Caedrel’s team, Los Ratones, recently celebrated their triumph at the NNO Cup, marking a promising start to their journey in professional League of Legends. Beginning in 2025, the team will enter the European Regional Leagues (ERLs), Europe’s Tier 2 competitive League of Legends scene.
Next year, Los Ratones will proudly represent the Nordic region in the Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC). Their qualification comes as part of the NLC’s expansion to ten teams, with Los Ratones being one of two new entrants. The league is undergoing significant restructuring, aligning with broader changes across the ERL ecosystem. Los Ratones’ roster includes two Locally Trained Representatives (LTRs) — Simon “Thebausffs” Hofverberg and Carl Martin Erik “Rekkles” Larsson — fulfilling the mandatory LTR rule for participation.
While the team secured their spot in the NLC, they also had the option to compete in the Esports Balkan League (EBL). With players like Tim “Nemesis” Lipovšek, Juš “Crownie” Marušič, and Veljko “Velja” Čamdžić meeting the LTR requirements, they had a strong case for representing the Balkans. However, the team’s focus ultimately aligned with the Nordic scene.
What is the NLC?
For newcomers to the competitive League of Legends scene, the NLC forms part of the ERL framework, serving as a stepping stone to the prestigious LEC. Curious about the league’s history and format? Check out our beginner’s guide to the NLC for more details.
NLC Expands to 10 Teams in 2025
The NLC, which represents regions including the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, is gearing up for its most transformative year yet. As of 2025, the league will grow from eight to ten teams. Los Ratones have claimed one of the new slots, while the other will go to the winner of the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ), featuring top-performing teams from NLC Division 2.
One significant update in the ERL reforms is the elimination of mandatory second-tier divisions across most regional leagues. For the NLC, this means disbanding its second division and relying instead on national leagues from participating countries to feed talent into the primary competition.
Exciting Changes in the NLC Format
Among the most notable changes coming to the NLC and other ERLs in 2025 is the introduction of competitive streaming. Players will now be allowed to stream their in-game perspectives during official matches, a groundbreaking feature for esports leagues. This innovation was a major factor in Los Ratones’ decision to join the NLC, as streaming rights were a priority for some of the team’s high-profile players.
All ERLs, including the NLC, will adopt a new three-split format for the 2025 season. While specific details are yet to be revealed, this standardized structure aims to elevate competition across the board.
A Competitive Field for the EMEA Masters
As Los Ratones aim for qualification to the EMEA Masters, they will face fierce competition in the NLC. Ruddy Esports is assembling a formidable roster, featuring standout players like Marcin “Jankos” Jankowsk and Luka “Perkz” Perković. Meanwhile, NORD Esports is reportedly building a team centered around top streamers, and Verdant is courting former LEC players to strengthen its squad.
With high-profile teams like Los Ratones entering the league and innovations like competitive streaming drawing attention, the NLC is quickly becoming a premier destination for players and fans alike.
Don’t forget that we at esports-news.info will give you access to even more information about League of Legends and everything in the Esports scene.
