In a groundbreaking move, Riot Games has announced the integration of the League of Legends Japan League (LJL) into the Pacific Championship Series (PCS) ecosystem, starting from the 2024 season.
This significant development comes as part of Riot’s ongoing efforts to enhance and unify the League of Legends esports landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
The inclusion of the LJL into the PCS marks a pivotal step in Riot Games’ multi-year strategy to fortify the League esports ecosystem in Asia Pacific.
This follows the earlier addition of the League of Legends Circuit Oceania (LCO) and aims to create a more unified and competitive Pacific league.
Riot Games is committed to elevating the fan experience by offering quality broadcasts in multiple languages including English, Japanese, Mandarin, and Cantonese. This move is designed to provide more localized experiences across the region and to present fans with diverse and exciting matchups between teams from the PCS, LJL, and LCO.
In a bid to create a more sustainable esports environment, Riot has made a significant change regarding player residency. LJL players will now be considered residents within the PCS ecosystem, allowing them to join any PCS team without being classified as “imports.” However, LJL teams are still required to field at least three Japanese players on their rosters.
While LJL teams will continue to play their domestic season in Japan in 2024, the top three teams will now seed into the PCS Playoffs.
This creates an opportunity for them to compete alongside PCS and LCO teams for spots in major international events such as the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and Worlds. The top team from the Spring Split will enter the MSI, while the two leading teams from the Summer Split will qualify for Worlds.
PCS Playoffs Format for 2024
The revamped PCS Playoffs in 2024 will feature a total of 11 teams – the top three from the LJL, the top six from the PCS, and the top two from the LCO. This format is divided into two stages, with the three top seeds entering directly into Stage Two, ensuring a more competitive and dynamic playoff experience.
This expansion of the PCS ecosystem with the inclusion of the LJL represents a major shift in the League of Legends competitive scene.
Riot Games’ vision of creating a unified and powerful league in the Asia-Pacific region is taking shape, promising a future filled with heightened competition, diverse talent, and an enriched fan experience. The integration of the LJL is more than just a merger; it’s a new chapter in the story of League of Legends esports, one that holds the promise of elevating the game to unprecedented levels of global excitement and engagement.
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