The LCS is Changing its Format: Best-of-Three Series Return in 2024
The LCS is reportedly moving back to best-of-three series from the 2024 Summer Split regular season after six and a half years of best-of-one play for the North American League of Legends competition. This format change, which was first reported by League content creator Travis Gafford in a YouTube video on April 17, would bring NA’s premier league in line with China’s LPL and Korea’s LCK competitions—the two titanic League regions have never shifted away from Bo3s. The last time the LCS had a similar format was in the 2017 Summer Split, when TSM won its third consecutive domestic title.
This decision is far from surprising, with LCS commissioner MarkZ suggesting as early as February this year that things were already in motion for an NA format change. At the time, the league boss admitted it’s “what fans want to see.”
This breaking story is currently being updated…
What Does the Return of Best-of-Three Series Mean for the LCS?
With the return of best-of-three series in the LCS, the competition is expected to become more intense and challenging. This format change aligns the North American league with top-performing regions like China’s LPL and Korea’s LCK, which have always used best-of-three series.
Best-of-three series not only provide more opportunities for teams to showcase their strategies and adaptability, but they also ensure a fairer and more accurate representation of the teams’ skills and abilities. The best team will emerge victorious after a thorough and comprehensive competition, leaving no room for lucky wins based on a single game.
The last time the LCS had a similar format was in the 2017 Summer Split when TSM secured their third consecutive domestic title. This suggests that the return of best-of-three series may favor teams with experienced players and a deep understanding of the game’s macro and micro strategies.
Impact on LCS Teams and Players
The adoption of best-of-three series will undoubtedly have an impact on LCS teams and players. Coaches and players will need to adapt their strategies, draft plans, and in-game decision-making to accommodate the longer series.
Teams with talented rosters and a diverse champion pool will have an advantage in best-of-three series, as they can surprise opponents with different team compositions and playstyles. The ability to adapt and adjust between games becomes crucial in order to gain an upper hand in the series.
Additionally, longer series put more emphasis on mental fortitude and resilience. Players will need to overcome defeats, regroup, and bounce back in subsequent games to secure a series win. This adds an extra layer of pressure and excitement to LCS matches.
Overall, the return of best-of-three series in the LCS promises to bring greater depth, complexity, and excitement to the North American League of Legends scene. With teams battling it out over multiple games, viewers can expect thrilling and intense matchups, showcasing the true skills and abilities of the LCS teams.
