LJL and LCO are Merging with PCS

Japan's LJL and Oceania's LCO are Joining the PCS in 2024

League of Legends eSports enthusiasts, get ready for a seismic shift in the Asia Pacific esports scene! Riot Games has officially announced that Japan and Oceania's competitive scene is getting a huge rework with the LJL and LCO joining the PCS in 2024! This strategic move is set to boost the League of Legends esports landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing about exciting developments and opportunities for players, teams, and fans alike.

Building a Unified Pacific League for Global Competition

In a recent announcement, Riot Games outlined the main principles guiding the integration of LJL and LCO into the PCS. One of the primary objectives is the creation of a unified Pacific League that can stand as a formidable force in the global League of Legends esports scene. By providing teams with the opportunity to face off against strong competitors on a pan-regional level, Riot Games aims to elevate the overall quality of professional teams and foster heightened competition across a multi-tiered ecosystem.

The move is particularly significant as no PCS team has advanced past the Playoff Stage of an international event since 2020. This development underscores the ambition to break new ground and showcase the prowess of teams from the Asia-Pacific region on the global stage.

Why are the LJL and LCO joining the PCS?

Another key principle driving the LJL's integration into the PCS is Riot's commitment to boosting the fan experience. Riot Games has a vision of boosting the League of Legends entertainment world by providing high-quality broadcasts in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Mandarin, and Cantonese. This multilingual approach aims to cater to a diverse audience and create a more inclusive environment for League of Legends enthusiasts across the Asia Pacific region.

Additionally, the consolidation brings about a unified approach to social channels, simplifying access to league updates and match information for fans outside the region they take place in. Riot Games seeks to establish a cohesive online presence that facilitates seamless engagement for the growing community of League of Legends fans in the region.

Beyond the immediate competitive landscape, Riot Games emphasises the importance of fostering a sustainable esports environment. The integration of LJL into the PCS provides professional players and organisations with a larger platform, potentially expanding their fan bases and viewership. Notably, LJL players, now designated as residents of the PCS, can seamlessly join any PCS team without being classified as import players. However, LJL teams must maintain a roster with at least three Japanese players.

LJL Schedule, Roadmap, and Playoff Structure

For longtime LJL viewers, the domestic season in Japan remains largely unchanged. The top three teams from the LJL domestic league will secure coveted spots in the PCS Playoffs. These teams will then battle against other PCS and LCO teams for the championship title and the opportunity to represent the region at international events like the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the World Championship.

The LJL Spring Split's first-placed team secures a spot at MSI, while the top two teams from the Summer Split earn the chance to compete at Worlds.

The PCS Playoffs structure is getting a huge boost with the inclusion of LJL teams. The top three LJL teams will join the top six PCS teams and the top two LCO teams in a dynamic double-elimination format. This sets the stage for thrilling competition, with the winning teams advancing to Stage Two. The playoff bracket now features two stages, with three top-seeded teams advancing into Stage Two.

As the region waits for these changes, Riot Games promises to provide more information on seeding distribution for international events in the near future.

The integration of LJL into the PCS marks a monumental leap forward for League of Legends esports in the Asia-Pacific region. With a unified league, enhanced fan experiences, and a commitment to sustainability, Riot Games is steering the esports community towards an exciting and promising future.

Stay tuned for more updates as LoL eSports reach a new chapter, bringing together diverse talents and passionate fans in a celebration of competitive gaming excellence.

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