In the midst of the excitement surrounding Worlds 2024, Riot Games announced the creation of the LCP, a multiregional league that will reshape the competitive landscape of Asia-Pacific (APAC).
The LCP, or League Championship Pacific, is set to debut in 2025, bringing together the most prominent teams from various regions in Asia-Pacific, including the PCS, LJL, and VCS.
The LCP Unveiled During Worlds 2024
As Worlds 2024 progresses with thrilling matchups, Riot Games has delivered a major update regarding the future of the competitive scene for its iconic MOBA, League of Legends.
While the global community has its attention focused on the Swiss Stage of the tournament, Riot revealed the LCP—a new multiregional league for APAC that will redefine how teams from the region qualify for international events.
The LCP will officially launch in 2025, serving as one of the five major regional leagues in the League of Legends competitive ecosystem. This new league will replace the previous tier of wildcard regions, integrating eight carefully selected teams from across Asia-Pacific.
A New Competitive Structure for Asia-Pacific
With the announcement of the LCP, Riot confirmed that starting in 2025, the current structure for regions like the PCS (Pacific Championship Series), LJL (League of Legends Japan League), and VCS (Vietnam Championship Series) will be relegated to tier 2 status.
Teams from these regions will still have the opportunity to qualify for international events, but they will need to compete for an invited spot through the LCP.
This shift signals the end of the wildcard system, which previously allowed minor regions to compete at Worlds and other international tournaments. In its place, there will be five major leagues, each acting as the only gateway for their respective regions to reach the global stage. This includes not just APAC, but also regions like LCS in North America and LEC in Europe.
Key Highlights of the LCP Announcement:
- Introduction of the LCP: A new multiregional league for APAC launching in 2025.
- Eight teams: The LCP will feature eight teams, handpicked from across Asia-Pacific.
- Tier 2 for PCS, LJL, and VCS: These regions will compete for a spot in the LCP.
- No more Wildcards: The wildcard system will be replaced by the new regional league structure.
- Single Path to International Events: The LCP will be the sole route for APAC teams to qualify for MSI and Worlds.
Impacts of the LCP on the APAC Region
The introduction of the LCP represents a significant shift in the competitive structure for APAC. By bringing together teams from across the region, Riot is creating a more cohesive and highly competitive league that will ensure that only the best teams have the chance to compete internationally.
This change also reflects Riot’s broader strategy of streamlining its competitive ecosystem, making the path to international success more straightforward for all regions.
For teams in regions like Vietnam, Japan, and Pacific, the move to tier 2 presents both challenges and opportunities. While teams in these regions will no longer have direct entry to global tournaments, the new system creates a more balanced competitive environment, allowing them to rise through the ranks and potentially secure a coveted spot in the LCP.
The new structure will undoubtedly increase the intensity of competition within the APAC region, as teams strive to prove themselves worthy of joining the elite eight in the LCP. The removal of wildcards means that only the best-performing teams will be able to represent the region on the global stage.
What to Expect From the LCP
With the LCP set to become one of the five main regional leagues, expectations are high for how it will shape the future of the APAC competitive scene. Here are some key factors to consider:
- High-Level Competition: The best teams from PCS, LJL, and VCS will compete for a spot in the LCP, leading to a more competitive environment.
- International Presence: The LCP will be the sole pathway for APAC teams to reach international events, increasing the region’s chances of success.
- Opportunities for Growth: Teams from tier 2 regions will have the chance to improve and potentially rise to the LCP level through regular competition.
- No More Wildcards: The end of the wildcard system means that all teams must earn their place in international tournaments through the LCP or equivalent major regional leagues.
Conclusion
The creation of the League Championship Pacific (LCP) is a bold move by Riot Games to streamline and elevate the competitive scene in the APAC region. By consolidating the PCS, LJL, and VCS under a new, more competitive league, Riot is ensuring that only the top-performing teams make it to the international stage.
For teams and fans alike, the LCP represents a new era of competition that promises to be as exciting as it is challenging.
As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, all eyes will be on which teams can rise to the occasion and secure their place in this prestigious league. APAC is poised to become a more formidable region in the global League of Legends scene, and the LCP is the first step in making that vision a reality.
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