American sci-fi and fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and North American content and media company One True King (OTK) have entered the North American League of Legends ecosystem.
The author and media company will field rosters in the North American Challengers League (NACL), the region’s tier-two League of Legends competition.
Most known for writing the Mistborn series, this is Sanderson’s first foray into the esports industry. Sanderson will field the Dragonsteel roster in partnership with Maryville University while OTK’s Starforge Systems will run in collaboration with Ohio-based esports organisation Cincinnati Fear.
According to Riot Games, the developer and publisher spoke with Sanderson and OTK during the off-season, citing their passion for the League of Legends esports ecosystem and ‘supporting aspiring players on their path to professional play’.
In addition to the arrival of Brandon Sanderson and OTK, Riot Games also unveiled the schedule of the NACL Summer Split which begins on June 15th and concludes with the Grand Finals on September 8th.
Sanderson’s Dragonsteel is no stranger to success in the NACL. During the Spring Split, Maryville University finished second taking home $20,000 (~£15,638) in prize money. Alongside League of Legends, the university also competes in Overwatch 2.
OTK is a recognisable brand in gaming and esports. Best known for its involvement in World of Warcraft, the company features an extensive roster of content creators.
Aside from Sanderson’s and OTK’s League of Legends debuts, Riot Games has announced the NACL will feature ‘Money Matches’. Taking place during the regular season, Money Matches are one-off matches where teams can earn additional prize money.