built on several pillars:
- Building the Community: Giving players the chance to band together, form teams, and build friendships while playing in a competitive environment.
- Spotlighting Talent: Beyond players, the league aims to highlight the broader esports ecosystem—casters, analysts, streamers, and organizers. Luke emphasizes, “Esports needs commentators, videographers, coaches, and more to thrive. This league gives those interested the chance to showcase their skills.”
- Encouraging Competitiveness: For players, LCM provides the opportunity to measure their skills and even discover the confidence to compete internationally.
Structure and Scale
The inaugural season of LCM boasts an impressive number of participants as well in terms of the organization:
- Teams and Players: 14 teams, 70 players, and 5 substitutes.
- Format: A single round-robin best of one (BO1) format determines the top 8 teams, which then progress to quarterfinals and beyond.
- Production: A dedicated team of 10+ volunteers ensures high-quality broadcasts. Matches are streamed live, with VODs uploaded for post-match discussion. Pre- and post-game segments include MVP interviews and analyst desk discussions.
Luke is especially proud of the production team’s drive, saying, “Expect some high-level quality stuff. Everyone’s motivated, and it shows.”
Event Schedule and Broadcast
LCM Admins have already revealed the first few scheduled matches, which you can check out by clicking here. For the most part, matches will be streamed over on https://twitch.tv/cardonacasts and casted in English to be as inclusive as possible for all viewers and players involved. For more information, check out the League of Malta Discord.
Challenges and Triumphs
While enthusiasm from the Maltese gaming community has been strong, establishing the league hasn’t been easy. The league is currently funded through player entry fees, with volunteers driving the operation. Luke hopes this first season will prove the concept’s viability and attract sponsors to support future growth.
The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with players and fans eager for more events like the LCM. Luke sees this as a testament to the demand for structured, local esports competitions.
I started the LCM after Worlds to keep players active and engaged till the end of the year. The longer format ensures every team competes against each other while also highlighting individual players throughout the competition. This league isn’t just for players—it’s a platform for streamers, casters, and analysts to step forward and grow. It creates a space for both casual and competitive teams to showcase their talents. My goal is to reignite the passion and community spirit that first inspired me 13 years ago.
Yansin, founder of LCM
Looking Ahead
LCM’s vision extends beyond this season. Future plans include:
- Innovative Events: Upcoming formats will mix novice players with seasoned pros in unique ways, fostering inclusivity.
- International Aspirations: Luke believes LCM can instill the confidence Maltese players need to perform on larger stages. “We’re capable of competing internationally; sometimes all we need is confidence. Hopefully, LCM provides just that.”
- Expanding Production Talent: The league also serves as a training ground for Maltese esports professionals, from casters to tournament organizers.
As Luke explains, “If LCM garners the attention we want, we’ll run it back bigger and better—more stakes, more thrill, and a higher level of production.”
The Future of Maltese Esports
LCM is more than just a competition; it’s a stepping stone to a thriving esports future. With the community’s support and the team’s dedication, it promises to be a turning point for League of Legends players in Malta.
The community keeps growing, and so does the love for what we’re doing. This is just the beginning.
Luke ‘Peljo’ Cardona
Conclusion
As EsportsMalta we are happy to see such an event take place. With so much involvement in the competition, one might start to wonder when other Maltese esports scenes might take similar steps in order to foster an active and competitive player base!
Beano99
