These changes, detailed by LCS commissioner Mark ��MarkZ�� Zimmerman on June 3, include the return of the best-of-three series, a gauntlet-style lower bracket for playoffs, and a notable but less emphasized addition: a Twitch extension for the LCS main channel.
Here's all the details you need to know about the 2024 #LCS Summer Split!
3⃣ Big Surprise: Best of 3's
Punchier Playoff Bracket
Full Summer Schedule
And More! pic.twitter.com/9yjfEa4SXB
— LCS (@LCSOfficial) June 3, 2024
MarkZ highlighted that these changes are in the testing phase as Riot Games seeks to gather more data on viewership and the fan experience before making any further adjustments for 2025 or beyond.
The Twitch extension will allow viewers to access detailed build and game information live during gameplay, which is particularly beneficial on the live patch.
This feature is expected to attract both hardcore fans and new players by providing insights into how professional players navigate new updates, items, champions, and systems.
The introduction of the best-of-three format for the regular season is a response to fan feedback, drawing comparisons to the LPL and LCK.
This format allows teams to showcase their skills and strategies in more matches, focusing on a single opponent each week.
The new playoff format will place all qualifying teams in the winners bracket, with a gauntlet-style lower bracket that could enable dramatic Cinderella runs to the championship.
The top two seeds will receive a first-round bye, with the top team having the advantage of choosing their side of the upper bracket.
This format could see scenarios where the top team plays only two playoff series before the LCS Championship, while another team could play up to five series, emphasizing both consistent excellence and underdog resilience.
With three spots at LoL Worlds 2024 up for grabs, the 2024 Summer Split promises to be thrilling for North American League of Legends fans.
The action kicks off on Saturday, June 15, and fans are eagerly anticipating the new and improved LCS experience.
]]>This change, reported by League content creator Travis Gafford, aligns the North American League of Legends competition with China’s LPL and Korea’s LCK, both of which have consistently featured best-of-three formats.
Fans are welcoming this move with enthusiasm, seeing it as a boon for those who follow specific teams closely.
Commissioner Mark “MarkZ” Zimmerman’s direction for the league has garnered praise, with many viewing this transition as a positive step forward.
However, Riot Games is cautious about expanding play across too many days, opting to maintain a relatively compact schedule.
Despite the format change, the LCS won’t significantly increase its number of play days, as Riot Games plans to shift the regular season to a single round-robin format.
Playoffs will continue as best-of-fives, consistent with previous years.
One notable addition to the Summer Split schedule is a two-week break for the 2024 Esports World Cup, following a similar break during the Spring Split for the VALORANT VCT Americas Kickoff tournament.
This decision reflects the league’s commitment to accommodating major esports events without disrupting its own schedule.
Commissioner MarkZ has hinted at this format change since February, acknowledging fan desires for such a shift.
The reduction in LCS teams from 10 to 8 has also contributed to the timing of this change, seen by many as an opportunity to rejuvenate the league’s viewership.
Overall, the transition to best-of-three series in the LCS signals a significant evolution for the league, driven by both fan demand and strategic decisions from league management.
]]>However, the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) will step away from the tradition in the 2024 season.
It��s become a custom for professional LoL games to play on older patches due to the tight turnaround between patch releases and competitive scheduling.
With patches being released every second Wednesday, most LoL esports teams wouldn��t have the time to adapt to changes before stepping on stage.
Yet, the LCS doesn��t seem too bothered by that.
According to the announcement, which also unveiled Mark “MarkZ” Zimmerman as LCS��s commissioner, the North American LoL esports league confirmed that all 2024 LCS games will be played on live patches.
Other LoL leagues have not announced any changes to the ruleset, meaning they��ll likely stick with the old tradition of playing on patches behind the live servers.
How the rule change will affect LCS teams remains to be seen, but it will force a more challenging schedule on the players, who will have just two days of practice before the matches.
Watch the very first #LCS Address with @TheeMarkZ to learn about all of the changes coming in 2024!
Live Patch
Less Time Between Games
Community Interactivity
https://t.co/2rI53xdD5D pic.twitter.com/vOrhglw7Yc
— LCS (@LCSOfficial) January 9, 2024
The decision to move all pro games to live patches comes after a plethora of changes the league has announced in the months leading up to the 2024 season.
In December, LCS unveiled that it is returning to a weekend schedule, one year after all games were moved to Thursday-Friday.
The unconventional plan proved harmful to the overall viewership, as the LCS peaked at just over 271,376 viewers in the spring and just under 224,000 viewers in the Summer Split.
A month prior, in November 2023, LCS was also hit with the exodus of Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians, who left the LoL esports scene, continuing a worrying trend that was started by TSM, who exited the North American LoL league in September.
While Shopify Rebellion replaced TSM, LCS didn��t find any replacement teams to fill the gaps that Evil Geniuses and Golden Guardians left behind.
As a result, the 2024 season will start with just eight squads, making the LCS the smallest of the major LoL leagues.
The next season starts with the LCS Spring Split on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
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