The tournament format for the newly starting "League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP)" on Thursday, January 16, 2026, has been announced.
There are upgrades from the 2025 tournament, such as changing all playoff matches to a best-of-five (BO5) format and introducing Championship Points as a criterion for determining the final teams advancing to Worlds.
LCP 2026 Tournament Format Announced! Many Changes to Make the Tournament Even More Enjoyable!
Get an early look at the changes coming to LCP 2026! https://t.co/YupQROvqrR pic.twitter.com/29EIZ41gRr
— LCP (@lolpacificen) November 5, 2025
The second season of the LCP, following the 2025 season, will begin on Thursday, January 16, 2026!
In the qualifiers, eight teams will compete for participation, similar to the previous tournament.
The 2026 LCP season is further powered up from the previous tournament!
Changes were decided based on feedback received from fans and online during the 2025 season, upgrading the tournament to be even more spectacular.
Changes to the 2026 LCP Tournament Format
All Playoff Matches Changed to Best-of-Five (BO5)
In the previous Season Finals, the Quarterfinals and Semifinals were best-of-three (BO3, first to 2 games), but in this tournament, all playoff matches will be changed to best-of-five (BO5, first to 3 games).
This is expected to extend the duration of the playoff series, increasing the intensity of LCP matches and allowing you to enjoy more spectacular games.
Swiss Stage Set for Split 3
The current format will be maintained for Split 1 and Split 2, but Split 3 will feature a Swiss Stage.
This will allow for dynamic matchups and the creation of rivalries, making the tournament even more enjoyable.
The match format will use BO3 and BO5 depending on the round.
Introduction of Championship Points
This year, Championship Points will be introduced as a criterion for determining the final teams advancing to Worlds.
The system is designed to evaluate teams that achieve excellent results throughout the season, so Worlds is expected to feature higher-level competition!
2v2 Side Selection Showdown
Starting this year, a 2v2 match will be introduced, replacing the previous 1v1.
A fast-paced action unfolds as teams battle in 2v2 to earn the right to choose their side!
LCP Promotion Series Returns in 2026
Two LCP guest teams will battle fiercely with the top teams from the APAC domestic leagues to defend their league position.
Matches Start Earlier During Split 1!
During Split 1, the start time for all match days will be moved up, beginning at 2PM GMT+8!
These changes will be re-evaluated at the end of Split 1 along with fan feedback.
For other details and follow-up reports, please visit the Riot Games official website.
