Off the back of an awesome 2024 EMEA Masters (EM) Spring Split, we want to give a huge congratulations to our new German champions Eintracht Spandau, after they emerged victorious over the stellar Beşiktaş Esports! As we look ahead, we wanted to share some important news about the upcoming 2024 EM Summer Split.
Earlier in the year [we announced][1] some changes coming to EM in 2024, which sparked a lot of discussion within the community. We heard your feedback, and as a result, we’ve reworked the format for the Summer Split.
Beginning on **July 31** and running through until **August 30**, the 2024 EM Summer Split will now feature a **60 team tournament**, more best-of-five matches, an all new Swiss Stage to sink your teeth into and fairer slot distribution amongst different ERLs.
Read on for more information about the key changes we’re making!
**Summer Format**
We’re keeping the three phase tournament format, but switching things up to feature a Swiss Stage, which will follow the initial Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). The final phase of the tournament will see teams progress to the all important Playoffs. In addition, we’ve pumped up the competition. 60 (yes, you read that right) teams will compete in the tournament, leaving more than enough space for an upset or two.
Through the revised format, we’ll see 32 teams qualify into the LCQ, with 28 of the best teams from ERLs qualifying directly into the Swiss Stage. There, teams will compete for one of 16 Playoff spots.
**LCQ**
Kicking off on July 31 and running until August 2, the 32 teams will be split into four randomly drawn single elimination brackets, with regional protection applied to avoid clashes. The first two rounds of the LCQ will feature best-of-three matches, while the final round (Round 3) will see teams compete in a best-of-five match to qualify for the Swiss Stage.
[1]: https://lolesports.com/article/emea-masters-returns-for-2024!/bltc322f755c383038c
**Swiss Stage**
The Swiss Stage will feature the successful four teams from LCQ and the 28 teams that automatically qualified into this stage of the competition. Running from August 5 until August 13, the Swiss Stage will see teams try to secure four wins to reach the Playoffs. Meanwhile, teams that lose four times will be eliminated from the tournament altogether.
During this stage, teams will compete in best-of-one matches until the qualification/elimination matches, when we’ll switch it up to feature best-of-threes! 16 teams will then advance to Playoffs, when the prospect of competing in the finals begins to loom larger.
**Playoffs**
With no more second chances, the final 16 teams will face off from August 15-22 in a bid to claim a spot in the 2024 EM Summer Finals on August 30.
Teams will be seeded based on performance and compete in best-of-five single elimination matches in all stages of the Playoffs.
**Slots Distribution**
To ensure each region is fairly represented and the best league performers are suitably rewarded for their consistency, we’ve updated the way we distribute slots for each region. During EM Summer, Accredited ERLs will be rewarded with six slots each, with their three highest ranked teams qualifying into the Swiss Stage and the remaining three teams qualifying for the LCQ. Meanwhile, all non-accredited ERLs will qualify four teams into the competition. The number of teams from non-accredited ERLs qualifying into the Swiss Stage and the LCQ stage, will depend on the respective ERLs performance at recent EM events.
If it wasn’t already clear, we’ve got a barrel full of matches scheduled and we can also confirm all of the regional leagues will be broadcasting their teams’ games alongside. Excitingly, we’ll also have a host of co-streams airing the games, so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Make sure you’re following us on [X (formerly Twitter)][1] and [Twitch][2] to ensure you don’t miss any of the action!
[1]: https://twitter.com/emeamasters
[2]: https://www.twitch.tv/emeamasters
