More Matches and the Return of the Bo3 Format

All three splits will no longer use the Best-of-1 format, which, according to Riot, will provide more spectacle and more matches. For the first time in three years, LCS and LEC will have the same format for the spring and summer stages—a move that will make it easier for Western fans to follow both leagues.

Split 1 will once again be named the Lock-In Tournament and will grant the champion a slot at the international tournament First Stand. The format will include three weeks of a Swiss stage, after which the top 5 teams and the winner of the Last Chance Qualifier will advance to a six-team playoff with a Double Elimination system. Riot notes that this will increase the number of matches by more than 50% compared to 2025.

Spring and Summer Return

In addition to renaming, the main stages of the season will also change. The Spring Split will be held in a single round-robin Bo3 format, with playoffs for the top 6 teams using a Double Elimination system. The champion and finalist will represent North America at MSI 2026.

The Summer Split will feature an expanded loser's bracket, mirroring the 2024 format. This ensures that the top three teams in the region will secure slots at Worlds 2026, which will be held in North America for the first time in several years.

What's Next?

According to lead analyst MarkZ, final changes are still being prepared:

Stay tuned—the final touches will be revealed during the LCS Address early next year.

The return of the classic format and an increase in the number of games appear to be a step towards reviving interest in the league, which aims to regain its former popularity and excitement.