The LEC has overhauled its format in 2023, with three Splits as a substitute of two and far shorter Regular Splits. After three weeks, the Winter Split’s common season has already ended, letting option to the Group section.
Stakes are intensifying forward of playoffs, with groups now solely taking part in best-of-three and best-of-five sequence till the subsequent Split.
The LEC met combined viewership numbers initially of the Split, however followers have reached a verdict on this yr’s new format in a Reddit thread, they usually’re fairly unanimous: adjustments occurred for the higher.
The dialogue grew to become a preferred appreciation thread for Riot Games’ new LEC format, the place gamers shared its varied benefits. They proved to be unanimous on the truth that the shortened common Split considerably elevated the stakes of each match since a single level could make all of the distinction forward of the Group section.
“Every game is important. Nobody can relax or unwind. This is fantastic for competition and hype,” wrote the person. “A great element is how it makes BDS and Astralis tryhard for their lives. It’s a night and day difference for these lower teams who have to show up early now.”
Players agreed that three weeks had been an ideal time window for best-of-ones to point out their full potential by way of technique and pure ability, with out blatantly displaying their limits, since groups gained’t have the time to get comfy with the format.
Starting taking part in best-of-threes after solely three weeks is difficult, which forces gamers to stay on their toes and always adapt —that means extra surprises and potential upsets within the following weeks.
“I might actually pay attention for an entire regular season instead of just watching first week and the end,” wrote one other League fan.
Some had been apprehensive that underperforming groups wouldn’t have the prospect to enhance and make it to playoffs by coming again within the final video games, like Fnatic, who’s traditionally going to overlook playoffs regardless of excessive expectations.
But others argued that the workforce may have two extra Splits to get into form once more and qualify for Worlds, in addition to the remainder of the Winter season to get again to their ft after exhausting weeks of competitors.
While the success of this format has but to translate in viewership numbers, there’s nonetheless extra time to see the format bear its fruits. Winter’s Group section will kick off subsequent Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11am CT.
