Riot Games has initiated a multi-year collaboration with Movember, designating the global men’s health charity as the official mental health partner for its major EMEA esports leagues. This strategic alliance aims to deeply embed mental health wellbeing resources and support within the League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC), Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), and Game Changers EMEA.
The partnership, announced on January 20, 2026, by GamesIndustry.biz, signals a significant commitment to player and staff welfare in a high-pressure competitive environment. Esports professionals often face intense scrutiny, demanding schedules, and performance anxiety, making robust mental health frameworks essential.
This initiative reflects a growing recognition within the gaming industry that competitive success is intrinsically linked to holistic wellbeing. The collaboration seeks to normalize discussions around mental health, offering practical tools and fostering a culture of openness across the entire esports community.
Embedding comprehensive support for players
Movember will deliver a range of tailored programs, including tools, training, and specific initiatives designed for players, team staff, and the broader community. A key component involves exclusive player-only roundtables to address critical topics such as stress, competitive pressure, and effective coping strategies.
Daniel Ringland, Head of Valorant Esports, EMEA, emphasized the commitment to strengthening community wellbeing. He noted that the partnership will not only provide trusted resources but also raise crucial awareness across the wider VCT EMEA community, helping normalize these vital discussions.
Data from the World Health Organization indicates that mental health conditions account for 13% of the global burden of disease in young people. This underscores the importance of proactive interventions, especially in youth-dominated sectors like esports.
Fostering an open and healthy esports ecosystem
Beyond direct support, the partnership will integrate “on-broadcast and on-site messaging” during events. This public-facing effort aims to reduce stigma associated with mental health challenges and actively encourage open conversations among fans, players, and staff alike. The goal is to make the gaming environment healthier for all participants.
Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director of League of Legends Esports EMEA, highlighted the desire for the community to feel empowered to speak openly about challenges. He stressed that gaming should be a safe and healthy space, and this partnership is instrumental in maintaining and strengthening that environment.
The collaboration aligns with broader trends in professional sports and entertainment, where athlete mental health has become a critical focus. By adopting similar proactive measures, Riot Games and Movember are setting a precedent for responsible ecosystem development in esports.
According to a 2023 study published in Frontiers in Psychology, esports players experience unique stressors, including high-stakes competition, online toxicity, and career instability, demanding tailored mental health support. This highlights the urgent need for dedicated initiatives like the Riot-Movember alliance.
This multi-year alliance between Riot Games and Movember represents a pivotal step towards integrating comprehensive mental health support into the core fabric of EMEA esports. By providing resources, fostering open dialogue, and destigmatizing mental health issues, the partnership is poised to create a more resilient and healthier environment for thousands of players and fans. Its success could serve as a blueprint for other competitive industries, emphasizing that wellbeing is not just an add-on but a foundational element of sustained excellence.
