Riot announced upcoming changes to the EMEA Stage 2 schedule that will take effect July 15.

The Riot Games Arena in Berlin will now house two stages – the Arena Stage and the Studio Stage – in order to simultaneously broadcast both VCT and LEC games.

Studio Stage games will be broadcast-only, and will not feature live audiences or allow for the purchase of tickets. Arena Stage games will still be broadcast, but will allow fans to purchase tickets and continue to support their teams in person.

arena stage image The now-rebranded Arena Stage. (Photo: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games)

Furthermore, the introduction of Studio and Arena Stage games will allow the VCT to hold broadcasted weekend matches throughout EMEA Stage 2.

EMEA Stage 2 will begin on the Studio Stage, which will primarily be used for the Group and Play-In Stage games. One week of playoffs will take place on the Arena Stage before the VCT EMEA will travel to Spain in late August for the finals weekend.

Riot expects to continue its new two-stage setup into 2027.