The fate of the LCL, or League of Legends Continental League, has been a hot topic in the esports community. Once the premier League of Legends competition for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), its future is now intertwined with the broader EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region.
At a glance:
- The LCL was the top League of Legends league in the CIS from 2016 to 2022.
- The LCL's 2022 season was cancelled due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- The league may return as part of the EMEA Regional League (ERL) system.
- Unicorns of Love holds the record for the most LCL championships.
- The LCL historically sent its top teams to international events like the Mid-Season Invitational and the World Championship.
A Brief History of the LCL
The League of Legends Continental League (LCL) emerged in 2016, taking the reins from the SLTV StarSeries as the highest level of League of Legends competition in the CIS region. Organized by Riot Games Russia, the LCL quickly became a proving ground for talented players and a source of intense regional rivalries. Each season followed a familiar structure: a Spring Split and a Summer Split, each culminating in playoffs to determine the champion. These champions would then represent the LCL on the international stage at events like the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the World Championship.
The league featured eight teams battling it out in a double round-robin format over five weeks, ensuring plenty of action for fans. Performance in the regular season determined seeding for the playoffs, a single-elimination tournament that decided who would ultimately lift the trophy. According to details about the Spring Playoffs, these playoffs were critical.
The 2022 Cancellation and its Impact
The trajectory of the LCL took an unexpected turn in 2022. Due to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Riot Games made the difficult decision to cancel the Spring 2022 season. This cancellation rippled through the CIS League of Legends scene, leaving players, teams, and fans in a state of uncertainty. The Summer 2022 season, as well as any seasons in 2023 and 2024, also did not take place, effectively putting the LCL on hold.
The Unicorns of Love Dynasty
Before the disruption, one team dominated the LCL landscape: Unicorns of Love. They hold the distinction of being the most decorated team in LCL history, boasting a record five championships. Their dominance wasn't just limited to winning titles; they also set records for the best regular season record (14-0 in Summer 2020) and the longest winning streak. In fact, the data shows that Unicorns of Love enjoyed a remarkable period of sustained success.
LCL Standings and Key Teams (Pre-Cancellation)
Looking back at the last completed season, the LCL 2022 Spring Split, we can get a sense of the competitive landscape before the league's hiatus. Here's a snapshot of the standings after four weeks of play:
- One Breath Gaming: 4-0
- Team Spirit: 4-0
- Unicorns of Love: 3-1
- Black Star Gaming: 3-1
- CrowCrowd: 1-3
- Dragon Army: 1-3
- Vega Squadron: 0-4
- CTRL PLAY: 0-4
These standings highlight the competitiveness of the league, with several teams vying for the top spots. The tie-breaker rule, prioritizing head-to-head matches, added another layer of strategy and importance to each game.
The Future: LCL as an EMEA Regional League?
The big question now is: what does the future hold for the LCL? The most likely scenario involves the LCL becoming part of the EMEA Regional League (ERL) system. This shift is a consequence of Riot Games consolidating the CIS region, along with Europe, Turkey, and the MENA region, into a single EMEA region in 2023.
What does this mean for the LCL?
- Integration into the EMEA Ecosystem: LCL teams would compete against teams from other EMEA regions for a chance to qualify for the EMEA Masters, a pan-regional tournament showcasing the best talent in the region.
- Increased Competition: The level of competition would likely increase, as LCL teams would face off against more diverse and established opponents.
- Opportunities for Growth: The move to EMEA could provide more opportunities for LCL players to gain international exposure and attract the attention of larger organizations.
Prize Pools and League Structure
Historically, the LCL has offered significant prize pools to incentivize competition. In 2016 and 2017, the total prize pool amounted to ₽4.5 million per season. The league structure, with its Spring and Summer Splits, provided a consistent schedule for players and fans alike. The top teams from each split would then have the opportunity to compete at prestigious international tournaments.
Key Players and Records
Over the years, the LCL has produced many talented players who have left their mark on the league. Some players, like AHaHaCiK, BOSS, and Nomanz have achieved incredible success. Unicorns of Love dominated the league, achieving best record and consecutive championships. On the other end of the spectrum Esports in Emerging Markets, Vaevictis eSports struggled, setting records for the worst record and longest losing streak.
Addressing Common Questions and Misconceptions
Q: Is the LCL completely gone?
A: Not necessarily. While the LCL as it existed before 2022 is currently inactive, it is expected to return as part of the EMEA Regional League system.
Q: Will LCL teams still have a chance to compete internationally?
A: Yes, but the path to international competition will be different. Instead of directly qualifying for MSI or Worlds, LCL teams will need to perform well in the EMEA Masters to earn their place on the global stage.
Q: What impact will this have on the CIS League of Legends scene?
A: The integration into EMEA will likely lead to a more competitive and dynamic environment. While some may lament the loss of a dedicated CIS league, the move could ultimately benefit the region by providing greater opportunities for growth and exposure.
What Happens Next? Following the Future of LCL
The future of the LCL is intrinsically tied to the EMEA League of Legends ecosystem. Keep your eyes peeled for announcements regarding the official structure of the EMEA Regional Leagues and how the CIS region will be integrated. Following the performance of CIS teams in the EMEA Masters will serve as a solid benchmark. By staying informed and engaged, you can witness the next chapter of League of Legends unfold.