The
League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) is the APAC's premier
League of Legends esports league. It features four franchised teams that are permanently part of the competition (
CTBC Flying Oyster,
TALON,
Softbanks HAWKS,
GAM Esports), and four guest teams (
Chiefs Esports Club,
DetonatioN FM,
MGN Vikings Esports, and
Team Secret Whales).
The fusion in 2025
The
inception of the LCP was driven by the desire to consolidate talent and resources from the Pacific Championship Series (PCS), Vietnam Championship Series (VCS),
League of Legends Japan League (LJL), and
League of Legends Circuit Oceania (LCO). This merger was designed to create a more robust and competitive environment, fostering the growth of esports within the region. The decision was also influenced by the need to restore integrity and competitiveness following a significant cheating scandal in Vietnam, which had cast a shadow over the region's esports scene.
Rebirth of a region
The LCP's inaugural split in 2025 showcased the region's potential on the global stage.
CTBC Flying Oyster, a Taiwanese team, won the first LCP title with
a 3-1 victory over Talon Esports in the finals. This triumph secured their spot in the First Stand 2025 tournament, where they delivered an outstanding performance by
defeating the champions of the LEC,
LTA, and
LPL. This series of victories marked a significant turnaround for a region that had struggled for so many years at international competitions, signaling the emergence of a new hub for Asian esports talent.
CFO's roster which defined the path for the whole region at First Stand 2025. Credit: Riot Games/LCP.
The LCP's hybrid model, combining partner and guest teams with promotion and relegation mechanisms, has fostered a more competitive environment. This structure ensures that teams continually strive for excellence, maintaining high standards within the league. In summary, the LCP's formation has been a strategic success for Riot Games, enhancing operational efficiency, competitive integrity, and global recognition for the Asia-Pacific esports scene.
The legacy of great players
The story of the LCPâs greatness is built on the shoulders of legendary players and teams, each generation paving the way for the next. It all began in 2012 when the Taipei Assassins (TPA) shocked the world
by winning the second World Championship. Their victory over Azubu Frost in the Season 2 finals put the Asia-Pacific region on the map, proving that the West and Korea were not the only forces to be reckoned with. For years, however, that success remained an anomalyâAPAC teams struggled to reclaim the international spotlight as competition evolved worldwide.
Taipei Assassins holding the S2 Worlds trophy back in 2012. Credit: Riot Games.
But the region never stopped producing exceptional talent. As
League of Legends grew, names like Huang "
Maple" Yi-Tang and Hung "
Karsa" Hao-Hsuan emerged, leading the LMS (the precursor to the PCS) to strong international performances. At the same time, Vietnamâs rise was spearheaded by Äá» "
Levi" Duy KhĂĄnh, a jungler who became famous for his aggressive, playmaking style that turned
GAM Esports into a feared dark horse at MSI and Worlds for several years in a row.
TALON (formerly PSG TALON) took the torch from the LMS era, dominating the PCS and regularly challenging the best teams in the world.
Yet, despite their resilience, APAC squads often found themselves just short of breaking into the elite tier of international play. Then came 2025âthe year everything changed, as previously explained. No longer just an underdog region, the LCP had officially arrived as a major force in the global League of Legends.
Where and When to watch LCP
As for all major regions since 2025, the LCP has been built on a three-split structure throughout the year. Matches are played offline and broadcasted live in multiple languages to cater to a diverse audience. They are watchable on
Twitch and YouTube in English on the official broadcast and in
Vietnamese,
Chinese, and
Japanese.
Header Photo Credit: Riot Games/LCP
