Starting 2025, the new APAC league will be merging VCS (Vietnam), PCS (Pacific), LJL (Japan), and LCO (Oceania). As stated by Riot Games a few weeks ago, they plan to merge several regions into a unified multi-region league as the company wishes to reduce the number of Tier 1 leagues to strengthen team participation and revenues. In this regard, Riot has decided to
unify all the American regions as we previously reported.
As the playoff stage nears for the VCS, PCS, LJL, and LCO, the competition is fiercer than ever. Teams are not only battling for a spot at Worlds but also fighting for a place in the new APAC league launching in 2025. It has been announced the new league will use a hybrid model combining partnership and promotion/relegation. This league will feature eight slots divided between partner and guest teams.
Four partner slots will be allocated to teams selected through a stringent process, ensuring they set a standard for competitive strength and sustainability. These teams will be integral to the league's success and growth.
The remaining four slots will go to guest teams. Two of these will be awarded based on competitive merit to the top-performing PCS and VCS teams from the 2024 playoffs, excluding partner teams. The other two slots will be filled by invited teams, promoting diverse representation and inclusivity. These guest slots will be contested through a promotion/relegation tournament at the end of the 2025 season, with more details to follow.
