The League of Legends European Championship (LEC) is set to introduce significant format changes in 2025, aligning with Riot’s vision to elevate regional competitions. Following the announcement of a third international tournament, the LEC joins the LCK in restructuring its format to adapt to a more competitive global calendar.
With this update, each split in the LEC will have its own unique structure, offering fans an exciting variety of competitive stages. Here’s a complete breakdown of what to expect in 2025.
New LEC Format for 2025: Key Details
To emphasize each split’s importance, Riot has decided to remove the Season Finals and Championship Points, focusing instead on the performance of individual splits. Additionally, games will be played on the current patch to mirror the live server, ensuring that players and fans experience the most up-to-date gameplay.
Winter Split
Regular Season
The Winter Split introduces the Fearless Draft, adding a fresh twist to team strategy. The regular season will follow a single round-robin format, where each team plays once against every other team. The top eight teams will advance to the playoffs.
Playoffs
Playoffs will feature a double-elimination bracket, with best-of-three and best-of-five series. Here, the Fearless Draft remains in play, challenging teams to maintain adaptability across matches. The winner of the Winter Split will earn a spot in the first international tournament of the year.
Spring Split
Regular Season
The Spring Split will run for seven weeks in a single round-robin format, with all matches being best-of-three. The top six teams will secure spots in the playoffs, competing for regional glory and a chance to qualify for the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).
Playoffs
Playoffs will return to a double-elimination bracket, but all matches will be best-of-five. Unlike the Winter Split, the Fearless Draft will not be used in Spring. The finalists from this split will advance to MSI.
Summer Split
Regular Season
In Summer, teams will be divided into two groups of five. Each team will play four best-of-three series within its group, battling to be among the top two in their group to advance directly to the playoffs.
The third and fourth place teams in each group will face the opposing group’s third and fourth teams in best-of-three matches, with the winners securing the final two playoff spots. The lowest-ranked team in each group will be eliminated.
Playoffs
In the playoffs, the six qualifying teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket, with all matches being best-of-five. The top three teams will earn coveted spots at Worlds 2025, representing the LEC on the global stage.
Conclusion
The LEC’s new format reflects Riot’s commitment to creating a dynamic and challenging league structure that rewards consistency and high-level competition. With these changes, fans can expect more intense matches and strategic depth throughout the year.
The 2025 season is set to kick off on January 18 with the Winter Split. Stay tuned for updates as the season unfolds and follow all the action right here!
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