LCK Structure Changes for 2025: New Format Incoming

In 2025, the popular Korean league for League of Legends – LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) – is implementing significant changes to the season structure. The new format differs from the traditional one and aims to enhance viewer engagement, increase the competitive level, and provide more matches for teams, especially those in the middle and lower tiers of the standings. Let’s take a closer look at what will change in the new LCK format and how it will impact the competitions.

Traditional Format and Its Issues

For the past few years, LCK has adhered to a classic structure: a spring split, an inter-season tournament MSI (Mid-Season Invitational), a summer split, and the world championship, Worlds. However, this format left fewer opportunities for development for teams that could not make it to the top of the standings and also limited the number of international tournaments that could serve as valuable experience for players.

New Format: From Three Splits to a More Packed Season

In 2025, LCK decided to transition to a new structure divided into three phases.

1. LCK Cup: Season Kickoff

The season will start with the LCK Cup, which will occupy the first month and a half of the year. This tournament will not count toward the main season and is designed for teams to warm up and identify leaders. The winners of the LCK Cup will earn the opportunity to represent the league at the first international tournament of the year.

2. International Tournament in March

After the conclusion of the LCK Cup, teams will participate in an international tournament scheduled for early March. This tournament will be the first of the international events of the season, allowing fans to gauge the level of teams before the regular season begins.

3. Main Regular Season: Combined Spring and Summer Splits

The main change in the new format is the combination of the spring and summer splits into one long season. The regular season is divided into two stages: “Rounds 1 and 2,” which will take place from April to May, and “Rounds 3 to 5,” which will resume after MSI and continue until the end of the season.

In May, the MSI qualifiers will begin, where teams will battle for spots at the international tournament. After MSI, the regular season will continue, providing teams with more time for matches and the chance to showcase their level throughout the entire season.

4. Division of Teams into Legend and Rise Groups

In the later stages of the season, teams will be split into two groups: Legend (the leaders' group) and Rise (the group with middle and lower teams). The best teams will be placed in the Legend group, while the rest will be distributed into the Rise group. Teams will primarily play against opponents within their groups, creating a more balanced level of competition and offering fans exciting matches.

5. Playoffs and Finals

At the end of the season, playoffs will be conducted, where the top teams from both groups will meet to determine the LCK champions. The bottom two teams from each group will be eliminated, while the top teams will secure a path to the later stages of the playoffs, providing them with a strategic advantage.

Schedule of International Tournaments

The LCK changes include a revision of the schedule for international competitions. In 2025, three international tournaments are planned:

• The first international tournament will take place in early March.
• MSI will occur in the summer, starting in late June to early July.
• Worlds – the most anticipated event of the season – is scheduled for October and November, slightly later than in previous years.

How Will This Impact Teams and Fans?

The new format adds seasonal intrigue and ensures that fans will see more matches. Now, even mid-tier teams can showcase their skills in numerous matches during the regular season, while viewers will enjoy more frequent encounters between the best teams. Increasing the number of international tournaments will also help players gain experience, which will elevate LCK’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Overall, the changes to the LCK structure are aimed at creating a more engaging season for fans and improving conditions for teams. The new format promises to be exciting and unpredictable, and the multitude of tournaments will allow teams to test their strengths and prepare for global competitions.

Additionally, there is an article detailing the changes to the LEC format for 2025.