As the sun sets on various competitive League of Legends leagues across the globe, signaling the end of their seasons, a grand crescendo is building up on the horizon. Esports enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up for one of the most anticipated events of the year—the 2023 World Championship. Amid this excitement, Europe’s League of Legends Championship Series (LEC) is yet to kick off its final regional showdown for the year—the 2023 LEC Season Finals.
With six formidable teams still locked in a fierce battle for a coveted spot at the World Championship, fans are beginning to realize that the revised schedule for EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) rosters might not offer enough breathing room for crucial rest, preparation, and intercontinental travel before the international showdown begins. Some dedicated supporters have even taken to online platforms to voice their concerns, with claims that the LEC might be inadvertently hindering its own progress due to the changes implemented this year—a discussion that originally sparked on a Reddit thread on August 14.
The New Landscape of the LEC
The LEC’s new three-split system has brought a unique flavor to the competitive scene. The 2023 Summer Split concluded on Sunday, July 30, culminating in G2 Esports’ triumphant victory against Excel Esports. While the timing of this conclusion is not inherently disruptive for the players, it’s what follows that has raised eyebrows. A three-week hiatus from LEC competition was introduced between the end of the Summer Playoffs and the commencement of the Season Finals. This strategic pause, designed to provide teams with a breather and strategizing time, is triggering a series of interconnected events.
The Battle for the Throne
The Season Finals are slated to commence on Saturday, August 19, and will stretch their gripping saga until Sunday, September 10. While this schedule aligns well with the top three teams of the LEC, the fourth seed in the region faces a tight timeline. This fourth seed must ready itself for an intense clash against the LCS’ fourth seed, forming the inaugural Worlds Qualifying Series—a pivotal showdown that will decide which team from each region advances to the Play-in Stage of the World Championship.
A Clash of Titans: Worlds Qualifying Series
The Worlds Qualifying Series shines a spotlight on the fourth seeds from both LEC and LCS, as they engage in a battle for supremacy to represent their region on the grand World Championship stage. Golden Guardians, the fourth seed of the LCS, recently exited the playoff race, leaving them with ample time to immerse themselves in intensive training, scout potential adversaries, and craft innovative strategies. In contrast, the LEC’s fourth seed faces a distinct challenge. Their identity will only be revealed on Saturday, September 2—providing them with a limited window to study their rivals, fine-tune their plans, and potentially embark on a bootcamp, all before their monumental clash against Golden Guardians.
Learning from History: Lessons from the Spring Playoffs
This predicament echoes a situation that unfolded earlier in the year. The Spring Playoffs concluded a mere week before the commencement of the 2023 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI). The roster of MAD Lions, the European representative, found themselves with a scant nine days to prepare and traverse the distance to London, where they ultimately faced a formidable challenge. They were swiftly defeated in consecutive series against powerhouses T1 and G2.
Shaping the Future: The Hope for Balance
As the LEC navigates this new landscape, fans and players alike are hoping for a harmonious solution. The call for changes in the scheduling structure is gaining momentum, aimed at granting teams more space between events. This grace period is not just about recuperation—it’s about meticulous planning, innovative strategies, and the mental readiness required to excel on the grand stage. While it might take some time for Riot Games to calibrate the perfect balance, enthusiasts remain optimistic that a middle ground can be reached—one that caters to the demands of the community and the aspirations of the competitors alike.
FAQs
What is the 2023 World Championship in League of Legends?
The 2023 World Championship is a major international esports event that brings together the best League of Legends teams from around the world to compete for the ultimate title of world champion.
What is the LEC Season Finals?
The LEC Season Finals is the final regional tournament of the year in the League of Legends European Championship (LEC) competitive scene. It determines the top team in the region.
What is the Worlds Qualifying Series?
The Worlds Qualifying Series is a showdown between the fourth seeds from different regions (e.g., LEC and LCS) to determine which team earns the right to represent their region in the Play-in Stage of the World Championship.
How does the LEC’s three-split system work?
The LEC’s three-split system divides the competitive season into three distinct segments: Spring Split, Summer Split, and Season Finals. Each split features its own playoffs and culminates in a championship event.
Why are fans concerned about the LEC’s schedule changes?
Fans are concerned that the LEC’s new schedule might not provide enough time for teams to rest, prepare, and travel before important international competitions like the World Championship. This could potentially affect the performance and competitiveness of LEC teams on the global stage.