Following a memorable debut season full of back-and-forth action and breakout stars, the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) will return for its second season in 2026. Eight teams will once again compete for qualification to global events, and battle for the prestige of being crowned LCP champion!

The new LCP season kicks off on 16 January 2026, and it will once again be divided into three splits in 2026. Here’s an early look at the changes we’ll be implementing next year!

LCP FORMAT UPDATES IN 2026

There’s been plenty of chatter around the LCP format. Fans have been vocal around what’s working, what isn’t, and where it can improve. Across our first year, we have gathered extensive feedback from online conversations as well as on-ground fans, and we’re excited to share some of the changes that will kick in next year to make the LCP more competitive, entertaining, and easier for fans to follow the stakes and progress throughout the season:

• All Playoff matches will now be Best-of-5 (BO5)

We want to raise the stakes of LCP matches and showcase longer series in the Playoffs!

• Split 1 & 2 will retain its current structure

We’re sticking with Single Round Robin Best-of-3 (BO3) for the regular season, with hybrid elimination BO5s in the Playoffs. This format has worked well and gives teams a consistent rhythm in preparation for global events.

• Swiss Stage in Split 3 

We’re bringing Swiss Stage to Split 3 to create more dynamic matchups and rivalries. BO3s and BO5s will be used depending on the round (e.g. BO5s for qualification/elimination matches).

• Championship Points 

We’re introducing championship points to determine the final team qualifying for Worlds in 2026. We want to ensure teams are rewarded for consistent performances throughout the season. More details to follow.

• 2v2 Side Selection Showdown 

Goodbye 1v1, hello 2v2! Expect faster-paced and non-stop action as teams engage in 2v2 battles to determine the right to select sides.

• LCP Promotion Series returns in 2026 

Two LCP Guest teams will defend their spot in the league against top teams from APAC domestic leagues. More details to come.

• Earlier start times in Split 1

In Split 1, all match days will start as early as 2PM GMT+8. At the end of the split, we will monitor feedback and review once more, so let us know what you think! 

These refinements aim to create a structure that keeps the stakes high from start to finish, and ensure fans stay engaged through meaningful matches. Thank you for joining us on this journey and helping shape the LCP together.

We will share more details about LCP 2026 as we get closer to the start of the new season so look out for the latest news on our social channels!

SOCIAL MEDIA

ENGLISH

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lolpacific

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolpacificen/

• X: https://x.com/lolpacificen

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lolpacificen

VIETNAMESE

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lolesportsvn/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vcslmht

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lolesports_vn

TRADITIONAL CHINESE

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoLEsportsTW/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolesportstw

JAPANESE

• X: https://x.com/lolesports_jp