The LCS is divided into two separate divisions – the North American (NA) and the European (EU) division. The NA LCS features 10 teams from North America, while the EU LCS features 10 teams from Europe. The teams in each division compete against each other during the regular season to qualify for the playoffs, where they fight for a spot in the grand finals.
The LCS format is a round-robin system, where each team in the division faces every other team twice, once at home and once away. Each match is a best-of-three, and teams earn points based on their performance. The top six teams at the end of the regular season qualify for the playoffs, where they compete in a single-elimination bracket to decide the champion.
Each season of the LCS features two splits – Spring and Summer. The Spring Split is usually played from January to April, while the Summer Split is played from June to September. The winner of each split earns a spot in the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), where they compete against the best teams from around the world.
The LCS is not just a tournament – it is a full-fledged league with professional players, coaches, and support staff. Each team has its own training facilities, where players spend hours practicing and improving their skills. The LCS has also attracted major sponsors like Coca-Cola, Mastercard, and State Farm, which provide support and funding for the league.
The LCS has been instrumental in popularising esports in North America and Europe. According to a report by NewZoo, the LCS is one of the most-watched esports leagues in the world, with a peak viewership of 2.5 million during the grand finals. The prize pool for the 2021 LCS Summer Split is $200,000, with the winners taking home $100,000. This shows the increasing importance of esports in the world of sports entertainment.
The LCS has not been without its controversies. In 2020, several former LCS players accused their teams of mistreatment, including unpaid wages, long hours, and poor working conditions. Riot Games, the game’s developer and the organiser of the LCS, launched an investigation into these allegations and promised to improve working conditions for players.
The LCS has also faced criticism for its lack of diversity. According to a report by Racial Justice Coalition, the LCS is predominantly white, with only a small percentage of players from minority backgrounds. Riot Games has promised to address this issue and increase diversity in the league.
Despite these challenges, the LCS remains a major event in the world of esports. The league has provided a platform for talented players to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. The LCS has also attracted a new generation of fans to esports, who are excited to watch their favourite teams and players battle it out for supremacy.
In conclusion, the League Championship Series (LCS) is a major esports league that has helped popularise esports in North America and Europe. This competitive league features the best teams from both regions, who compete against each other during the regular season to qualify for the playoffs. The LCS is not just a tournament – it is a full-fledged league with professional players, coaches, and support staff. While the LCS has faced challenges like accusations of mistreatment and lack of diversity, the league remains a major event in the world of esports, attracting millions of viewers and providing a platform for talented players to showcase their skills.