Riot Hands DACH League of Legends ERL to Onethreefive Gaming Through 2027

Riot Games announced that Berlin‑based 135 Gaming GmbH will operate the League of Legends European Regional League (ERL) for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland during the 2026‑2027 seasons. The move follows the insolvency of former operator Freaks 4U Gaming in late 2025 and formalizes a structure that had been operating informally since the fall split. By securing a familiar production team—led by Michael Hienisch and Matthias Remmert—Riot aims to preserve continuity for teams, sponsors, and media partners while stabilizing one of Europe’s most mature national LoL ecosystems.

The new operator outlined three strategic pillars: deeper collaboration with clubs, a permanent Berlin venue, and an expanded entertainment product. The Experian‑branded hub at MediaMarkt Saturn will host regular match days, creator‑driven events, and B2B activations, turning the season into a continuous sponsor inventory rather than a broadcast‑only model. Creator partnerships with personalities such as Hand of Blood and Tolkien have already driven a 200% increase in average watch hours, and 135 Gaming plans to rotate additional talent and editorial content to keep the audience engaged. The league’s sponsor roster now includes Techniker, Crankenkäs, Nongshim, KitKat, and DKB, reflecting a diversified commercial ecosystem.

For the broader DACH esports market, the appointment signals a push toward professional stability paired with community accessibility. Analysts expect the permanent venue and creator‑centric strategy to boost ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and long‑term brand loyalty. By marrying operational expertise with innovative fan experiences, 135 Gaming is positioned to grow the regional league’s valuation and set a benchmark for other European ERLs seeking sustainable growth in a post‑pandemic landscape.