Terms Of Service

Midwest Challenger League — Terms of Service

Effective Date: 7/20/2025 Last Updated: 7/20/2025

Welcome to the Midwest Challenger League (MCL) — a regional League of Legends competition built to develop top-tier talent and grow community across the Midwest. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your participation in and interaction with MCL’s platforms and competitions. By registering, playing in, or engaging with MCL, you agree to the following Terms.

1. League Scope & Eligibility

1.1 League Scope

The MCL is focused on serving the U.S. Midwest region, including states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and others. However, Split 1 (August–September 2025) is a pilot season exclusive to Minnesota-based players and teams. Future seasons will expand to broader Midwest eligibility.

1.2 Player Eligibility

To participate in Split 1, players must:

  • Reside in Minnesota, or

  • Be currently enrolled in a Minnesota-based college or university

  • Be 16 years or older

  • Hold at least a Platinum IV Solo Queue rank on the NA server

  • Be on a team with an average Solo Queue rank of Diamond IV or higher

Verification of residency, age, rank, and student status may be requested.

2. Registration Requirements

2.1 Team Rosters

  • Each team must submit a 5-player starting roster

  • Up to 2 substitute players may be included

  • One player must serve as Team Captain and handle league communication

Rosters must be finalized before the lock date. Late substitutions may be permitted with admin approval.

2.2 Free Agents

Players without a team may register as free agents. While MCL may facilitate introductions, placement is not guaranteed.

2.3 Account Integrity

  • All players must use their own, verified League of Legends accounts

  • No smurfing, account sharing, or boosting allowed

  • Submitted in-game names (IGNs) must match accounts used in matches

3. Code of Conduct

3.1 Expected Behavior

  • Show respect toward teammates, opponents, staff, and community members

  • Maintain punctuality and good communication

  • Foster a competitive, positive environment

3.2 Prohibited Conduct

  • Harassment, toxicity, discrimination, or hate speech

  • Cheating, scripting, or exploiting game mechanics

  • Match-fixing, win-trading, or ghosting

  • Defaming the league, staff, or other players

Consequences range from warnings to suspensions, forfeits, or permanent bans.

4. League Format & Rules

  • Regular Season: 8 teams in a double round robin (Best-of-1) over 4 weeks

  • Match Days: Two games Friday, two games Saturday

  • Playoffs: Top 4 teams advance to single-elimination Best-of-3

  • Finals: Best-of-5 using Fearless Draft (no champion repeats for each team)

Detailed match rules, schedules, and seeding will be available on the website and Discord.

5. Media & Content Rights

5.1 League Broadcast

By participating, you grant MCL the right to:

  • Stream and record all matches

  • Use your IGN, voice, gameplay, and interviews for promotional content

  • Upload match footage to YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, and other platforms

5.2 Player Content

You may stream or create your own content (e.g., POV streams, highlights) if it does not interfere with official broadcasts or conflict with sponsors.

5.3 Intellectual Property

  • MCL owns all league branding, VODs, and official media

  • Players retain personal content rights and team branding, unless otherwise agreed

6. Prizing & Compensation

  • Prizes (if available) will be awarded to Team Captains or team representatives

  • Valid ID or tax forms may be required

  • Prize pools may vary based on funding or sponsorship

  • Non-compliance may void prize eligibility

7. Community Guidelines

By using MCL websites, Discord, and communication platforms, you agree not to:

  • Spam or share malicious content

  • Post inappropriate, illegal, or offensive material

  • Advertise competing events without permission

  • Harass or impersonate other users or staff

Violations may lead to account suspension or league bans.

8. Rule Changes & Cancellations

MCL reserves the right to:

  • Update formats, rules, or schedules

  • Delay or cancel events due to technical or emergency situations

  • Adjust participant eligibility or structure mid-season if necessary

Participants will be notified of major changes via Discord and email.

9. Limitation of Liability

MCL is not liable for:

  • Game server issues or Riot API errors

  • Hardware or internet failures

  • Time or financial costs related to participation

  • Content shared by third parties on league platforms

Players participate at their own risk.

10. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota. All disputes must be resolved under Minnesota jurisdiction, after a good-faith effort at internal mediation.

11. Contact Information

For questions, disputes, or feedback, please contact: