The LCS needs a longer off season similar to the NFL
The way I imagine it to be is the splits would be fewer weeks and throughout the on season there would be international tournaments.
During the off season Challenger Series can be streamed.
Bullet points for why I think it would benefit the scene.
-
It would prevent or siginificantly reduce burnout for players, staff and LCS staff such as casters.
-
It prevents burnout of LCS viewers and would naturally make it more exciting when LCS comes back.
-
It opens up the oppurtunity for more international tournaments and more international tournaments means more oppurtunities for teams to win trophies and acolades that actually matter.
-
Having more international tournaments means we get to see more teams play against each other than we otherwise would have.
-
It allows Riot to more freely change the game during the off season without severely effecting the pro scene.
-
During the on season Riot can prioritize pro play and not make drastic balance changes (unless needed) therefore the competitive play would be at a higher level during the season.
-
It would give teams a larger window to make contracts with players.
-
Having a more bearable schedule would open the gates to more potential talented players who otherwise wouldn't be able to handle the extreme schedule of the current system.
-
Having a longer off season will also naturally lengthen the careers of players
-
Players have more freedom to not only unwind during the off season but they can also stream if they wish more often during off season.
-
Having a longer off season also allows best of threes since there's less LCS overall during the year.
-
It would lengthen the careers of players.
-
Majority of the viewers are in favour for more international tournaments
People should also remember that LCS and eSports is not a 1:1 comparison with traditional sports.
Keeping the conversation on the LCS, majority of players live in team houses away from family and friends all year round, even as a traditional sports player you get to your own home/living space at the end of the day, this may sound miniscule but it has a huge effect psychologically on the players, especially young players 18-20 somethings and inevitably effects thier play.
Some videos on the topic of burnout.