Riot Games is set to host its second TFT Open in Macau from December 13-15, following a successful event in Las Vegas. The Macau Open will feature a large 512-player open bracket tournament, where professional and top-ranked amateur players will compete for a $300,000 prize pool, the Tactician’s Belt, and the Macau Open title.
The event emphasizes community celebration and accessibility over competitive rigor, with players still exploring new game elements, allowing for unexpected outcomes.
The TFT Open differs from other tournaments in its focus on storytelling and inclusivity. It serves as the kickoff for Riot’s new esports season, unlike the Tactician’s Trials and Crown, which conclude the competitive season.
Michael Sherman, Riot’s global head of esports for TFT, highlighted the intentional design to broaden esports interest within the TFT community, including the timing, qualification process, and costreaming efforts to enhance the event experience.
The format of the TFT Open aims to create a convention-style event, featuring the main tournament along with developer panels, meet-and-greets, and cosplay activities. The first TFT Open in Las Vegas saw huge success, selling out competitor bundles in seconds and drawing over 1,000 spectators.
Riot Games Announces Second TFT Open in Macau from December 13-15
Sherman noted that the community’s positive reception demonstrated the appeal of a less competitive, more enjoyable event format.
Macau was chosen for the next TFT Open due to its status as a major international travel and tourism hub, similar to Las Vegas. Sherman emphasized that this location would make the event accessible to a global audience without alienating players from different regions. He also pointed out that the broad appeal of Teamfight Tactics, the world’s most played PC strategy game, contributes to the success of such events.
The Vegas Open revealed several logistical challenges, such as setting up 512 gaming setups and resolving technical issues like DDoS protection. The team leveraged existing technologies from other Riot games to address these challenges, ensuring a smooth experience for competitors and spectators. This experience will inform the planning and execution of the Macau event.
Riot plans to enhance the at-home experience for the Macau Open by creating more content to engage online audiences. This includes leveraging the popularity of cosplay and aligning the event with the launch of Set 13, which naturally draws players back to the game. These efforts aim to extend the event’s impact beyond the physical venue.
In addition to the open bracket, Riot is experimenting with new formats in TFT esports. The upcoming Esports World Cup will feature teams of four, providing a distinct experience from the standard solo competitions. This approach reflects Riot’s broader strategy of incorporating novelty into the esports calendar to maintain player interest and engagement.
Tickets for the TFT Macau Open will go on pre-sale starting September 3, 2024, with prices and availability based on players’ competitive rankings. The event will also feature various side activities like meet-and-greets and panels, enhancing the overall experience for both competitors and spectators.
The tournament will follow a revised format with additional rounds, culminating in a checkmate final where the first player to earn 20 points and win a round will be crowned champion.
