Dispute Resolution for Riot Games’ Esports (EMEA)

Who can file a complaint? 

Dispute Resolution is available for teams, players, and coaches in Riot Games’ EMEA esports region. To file a complaint, you must have an arbitration clause in your contract (employment or transfer agreement), or both parties must agree to arbitration after the dispute arises by signing an arbitration agreement.  

Do I need a lawyer to file a complaint?

A lawyer is not required,  but parties may choose to be assisted by legal counsel or another person of their choice.

In which language can I file a complaint?

Proceedings are conducted in English. Documents submitted in another language must include a certified translation into English, unless the Arbitrator decides otherwise.

How do I file a complaint?

To file a complaint, complete the Request for Arbitration template available here.

The Request for Arbitration should include (Art. 8.3, Procedural Rulebook):

• Names, postal addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the Claimant, the Respondent, and their legal representatives (if any);

• A statement of facts and legal arguments;

• The claimant's request for compensation;

• A copy of the contract containing agreement to have the dispute decided by the Dispute Resolution for Riot Games' Esports (EMEA);

• All available evidence;

• Any request for a hearing or witness testimony;

• Request for Legal Aid Fee (if applicable).

What are the rules for the Dispute Resolution?

The Procedural Rulebook provides the full set of rules. Some general rules are:

• The dispute is handled by a sole Arbitrator chosen by the Secretariat of the Dispute Resolution (“Secretariat”).

• Each Party is limited to one submission.  Therefore, the Request for Arbitration and the Answer must include all the facts, arguments, evidence and requests that the Party wants to use.

• Hearings will be held only upon request and if the Arbitrator.

• The Arbitrator will decide based on fairness and equity (ex aequo et bono) (art. 16 of the Dispute Resolution for Riot Games' Esports (EMEA) Procedural Rulebook.

• Awards will be published in accordance with art. 17.1 of the Procedural Rulebook and the operative part will be published on the website. Parties may request that the award remains confidential. The Arbitrator retains the ultimate decision regarding the publication of the summary.

What is the time limit to submit a claim?

The Procedural Rulebook does not specify a time limit submitting a claim, but claims may be dismissed if deemed unfairly delayed, depending on the specifics of each case.

Can I submit evidence after my initial filing? 

Typically, only one submission is allowed. Therefore, please submit everything with your initial filing. However, the Arbitrator may (and very likely will), request further submissions to clarify certain factual or legal issues.

Can I withdraw my complaint after filing? 

Yes, complaints can be withdrawn,  but the Secretariat should be notified  as soon as possible. Note that any fees paid may not be refundable.

How can I file a counterclaim?

Counterclaims must be included in the Respondent's Answer after being notified by the Secretariat of the Request for Arbitration. An arbitrator's fee may apply, as determined by the Secretariat.

How much does it cost to file a complaint?

Costs include a non-reimbursable handling fee and the arbitrator's fee. The exact amounts depend on the value of the dispute. Details are provided in sections 8.4 and 12 of the Procedural Rulebook.

Handling Fee: When filling out the Request for Arbitration, the Claimant shall pay a non-reimbursable handling fee (art. 8.4, Procedural Rulebook), depending on the total sum in dispute.

Arbitrator’s Fee: After the Respondent submits an Answer, the Secretariat will inform the parties of the arbitrator’s fee and the payment deadline. Typically,  the fee is shared  equally between the parties unless the Arbitrator decides otherwise.

Each party must pay its share of the Dispute Resolution’s bank account, based on the sum in dispute (art. 12, Procedural Rulebook).

• If one party fails to pay, the other party can cover the full amount. 

• Arbitration will not proceed until the full fee is paid.

• The Secretariat may set a final deadline for payment; if not met, the Request for Arbitration will be considered withdrawn.

  
  

Filing a counterclaim may incur an additional fee, determined  by the Secretariat.

What if I don’t have the funds to file a complaint?

If one cannot afford the costs, they may be eligible for Legal Aid, which covers handling and arbitration fees. Legal Aid Fund is available to individuals, not companies, and is subject to fund availability. 

How can I apply for Legal Aid?

You can request Legal Aid when submitting your Request for Arbitration by selecting the appropriate option. Proof of eligibility must be provided, such as an employment contract. The Secretariat will review your application and notify you of approval. 

What are the eligibility criteria for Legal Aid?

Eligibility for Legal Aid is based on:

1. Dispute value under EUR 6,000 and;

2. Annual salary below EUR 30,000 gross (excluding bonuses).
   

If you do not meet these criteria but believe you should qualify, you can submit a case for consideration, with supporting evidence of why you should be eligible. All applications will be decided at the discretion of the Secretariat.

What are the fees and costs if a settlement is reached?

If a claim is withdrawn after the parties reach a settlement, the arbitrator may partially refund the fee, provided significant time has not already been spent on the case.  If a consent award is issued based on the settlement, the standard fees still apply.

Can I recover my legal fees and other expenses if I win the dispute?

The award will specify which party bears the arbitrator's fee and hearing costs.  Typically, the winning party is entitled to recover reasonable legal fees and related expenses (art. 18.1, Procedural Rulebook).

Who are the independent arbitrators?

You can view the list of independent arbitrators here.

How is the Arbitrator selected?

The Secretariat selects the Arbitrator based on expertise and independence to ensure a fair and unbiased decision.

How are decisions made?

Decisions are based on fairness, justice, and equity (Ex Aequo et Bono), rather than specific national laws.

Who bears the burden of proof?

The burden of proof lies with the party asserting the fact.

How long does the arbitration process take?

There is no set time frame, but cases generally conclude within 2 to 6 months, depending on complexity and party agreement.

What if the parties reach settlement during arbitration?

If a settlement is reached, the claimant can withdraw  the Request for Arbitration, and the case will be terminated without prejudice, i.e., the Claimant could file a new Request for Arbitration thereafter.

Parties may also request that the Arbitrator issue a consent award, which can be enforced according to the United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York, 10 June 1958)  or Riot‘s enforcement mechanism.

Are Dispute Resolution decisions final and binding?

Yes, decisions (also called “awards”) are final and binding once received by the relevant party and must be respected by all parties involved. 

What happens if a party does not comply with an award?

Non-compliance may result in enforcement actions by Riot Games’ Esports Compliance team, in line with the Global Esports Code of Conduct, or through state courts under United Nations Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York, 10 June 1958) (the latter of which, however, may not be possible with every award).

Is the arbitration process confidential? 

Yes, the process is confidential, though decisions are published on this website. Details of the dispute and submissions are not disclosed publicly. 

How is my data used as a party in Dispute Resolution?

For details, please refer to the Dispute Resolution Data Privacy Policy.

Who can I contact with questions?

For any questions, general or specific, regarding Dispute Resolution, contact  DR@martens.legal.