The path to the top of Pacific League of Legends will start closer to home in 2027. Riot Games is changing the League of Legends Championship Pacific’s format to give domestic teams more chances to qualify and reduce the costs of competing away from home.
Under the new system, teams will start each split in the PCS, VCS or LJL. The best-performing teams will then move into an LCP bracket, where they will compete for regional titles and places at international events.
This replaces a system where domestic teams had one promotion opportunity each year. Only one or two teams from each league could take part.
For teams trying to break through, the main change is simple: they will have another chance each split. Their domestic results will decide whether they reach the regional stage.
Why Riot wants teams competing closer to home
Riot says moving teams to Taipei increased operating costs and made it harder for organizations to connect with local fans. Players also spent more time away from their families and support networks.
Moving teams back home should reduce some of those pressures and give organizations more chances to work with local fans and partners.
“By allowing teams to move home, we hope to significantly reduce their operating costs,” Riot said in its official announcement.
The benefits could go beyond lower travel costs. Regular contact with local fans may help teams build stronger relationships outside match days. Whether that leads to more sustainable businesses will depend on how teams and domestic organizers use the opportunity.
Revenue support will continue for eligible teams
Riot will continue providing Regional Global Revenue Pool support to current LCP teams, including teams promoted or retained through the upcoming Promotion Series. Teams that qualify for global events will also be eligible for Global Event GRP distributions, according to Riot’s official announcement.
Qualification and revenue support are separate parts of the system. Riot has not said that every domestic participant will receive the same financial support.
The details will determine how open the system becomes
The LCP will remain APAC’s route to international competition. Wild Card regions will also keep a pathway, but Riot has not yet announced the slot distribution, full format or integration rules.
Those details will decide how many real opportunities challengers receive. For now, the plan is clear: teams compete locally, earn a place in the regional stage and try to move on from there. Riot’s next announcement will need to explain exactly how that process works.