Mental health is taking center stage in esports as Movember officially joins forces with Riot Games EMEA Esports in a landmark, multi-year partnership aimed at supporting player wellbeing across some of the world’s biggest competitive gaming leagues.
Announced this month, the collaboration names Movember as the Official Mental Health Partner of the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA, and the Game Changers EMEA Championship for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
A Multi-Year Commitment to Mental Health in Esports
The partnership represents a major step toward embedding mental health and wellbeing frameworks directly into the EMEA esports ecosystem. Together, Movember and Riot Games aim to create a healthier, more supportive environment for professional players, team staff, and the wider gaming community.
By combining Riot Games’ global esports reach with Movember’s expertise in mental health advocacy, the initiative seeks to normalize conversations around mental wellbeing while providing practical tools to manage the pressures of elite competition.
What This Partnership Means for Players and Teams
As part of the collaboration, Movember will introduce a range of support systems and educational initiatives across LEC, VCT EMEA, and Game Changers EMEA.
Key initiatives planned for 2026 include:
- Mental health training sessions for players and team staff
- Player-only roundtables focused on stress, burnout, and coping strategies
- Resources designed to help manage competitive pressure and build healthier habits
- Broadcast and on-site messaging to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations
Insights from these programs will also be adapted and shared with the wider esports and gaming community, extending their impact beyond the professional scene.
Mental Health Messaging on Broadcasts and Live Events
Fans can expect to see mental health awareness messaging integrated into live broadcasts and on-site events, reinforcing the importance of seeking help and supporting one another. These moments aim to make mental wellbeing part of the everyday esports conversation—not just behind the scenes, but in front of millions of viewers worldwide.
Industry Leaders Speak on the Partnership
Daniel Ringland, Head of VALORANT Esports, EMEA, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
Supporting the wellbeing of the VCT EMEA community, our players, and team staff is something we are committed to strengthening. Partnering with Movember helps raise awareness around mental health while ensuring trusted resources are available to everyone in our ecosystem.
Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director of League of Legends Esports, EMEA, echoed this sentiment:
Partnering with Movember allows us to take our commitment to player and team wellbeing to the next level. Gaming should be a safe and healthy space, and this partnership helps ensure our community feels empowered to speak openly and seek support when needed.
From Movember’s perspective, Dan Cooper, Global Director of Innovations, highlighted esports as a critical focus area:
Esports is a powerful platform to reach young men where they are. By working with Riot Games, we aim to drive meaningful change and have a real impact on mental health across competitive gaming.
Why This Matters for the Future of Esports
As esports continues to grow, so do the pressures faced by players and staff. This partnership signals a broader industry shift—one that recognizes mental health as a core pillar of sustainable competition, not an afterthought.
By proactively addressing wellbeing at the highest levels of play, Movember and Riot Games are setting a precedent that could influence leagues, teams, and publishers worldwide.
Learn More About Riot Games EMEA Esports and Movember
Fans and players can learn more about the leagues involved by visiting the official League of Legends Esports and VALORANT Esports platforms, while Movember continues to expand its esports-focused mental health initiatives globally.
