Big Changes Coming for LPL Summer Split 2024

The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) in China is gearing up for an exciting Summer Split with a fresh format set to debut.

The competition is becoming more exciting with four distinct stages planned, aiming to intensify rivalries and boost fan engagement.

Group Draw and Teams

[New]2024 LPL Regular Split Format

1. 17 teams will divided into 4 groups based on Spring result (teams with home court will be in different groups)

2. Double round robin Bo3 with fearless draft mode, last 2 teams in each group will go to a lower bracket, the rest 9 teams will… pic.twitter.com/2gQIXR292Y

— LPL Fanclub (@LPLfanclub) April 24, 2024

Starting on June 24th, the 2024 Summer Split will kick off with a group draw. This stage sets the scene as 17 teams are sorted into four groups. 

These groups are determined by their past performances, ensuring a balanced and competitive setup.

Introducing “Fearless Draft”

The first major change this season is the introduction of the “Fearless Draft” in the initial group stage.

Originating from the LDL, China’s secondary league, this format requires each team to select a champion at the start of the series and stick with that choice throughout the stage.

This rule encourages teams to think strategically about their picks, adding a layer of complexity and excitement to the matches.

Group Stages to Playoffs

After the initial group draw, the LPL Summer Split heats up with two engaging group stages, where teams compete in a strict double best-of-three format.

This stage determines who advances: the top two teams from each group climb to a higher pool, marked by tougher competition and greater stakes.

This format ensures not just extended gameplay but multiple chances for teams to demonstrate their strength and strategy.

As the regular season wraps up, the elite seven teams from this higher pool earn direct entries into the playoffs, reverting to the traditional drafting system, which is familiar ground in the playoffs setting.

For those teams that didn’t secure a top spot but showed potential, a last chance awaits in a high-stakes, single-elimination round.

This crucial phase offers the remaining teams one final opportunity to snag the last three spots in the playoffs. Here, every match is a do-or-die battle, packed with drama and tension, keeping fans in perplexity until the last second.

This structured pathway from group stages through to the playoffs not only heightens the competition’s intensity but also keeps the dream of victory alive for all teams, regardless of their initial standing.

Prize Pool and International Competition

The playoffs will maintain the 10-team format seen in the Spring Split, featuring a mix of “King-of-the-Hill” and double-elimination rounds, all played in best-of-five matches. This setup ensures that every game is crucial and that only the best teams make it to the top.

Prizes this year are more tempting than ever, with a hefty CN¥4.2 million (~£463,800) up for grabs. More importantly, the winning team secures a coveted spot in the League of Legends World Championships, a global event that draws competitors from around the world.

Reigning champions Bilibili Gaming, along with Top Esports, are already set to represent the LPL at the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational in Chengdu, China.

A Season of Excitement

The upcoming LPL Summer Split 2024 is set to bring in some exciting changes that promise to make the competition more engaging and dynamic for both players and viewers.

This season will feature more games, strategic draft choices, and intense elimination rounds, making it one of the most thrilling yet.

There will be bigger rivalries, more strategic gameplay, and a tournament that keeps everyone guessing until the very end. Fans can look forward to an action-packed tournament that will leave them on the edge of their seats.