Introducing Must Watch Matches

Riot·Mar 12, 2018·4 votes·21,621 views

As the Spring Split comes to a close, we’re experimenting with something a little different. We know it can be difficult to keep up with different regional leagues, so we want to make it a little easier with Must Watch Matches: a packaged rebroadcast of the 3 most exciting games from each week of LPL, LCK, EU LCS, and NA LCS. Must Watch Matches will air twice on Tuesdays for both EU and NA audiences at 6:00 PM CET / 10:00 AM PDT and 6:00 PM PDT / 2:00 AM CET.

The games for Must Watch Matches will be decided by a group of casters from each of the 4 regions and will air on Lolesports, YouTube, and Twitch. This is a small test that we’re running, but we want to hear what you think about it and if it’s something you’d like to continue seeing during Summer Split. The first episode debuts twice on Tuesday, March 13 at both 6:00 PM CET / 10:00 AM PDT and 6:00 PM PDT / 9:00 AM CET.

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Derrick “Riot FearGorm” Asiedu is part of our International Esports and League Operations Team. He works on the global development and operations of competitive League of Legends. He splits his time between global policy execution and implementation and supporting international events including MSI and Worlds. Riot FearGorm is jungle main and if possible, he would only play Hecarim. He used to have the most Hecarim games in the world. You can find him on Twitter at @FearGorm.

28 Comments

mrackhamMar 13, 201819 votes

In the promotional material for each week, it would be nice to have a spoiler-free blurb about why each game is a must-watch (aka why it was picked/what makes it interesting).

RiotBi0majorMar 13, 20188 votes

This is a good idea. I will say that we went back and forth about whether we are selecting the best game on paper or the best game. In the end we decided to index on best game but I think there is room for spoiler-free blurb as well. Will talk with team for sure. Thanks for the suggestion.

Jabberwocky887Mar 16, 20181 votes

Ya, like having a game like potentially CLG vs TSM if it is the much hoped for tie breaker. Something like that would be cool to watch, without the hassle of keeping up with each region. Would love to see the game where SKT is knocked out of playoff contention.... :)

bobbybigwheelsMar 19, 20181 votes

I would like the best game. To me on paper games that end in blow outs are not worth watching. I would watch Best games of the week no spoliers and really enjoy it

Drunk TsundereMar 13, 20189 votes

Yes this is so smart I love eSports and I want to keep up with it but my schedule is too busy to watch everything especially Live. I have been secretly praying for something like this for a long time

YoungSantaMar 12, 20186 votes

Love this idea!

TSM DarKMar 12, 20186 votes

This is an amazing idea.

nsndMar 13, 20184 votes

I like it.

Drunk Murray ManMar 13, 20184 votes

Will it also say what patch each game is on?

AlturgistMar 13, 20184 votes

Why not do four matches: one from each region? That way, people who tune in for this segment, or watch it on demand, can feel like they are guaranteed to learn a little something about each region each week?

Camba4everMar 13, 20183 votes

logged in to up vote this, excellent addition, Rito plz :)

Man With Nö NameMar 13, 20181 votes

Then it would be 5 really, LMS, LCK, LPL, NA and EULCS.

unfw1Mar 13, 20181 votes

LMS has no English Broadcast.

RiotBi0majorMar 13, 20183 votes

We considered how to deliver a compelling compilation of games without it becoming too much to consume. Let's see how this performs in the current format but always open to consider doing a fourth game for the reason you pointed out. Also, to the comment below, we are just working with regional leagues that already have english casting offered and our insights show that overwhelmingly you the majority of crossover is NA/EU/LCK/LPL.

MortaduloMar 13, 20182 votes

I am retired and will admit to watching every game from NA/EU/LCK and even the LPL games that don't overlap with LCK. Not everyone has the time to do that so this will catch on very quickly imho. Though the overall meta is similar, each region has its own take on things and you see get to see a lot more variety between regions as well. This should serve to break down the lack of variety some of my less die-hard friends complain about from time to time. Not only that, but it will serve as a great way to introduce fans to players that they don't really hear about until just prior to MSI, Rift Rivals, or Worlds if they only watch their respective region. I cast my vote for a 4 or even 5 game (for LMS) replay

FearixMar 13, 20184 votes

This is a great idea. I keep up almost 100% with the NA scene, but I just don't have time to dip my toes very far into the other regions. This will be a good way to ensure that the games I watch from other regions are worth my time as I am not as emotionally invested in them. It will also be good for hyping my international expectations for NA success. Good idea Riot.

AnonymousICTMar 13, 20182 votes

INTZ vs EDG 2016 please

RiotBi0majorMar 13, 20183 votes

Feel free to reach out to us on twitter @arielhorn for me to call your MWM's of the week.

warpenguin555Mar 13, 20181 votes

^ I remember laughing my ass off the entire game.

Deku is boostedMar 13, 20181 votes

KZ v bbq is irrelavent.

FolkenMar 13, 20181 votes

Love this idea. I hope to see: rarely played champions, exciting outplays, new strategies, game changing shot calls.

SciFi ScrivenerMar 13, 20181 votes

This is a cool idea. I look forward to checking it out.

Seto Ka1baMar 13, 20181 votes

I love this idea!

ArkaniaMar 13, 20181 votes

Great idea. I seldom watch non-EU games because I primarily watch the LCS while at work. This will be helpful without having to dedicate 4 straight days to LCS vods.

EL P0LL0 L0C0Mar 13, 20181 votes

More League = More Fun! Thanks for the mid week viewing guys!!!!

Mail Man 12

DomistLoralMar 15, 20181 votes

I say 3 is a good number. It would be similar to watching a movie. For those who want more like 5 maybe have a runner up section at the end of the broadcast. Vods are always available.