Riot Games to restructure LCP esports format for 2027

Riot Games has announced a structural overhaul for the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) beginning in 2027. Under the new format, teams will no longer spend entire seasons within the LCP ecosystem. Instead, every split will commence at the domestic level within the PCS, VCS, and LJL leagues.

The top-performing teams from these domestic leagues will qualify for the LCP, which will function as a bracket stage for the region’s elite competitors. This change aims to create a more open ecosystem, providing more teams with a direct route to the LCP and international events during each split, rather than the current system where domestic teams have only one annual promotion opportunity.

Additionally, the restructuring allows teams to maintain operations in their home regions instead of relocating to Taipei. While the LCP remains the primary pathway for APAC teams to reach global competitions, Riot Games noted that Wild Card regions will also retain a path into the league. Specific details regarding slot distribution and competition formats are expected in the coming months.