Where is the rest of North America in esports?

While I do know that not all North American pro players are from the USA, very few of them come form Canada (I have never heard of any from Mexico). I think it would be very interesting and rewarding if more local tournaments were held in Canada. This would most likely lead to more players reaching the esports scene. I know of quite a few committed players that desperately want to rise in the ranks of league of legends, but they don't have any opportunities to get some real experience (not to mention the options for internet are fairly poor in Canada when compared to the US, unless you are in a big city). Maybe even if Riot (Or anybody/company willing to) started hosting, lets say, some more low-level tournaments, not just in Canada, to get the wave of players who aren't necessarily, pro but show good promise, up into the esports scene. I know that I would definitely try to ramp up my game, find a team, and then start competing in said tournaments. But for me, high school and other commitments take up so much of my time, that if I tried to dedicate myself to league, then I would most likely be stressed all the time, also Canadian rural internet is horrible, but an issue like that could probably be resolved when I move out after high school (Who knows, maybe even into a gaming house!). What I'm trying to get at is, there are many players who want to dedicate themselves to what they love, but the openings are just not there. After all I guess it only the best of the best make it pro, but there would be more of these "best" people if they could just get a foothold somewhere.

Most pro gamers don't continue on with gaming for very long, I would guess that most end their career in their early to mid 20's (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). Gaming has been a passion in me for a long time, and I know for a fact that it is for others, and having the chance to be able to pursue that passion, would be an amazing experience for may people. I have met people that a lot of promise in league, but the thought of having to grind up the ladders is not appealing to them, nor is it to me. Although I may be a very low rank, I find, and I'm sure that some of you will agree with me, that your rank doesn't mean everything like most people make it out to be. Sure if you get into a very high level rank, you must be pretty good (or have a great team :P), but that doesn't necessarily qualify you to be on a pro team. For example, in most of my games, I don't farm any where close enough to compete with pros, but I know that I am a great team player, and can always learn. Being able to play on a high leveled competitive/semi-pro team would provide an amazing opportunity for not only me, but lots of other people to ramp their game up exponentially, and this would allow people like me to be able to hit the professional scene before their minds are made up about their career and College/University. I would love to see more teams forming, not because the group owner spammed invites to all the diamond players he could find, but because they share similar characteristics. One way to meet lots of people like this, is if Riot held a bunch of competitions of all kinds where ever they could. Just imagine if you could register online for a tournament in let's say Toronto, fill out a application of some sort saying your preferred roles, play style, and maybe even a little about yourself. And then be paired up with players around your age based on your form, and then competing in multiple games in multiple tournaments at a huge event for a whole day. Not only would this give many aspiring players the chance to witness and experience what it is like to play this game in the big leagues, but also it would allow groups and teams to form and also give them a reoccurring venue to return to and get themselves known.

So much has been done to the professional scene of league of legends and it is amazing to behold. The next generation of esports gamers are out there, they just needs help to be recognized.