Riot Games Announces October 7 Early Access for 2XKO and New Community Tournament Sponsorship Program

The fighting game community is buzzing with excitement following a major announcement from Riot Games regarding their highly anticipated title, 2XKO. The 2v2 tag-team fighting game, set in the universe of League of Legends, has officially been given an Early Access release date of October 7, 2025. This launch date marks the end of the game’s current closed beta and the beginning of a new, permanent phase of development where all player progress and unlocks will be saved. To further cement their commitment to the fighting game scene, Riot also unveiled the “First Impact” program, a new initiative to sponsor community-run tournaments with a substantial prize pool bonus, signaling a strong investment in esports from day one.

For years, the game, formerly known as “Project L,” has been a subject of intense speculation and excitement among both League of Legends fans and the fighting game community. The transition from a closed, invitation-only beta to a public Early Access release is a monumental step, opening the doors for a much wider audience to experience the game’s unique tag-team mechanics and dynamic combat. This move also signifies that Riot is confident in the game’s core systems, including its online infrastructure and character balance, and is ready for a broader public test ahead of its full launch, which is anticipated for 2026.

Early Access: What to Expect on October 7

The Early Access launch of 2XKO on October 7 is much more than just a public beta. Riot Games has confirmed that this will be the start of “Season 0,” the first official season of content for the game. This means that for the first time, player progress will not be reset, allowing players to permanently unlock new champions, cosmetics, and other rewards. The game’s 10th champion is also slated to be released with the Early Access launch, and a ranked play mode will be available, offering competitive players a ladder to climb from the very start. Additionally, the developers are introducing “Combo Trials” for each character, a much-requested feature that will help new players learn the intricate combo paths of their favorite fighters. This comprehensive package positions 2XKO not just as a test, but as a fully-featured live service game from the moment it becomes publicly available.

The “First Impact” Program: A New Era for Grassroots Esports

Perhaps the most significant news, especially for the competitive scene, is the announcement of the “First Impact” program. Riot Games has always been a major player in the esports world with titles like League of Legends and VALORANT, and now they are bringing that same level of support to the fighting game community. Through the end of 2025, Riot will sponsor 22 community-run tournaments across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. These events will remain community-hosted, but Riot will provide a significant boost with a sponsored pot bonus. In a unique move to encourage the game’s core 2v2 mechanic, Riot will also offer an extra $2,500 prize specifically for the winning duo in each sponsored tournament, alongside an exclusive “Local Legend” in-game title. This program is a clear signal of Riot’s long-term vision for 2XKO as a major competitive title, investing directly in the grassroots scene to build a robust and healthy foundation for a future official esports league. The first of these sponsored events, Evo France: 2 NICE KO, is set to take place in Nice, France, shortly after the Early Access launch.

A Bright Future for the Fighting Game Genre

The news is a major win for the fighting game genre, which has seen a resurgence in recent years with major releases like Street Fighter 6 and Mortal Kombat 1. Riot Games’ entry into the market with a free-to-play model and a strong commitment to esports support could significantly broaden the genre’s appeal. By making the game accessible to all and providing a clear path for competitive players, 2XKO is positioned to become a dominant force in the industry. The game’s focus on teamwork and tag mechanics provides a unique hook that sets it apart from its rivals, offering a fresh experience for both casual players and seasoned veterans. The upcoming Early Access launch on October 7, 2025, is a date for all PC gaming and fighting game enthusiasts to mark on their calendars.