Riot Opening LCP in 2027 with Routes for VCS, LJL and PCS
Riot Games is restructuring the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) for 2027, enabling domestic region teams to compete at home rather than mandating relocation to Taipei. The new format will feature three regional pathways: Vietnam’s VCS, Japan’s LJL, and Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macao’s PCS. The best-performing teams from each domestic league will qualify for the international LCP competition, where they can earn slots for Worlds qualification.
A key change addresses previous complaints about the financial and logistical burden of mandatory relocation. By allowing teams to remain in their home regions during domestic competition, Riot aims to reduce costs and strengthen regional engagement. The restructure also returns opportunities for Wildcard teams to qualify for international competition, potentially benefiting regions like Oceania that have historically faced limited pathways to major tournaments.
The 2027 format represents a significant shift in how Riot manages APAC esports, balancing the need for an international competitive stage with the practical and community-building benefits of domestic play.