LCK-League of Legends Korea

2026 LCK Format Lack of Changes Leaves Fans Perplexed

ByDevin Morris

The LCK adopted a different format for 2025. It received mixed feedback from viewers. While some enjoyed seeing the Rise Group matches, others felt that it was not fair for the likes of KT Rolster and Nongshim Redforce. The latter was mentally affected by the consistent losses they suffered against the four Legend Group teams. The 2026 format will largely remain the same, with some variations.

LCK Cup Changes

The LCK Cup was added in 2025. It places teams into two groups: the Elder and Baron groups. Teams from each group only play against teams from the opposing group. The group with the better record would see all its teams qualify for the postseason. The LCK Cup returns in 2026, but with some changes. The third week will feature a Super Week. Teams with the same seeding in each group will face each other. The winner earns two points.

The postseason qualification is also adjusted. The two teams from the winning group and the first place from the losing group advance to the Playoffs. The last-place team in the losing group is knocked out. The other teams qualify for the Play-Ins.

LCK Regular Season Changes

Rounds 1-2 remain the same for 2026. All teams will play in a double-round robin to qualify for the Road to MSI. The format changes when teams return from MSI. Instead of three rounds of play, there will be two. The change is to accommodate the inclusion of the Asia Games this year. Teams will be split into the Legend and Rise Groups. The qualification for postseason remains the same.

LCK 2026 Format

LTA North League of Legends/Riot Games/Worlds
Image of LTA North League of Legends gameplay, courtesy of Riot Games.

LCK Cup

  • Teams are split into two groups
  • Teams only play against the opposing group teams
  • The third week will feature Super Week
    • Same seeds face off to earn double points
  • All matches Bo3
    • Except for Super Week matches, which are Bo5
  • The top 2 from the Winners and Losers Group advance to the Playoffs
  • Last Place in Losers is Knocked Out
  • The rest of the teams advance to Play-Ins
  • All Play-In and Playoff matches are Bo5
  • Play-Ins and Playoffs are Double Elimination
  • All matches feature Fearless Draft
  • Winner qualifies for First Stand

LCK Round 1-2

  • Double Round-Robin
  • All matches are Bo3 with Fearless Draft
  • Top Six Qualify for Road to MSI

Road to MSI

  • Format TBA, but likely unchanged
  • The top two teams qualify for MSI

LCK Round 3-4

  • Teams are split based on the performance in Round 1-2 performance
    • Top five in Legend Group
    • Bottom five in Rise Group
  • Scores from Round 1-2 carry over
  • All matches are Bo3 with Fearless Draft
  • The top four teams in the Legend Group qualify for the Playoffs
    • First and Second place qualify for Round 2
    • Third and Fourth place qualify for Round 1
  • Fifth place in the Legend Group and the Top three from the Rise Group qualify for Play-Ins
  • Last-placed teams in the Rise Group are knocked out

Play-In

  • Double Elimination
  • The Top Two teams advance to the Round 1 Playoffs
  • All matches are Bo5 with Fearless Draft

Playoffs

  • Double Elimination
  • The Top Three teams qualify for Worlds
  • All matches are Bo5 with Fearless Draft

I am a gaming fanatic from little old South Africa. I have had a passion for gaming and writing from a young age. My early favorites were Age of Empires, FIFA and Need for Speed games. As I grew older I moved into more competitive gaming, focusing on Overwatch, League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics. I also sink way too many hours into Destiny 2!

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