It’s the beginning of the end of the Spring LCS amateur circuit. After ten weeks of competition, and one intense Last Chance Qualifier (the [Power Play Presented by Nerd Street Gamers][1]), we’ve locked in the 16 top teams in the LCS amateur circuit.
Now it’s time for the final test: the LCS Proving Grounds Powered by Verizon, a nearly month-long gauntlet to determine who takes home the biggest slice of the $100K prize pool and the title of North America’s best League of Legends team outside of the LCS.
Here’s everything you need to know before the action begins tomorrow (Tuesday, March 30), and a quick preview of Summer (we’re currently seeking organizers for the next circuit).
For an even deeper dive, check out the newly updated [Mobalytics Esports Platform][2], which includes qualifier tournament recaps, player profiles, top prospects to keep an eye on, and much more.
[1]: https://lolesports.com/article/announcing-the-nerd-street-gamers-last-chance-qualifier/bltaea8bb29f9951c49
[2]: http://esports.mobalytics.gg
Proving Grounds Competitors
---------------------------
Our final three teams were locked in last week following the Power Play Presented by Nerd Street Gamers (ordered by their final placement in the tournament): CLG Academy, Barrage Esports, and Dignitas Mirage.
The three latest qualifiers will join the 13 other seeded teams, listed below in order of seeding:
1. Cloud9 Academy
2. Team Liquid Academy
3. 100 Thieves Academy
4. Dignitas Academy
5. Immortals Academy
6. FlyQuest Academy
7. No Org
8. Zoos Gaming
9. TSM Academy
10. Golden Guardians Academy
11. Evil Geniuses Academy
12. Evil Geniuses Prodigies
13. Wildcard Gaming
More details and analysis on all the players can be found at [esports.mobalytics.gg/players][1].
[1]: http://esports.mobalytics.gg/players
## Bracket & Patch ##
See below for an overview of the tournament bracket. Teams will compete on patch 11.6 (Viego disabled).
When & Where to Watch
---------------------
We’re proud to once again work alongside our partner **Nerd Street Gamers** to operate the majority of the LCS Proving Grounds competitions.
Riot Games will operate the last best-of-five competitions starting April 22, including the LCS Proving Grounds Championship on Sunday, April 25.
See below for the full schedule. Games will begin each match day at 3pm PT / 6pm ET, streamed live at [twitch.tv/LCS][1], [twitch.tv/Academy][2], [youtube.com/LCS][3], and [lolesports.com][4].
**Best-of-Three (two series per day)**
- March 30 - April 2
- April 6 - 9
- April 13 - 18
**Best-of-Five (one series per day)**
- April 17 - 18
- April 22 - 24
**LCS Proving Grounds Championship**
- April 25
[1]: http://twitch.tv/LCS
[2]: http://twitch.tv/Academy
[3]: http://youtube.com/LCS
[4]: http://lolesports.com
Co-Streaming Policy
-------------------
See below for the LCS Proving Grounds co-streaming policy:
- Co-streaming is defined as rebroadcasting the content from a current stream while adding live commentary and/or video.
- Only LCS and Academy team members, specific broadcast partners, and NA/OCE LPP members will be permitted to co-stream live Proving Grounds games. The LCS reserves the right to extend invites for participation in the co-streaming program to other streamers or broadcast partners with the express written consent of LCS management.
- If you choose to include a guest in your co-stream, you must give notice to your Riot Games contact 48 hrs before the co-stream and that guest must also follow the guidelines of the co-streaming program at all times. Guests cannot publish content from the co-stream to their own channel unless they are an approved partner, LCS or Academy player, or in NA/OCE LPP.
- Co-streaming is only available in English at this time on the following live platforms: Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and Caffeine. The LCS Management team reserves the right to make language and platform exceptions at any time.
- Proving Grounds sponsors, sponsored segments, or stitched commercials may not be altered or covered in any way. Do not disparage League sponsors.
- Co-streamer sponsors may be used assuming (i) they do not conflict with Proving Grounds sponsors; and (ii) they are not on the Restricted Sponsorship List (Drugs, Liquor, Pornography, Gambling). All co-streaming of live Proving Grounds games must comply with [The Summoner’s Code][1], [Riot Games Legal Jibber Jabber][2], and the terms of service on your respective streaming platform.
- All co-streamers must provide viewership data to the LCS for the time they are co-streaming any Proving Grounds broadcast. Note: this is automated by a third party, so this will not be necessary to provide unless specifically requested.
- Please be responsible, and respectful. LCS reserves the right to remove access to the co-stream program at any time.
[1]: https://na.leagueoflegends.com/en/featured/summoners-code
[2]: https://www.riotgames.com/en/legal
Applications Now Open for Summer Tournament Organizers
------------------------------------------------------
We are currently running a search process for Summer 2021 LCS Amateur & Academy tournament organizers. We encourage any interested tournament organizers, LCS teams, or sponsors to apply [here][1]. Or, for more information on operating Tier 1 and Tier 2 tournaments, see [here][2].
Thank you to all our partners and tournament organizers who are helping us continue to foster the NA amateur scene!
[1]: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVfHJ9O29eT1ryOsNLr0flKJn0bZhEOPQJszv0wXLZuTDhPw/viewform
[2]: https://developer.riotgames.com/policies/na-tournaments
