TL;DR
- Introducing Best-of-3 Format for the Summer Split
- Revamped Playoffs structure
- LCS Opening Week Presented by Mastercard, June 15
- LCS Twitch Extension and Watch Parties Incoming
- General Admission tickets to LCS Summer Split matches at the Riot Games Arena are available now!
- NEW: Confirmed Watch Parties List below!
Hello LCS Fans! We hope you enjoyed the recent excitement of MSI, and a big congratulations to Team Liquid for their stellar performance and bringing pride to NA. Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to shift our focus to the upcoming LCS Summer Split. In this article, we'll delve into the significant changes in format, schedule adjustments, and enhanced viewing options for this season.
Best-of-3 Format
We are thrilled to announce a long-awaited change: the introduction of a single round robin Best-of-3 format for the LCS Summer Split. This decision comes in response to feedback from our passionate fan base and professional players alike. By adopting this format, our aim is twofold:
Firstly, we remain committed to our "Fan First" approach, prioritizing the desires of our audience and the competitive interests of our teams. We also believe Best-of-3 formats offer teams the opportunity to showcase their skills and strategies in more matches on stage, focusing on a single opponent each week. We will evaluate the format’s effectiveness with teams, pros and the community as we progress.
Secondly, we're keen to gauge the reception of this change among the broader LCS viewership. With a reduced number of teams competing on each broadcast day, we anticipate a more focused viewing experience.
LCS tried a Best-of-3 format in 2016, alongside a dual stream setup that segmented the viewing experience. With an 8-team League no longer requiring dual streams and slotting into the double round robin best of 1 schedule, we believe now is the right time to retest Best of 3’s. We plan to keep Spring’s wins with Live Patch and fast transitions between games. If this test goes well, it will help inform future format decisions in 2025 and beyond.
Playoffs Format
Building on the momentum of the Regular Season format, we've revamped the playoff structure to intensify competition further. With three coveted spots at Worlds up for grabs, our Summer Playoffs now feature all teams starting in the winner's bracket, accompanied by a gauntlet-style losers bracket. Additionally, the two top-seeded teams enjoy first-round byes, with 1-seed awarded the freedom to select their preferred side of the bracket at the start of the upper bracket.
LCS Opening Week Presented by Mastercard
The LCS will be back starting June 15, and you’re invited to join us for the LCS Opening Week Presented by Mastercard! Mastercard is collaborating with Chase Freedom Flex® to bring fans in attendance a special tailgate before the show. Arrive early from 11 am-1 pm June 15 to experience a photo booth, trophy photo-op, receive an exclusive swag item (while supplies last), and more!
The LCS Summer Split would not be possible without the continued support from our LCS partners AT&T, Kia, Samsung, Red Bull, Secretlab, Mastercard, Pagoda, and Sleeper. Thank you!
Schedule and Ways to Watch
In alignment with the Best of 3 format, we've eliminated super weeks, extending the season to Week 7 for a more balanced schedule. As teams won't be playing every day, make sure you grab tickets early for your preferred matchups.
Weeks 2 and 4 will be hosted in the LCS Face-Off space, with the LCS taking a two-week break between Weeks 3 and 4. The first week break, observed by all LoL Esports regions, coincides with the Esports World Cup. The second week break will allow players ample time to recover and reset for LCS. Along the same vein, we spoke with players and decided to move Week 3 to Thursday and Friday. After the break, the LCS will pick back up on July 20.
As we put the final touches on the LCS Championship, we’ll be sharing our Venue and tickets around the third week of June, so check back soon.
In our ongoing efforts to enhance the viewing experience, we're collaborating with the CBLOL team to introduce a new Twitch extension to the LCS Twitch channel. This feature enables viewers to access detailed build and game information in real-time, enriching the live viewing experience. We owe our friends down in CBLOL a shoutout for helping create the LCS version. If you use this feature, let us know what you think!
Additionally, we're expanding watch parties across North America during the regular season, not just for Finals, with the goal of fostering community engagement and introducing newcomers to the LCS. This is a great way to build bonds with League fans in your area, as well as potentially introduce your friends to the LCS. We’ll be sending merch, swag, and more to these watch parties. Follow the LCS socials for updates on which weeks and locations will be hosting one!
NEW: Check out these confirmed watch parties and meet up with fellow fans for Opening Week! Outside of Opening Week, we’ll continue to add confirmed watch parties to this list throughout the Summer Split.
- CA: GuildHouse, 420 S 1st St, San Jose, CA 95113
- FL: UCF Student Union, 3rd Floor, 12715 Pegasus Dr, Orlando, FL 32816
- IL: Ignite Gaming Lounge, 8125 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077
- MO: Center Hall, 402 Kentucky Blvd., Columbia MO, 65201
- NY: BrookLAN, 339 Troutman St. Brooklyn, NY 11237
- NY: OS NYC, 50 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
- WI: Isthmian Gaming Lounge, 2500 Rimrock Rd, Madison, WI 53713
As always, you can watch the LCS Broadcast on lolesports.com, YouTube, or Twitch. Co-Streamers will be making a return appearance during the Summer Split - stay tuned for that announcement. Additionally, Drops will be back on select weeks throughout the Summer Split — keep an eye on our social feeds for exact dates!
Ticket Sales
Tickets for the LCS Summer Split are live now! Visit TIXR to grab your tickets.
