LCK Announces Major Format Changes for the 2025 Season

LCK Announces Major Format Changes for the 2025 Season

The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), one of the premier esports tournaments in South Korea, has revealed a significant overhaul of its format for the 2025 season. These changes are designed to create a more dynamic and engaging competition, benefiting both the teams and fans. The revamp aims to increase the number of matches played during the season and introduces new structures that cater to both high-ranking and mid-to-lower-tier teams.

Introduction of the LCK CUP and Global Tournaments

Starting in 2025, the LCK season will kick off with the introduction of the LCK CUP, a new event that will run from January to February. This tournament will initially be divided into two groups, with the top teams from the 2024 Summer Finals—Gen.G and Hanwha Life Esports—being responsible for selecting these groups. The competition will then progress through play-ins and playoff brackets, culminating in the crowning of the LCK CUP champion.

The LCK CUP winner will go on to qualify for a new global event scheduled for March, bringing together the top teams from various regional leagues. This global tournament will feature a unique draft format known as the Fearless Draft. This system allows champions to be banned permanently once they are selected in any match during a best-of series, adding a layer of strategy to the event. The Fearless Draft will be employed in the LCK CUP, with teams selecting champions based on the same pick/ban system used in the tournament’s regular matches.

Changes to the LCK Regular Season

The regular LCK season will commence in April, and the results of the LCK CUP will not affect the regular season standings. The season itself will be split into five rounds, with the first two rounds running through April and May. These rounds will use a single round-robin, best-of-three format, resulting in a league table that ranks the teams based on their performance. This format mirrors the system used in the 2024 LCK season, maintaining consistency while offering a fresh structure for the new season.

In June, the top six teams from the first two rounds will enter the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) qualifiers, which will use a semi-double elimination bracket to determine the two teams that will move forward to the MSI event. This change ensures that more teams have the opportunity to showcase their skills and make a significant impact on the international stage.

New Group Structure for LCK Rounds Three to Five

Rounds three through five of the regular season will introduce a new group division. The top five teams from rounds one and two will be placed into the Legend group, while the bottom five will be placed into the Rise group. This grouping will continue throughout the remaining rounds, with each round featuring a best-of-three, single round-robin format. The introduction of these two groups creates a more tiered and competitive structure for the league.

At the conclusion of all three rounds, the top four teams from the Legend group will advance to the playoffs. The fifth place team from Legend will enter a play-in bracket alongside the top three teams from the Rise group. The play-ins will use a best-of-five, double-elimination format to determine which two teams will qualify for the playoffs.

Playoffs and World Championship Qualification

The playoffs themselves will also use a best-of-five, double-elimination bracket, ultimately determining the LCK season champions. The top three teams from the playoffs will secure a spot at the League of Legends World Championship, the final global event of the season. Depending on the results of the MSI qualifiers, the LCK may also receive a fourth seed for the World Championship, further bolstering the region’s presence on the international stage.

Maximizing Engagement and Competitiveness

According to official announcements from Riot Games, the primary goal behind these changes is to maximize the number of matches, particularly for mid-to-lower-ranked teams, ensuring that these teams have ample opportunities to compete and showcase their talents. Additionally, the introduction of various format types throughout the season is designed to counteract any potential decline in interest that might arise from a traditional, season-long tournament structure.

By introducing new formats like the LCK CUP and global events, as well as splitting the regular season into two distinct groupings, the LCK is looking to provide a more engaging and competitive experience for both the players and the audience. This overhaul not only enhances the appeal of the LCK but also strengthens its position as one of the leading leagues in global esports.

Conclusion

The 2025 LCK season will mark a new chapter in the league’s storied history, with major changes aimed at improving the competitive landscape and maintaining fan interest throughout the year. With the introduction of the LCK CUP, a revised regular season, and more global exposure for South Korean teams, the 2025 LCK season promises to be one of the most exciting in the tournament’s history. By embracing innovation and addressing the evolving needs of the esports community, the LCK continues to solidify its place as a global leader in competitive gaming.

Overview of Korean Teams in Dota 2

Overview of Korean Teams in Dota 2

South Korea has a long-standing tradition in the esports world, especially in games like StarCraft, League of Legends, and Overwatch. In recent years, Dota 2 has also seen an increasing number of Korean teams entering the competitive arena. The region’s teams have made notable impacts, achieving recognition both domestically and internationally. Some of these teams have been successful in tournaments, securing top placements in regional competitions and even making appearances at prestigious international events like The International (TI), Dota 2’s biggest annual tournament.

List of Teams Based in South Korea

The following 24 teams are classified under the “Korean Teams” category:

  1. 5 in QO
  2. Betboys
  3. Don’t Die ReM1kZ
  4. Eyes of Tiger
  5. For Our Utopia
  6. FXOpen e-Sports
  7. Get Outs
  8. Immortals
  9. LoTem
  10. Mineski.Korea
  11. Monkey Spanner
  12. MVP Aegis
  13. MVP HOT6ix
  14. MVP Phoenix
  15. No Answer
  16. Pokerface
  17. POTA2
  18. StarTale
  19. T1
  20. Team Muhan
  21. UnderRateds
  22. Virtual Throne
  23. WaZangChang
  24. Zephyr

These teams represent a broad spectrum of Dota 2 talent in South Korea. Some are relatively unknown, while others, like MVP Phoenix, have gained significant international attention. MVP Phoenix, for example, is famous for its appearance in The International 2015 (TI5), where it became one of the first Korean teams to reach a top position at a major international Dota 2 event. Their strong performance at TI5 made waves in the Dota 2 community, showcasing the potential of South Korean players in the game.

Notable South Korean Teams

MVP Phoenix – Arguably the most well-known team from South Korea in Dota 2, MVP Phoenix earned recognition for its strategic gameplay and remarkable teamwork. The team’s appearance at The International 2015 was a pivotal moment in Dota 2’s esports history for South Korea. Despite not winning the tournament, the team demonstrated that Korean players could compete at the highest level, and they continued to be a significant part of the Dota 2 scene.

T1 – Another major name in Korean esports, T1 is a multi-disciplinary esports organization. While it is better known for its League of Legends team, T1 also fields a talented Dota 2 roster. The organization has invested heavily in various esports titles and remains one of the most prominent teams in South Korean esports.

Zephyr – Zephyr is a team that has been involved in Dota 2 for several years. Known for its roster of skilled players, Zephyr has been an active competitor in regional tournaments and has developed a loyal following. The team has been a part of the growing esports scene in South Korea and continues to contribute to the development of Dota 2 in the region.

The Growth of Dota 2 in South Korea

The rise of South Korean teams in Dota 2 is a part of a larger trend in the country’s esports ecosystem. South Korea has long been a dominant force in gaming, and its interest in games like Dota 2 continues to grow. As more organizations invest in esports, including Dota 2, the level of competition in the region increases. South Korean players and teams continue to improve and make their mark on the international stage, competing with top teams from all around the world.

The country’s esports infrastructure, coupled with a deep culture of competitive gaming, has made South Korea an exciting region for Dota 2 fans and players alike. As more talent emerges from the region, South Korean teams are expected to continue making waves in Dota 2 tournaments across the globe.

Conclusion

The “Korean Teams” category on Liquipedia highlights the diverse and growing presence of South Korea in the Dota 2 competitive scene. While teams like MVP Phoenix and T1 have already established themselves as international competitors, many other South Korean teams are steadily contributing to the development of the game. With a robust esports culture and increasing investment in Dota 2, South Korea’s impact on the game’s competitive landscape is likely to continue expanding in the coming years.