Riot Games to restructure VCS and LCP esports formats by 2027

Riot Games has announced a significant structural change for League of Legends competitive play starting in 2027. The League Championship Pacific (LCP) will move away from its current consolidated format to allow regional leagues, including the VCS, PCS, and LJL, to return to domestic competition models.

Under the new system, these regions will operate with domestic wildcard splits. Top-performing teams from these domestic leagues will then compete in additional LCP rounds to determine representatives for major international tournaments, including First Stand, MSI, and the World Championship.

This shift aims to address declining viewership and engagement levels seen in both the VCS and the LCP following the previous merger of regions. By reinstating domestic leagues, Riot intends to provide more opportunities for mid-tier teams to compete and earn promotion, potentially restoring the competitive interest lost when top-tier teams migrated to the LCP.