Riot Games Announces New LCP Qualification Format Starting 2027
Starting in 2027, the qualification process for the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) will require all teams to compete domestically in their respective leagues—PCS, VCS, or LJL—before advancing. This change aims to enhance team engagement and reduce operational costs.
New Qualification System for LCP
Riot Games is implementing a significant change to the qualification process for the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP), set to take effect in 2027. Under the new system, every team in the PCS, VCS, or LJL must compete domestically in their leagues each split before moving on to the LCP. This shift aims to open more pathways for teams to qualify for the regional league, enhancing competition and engagement.
Currently, teams only have one opportunity per year to qualify through the Promotion Series, which limits the number of teams that can ascend to the LCP. The revamped format will allow every team across the three leagues to vie for qualification each split, while still maintaining the LCP as the primary route for APAC teams to access international competitions.
Riot cited the high costs associated with relocating teams outside their home markets as a primary reason for this restructuring. The previous arrangement not only inflated operational expenses but also hindered fan engagement. Additionally, the extended time players spent away from their support networks was flagged as a concern for player welfare.
The announcement follows a successful two-season run of the centralized LCP format, which reached nearly 500,000 peak viewers during the 2025 Mid Season Finals. Notably, CTBC Flying Oyster achieved a quarterfinal finish at Worlds 2025, marking APAC's best result since 2015. As the competitive landscape evolves, Riot has yet to disclose details regarding slot distribution, format specifics, or rules for Wild Card integration, but further updates are expected through official league channels soon.