Riot Games is overhauling qualification for the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP), with every team required to compete domestically in the PCS, VCS, or LJL before advancing to the regional league starting in 2027.
The change was confirmed in a press release published on 21 September, according to LoL Esports. Rather than teams spending full seasons based in the LCP, each split will now begin at domestic level, with top performers progressing into the LCP as a bracket stage bringing APAC’s strongest sides together.
What Changes in 2027?
The current model limits domestic sides to a single annual shot at promotion via the Promotion Series, with only one or two teams per league eligible. From 2027, every PCS, VCS, and LJL team gets a qualification opportunity each split, while the LCP retains its status as APAC’s sole gateway to international events.
- Teams relocate operations back to home regions instead of basing in Taipei
- Wild Card regions retain a Promotion Series pathway into the LCP
- Regional GRP continues for current LCP teams, including those promoted or retained via Promotion Series
- Teams qualifying for global events become eligible for Global Event GRP
Why Riot Is Making the Switch
Riot cited relocation costs as a key driver behind the restructuring, noting that basing teams outside their home markets raised operating expenses and limited in-person fan engagement. The publisher also pointed to player welfare, with extended time away from support networks flagged as a strain under the existing setup.
The overhaul follows two seasons of the centralised LCP format, which produced a record near-500,000 peak viewership at the 2025 Mid Season Finals and saw CTBC Flying Oyster reach the Worlds 2025 quarterfinals – APAC’s best Worlds result since 2015. Team Secret Whales then swept every 2026 LCP title, becoming the first APAC side to beat an LPL opponent in a best-of-five, a run Esports Insider explored in detail.
What’s Next?
Riot has yet to confirm slot distribution, format specifics, or Wild Card integration rules, with further detail promised in the coming months via the league’s official social channels. Organisers interested in running Wild Card tournaments connected to the LCP are expected to receive application guidance soon.
