Riot Addresses Backlash Over First Stand's 140-Seat Venue

Chris Greeley, Global Head of LoL Esports at Riot Games, responded to the criticism in a statement to Mais Esports:

"We've heard the sentiment that international competitions should feel larger in scale than our regional studio shows, whether that was hosting First Stand in LoL Park last year or at the Riot Games Arena São Paulo this year. That feedback is fair, and it's something we take seriously.

At the same time, part of the purpose behind hosting First Stand in our own studios is flexibility. It allows us to experiment with format, scheduling, and timing in ways we simply can't with larger arena events that require long lead times and early lock-ins. That flexibility is intentional, and it gives us room to test, learn, and refine as we develop First Stand.