The LEC has overhauled its format in 2023, with three Splits as a substitute of two and far shorter Common Splits. After three weeks, the Winter Break up’s common season has already ended, letting method to the Group part.
Stakes are intensifying forward of playoffs, with groups now solely taking part in best-of-three and best-of-five sequence till the subsequent Break up.
The LEC met mixed viewership numbers in the beginning of the Break up, however followers have reached a verdict on this 12 months’s new format in a Reddit thread, and so they’re fairly unanimous: adjustments occurred for the higher.
The dialogue grew to become a well-liked appreciation thread for Riot Video games’ new LEC format, the place gamers shared its numerous benefits. They proved to be unanimous on the truth that the shortened common Break up considerably elevated the stakes of each match since a single level could make all of the distinction forward of the Group part.
“Each sport is vital. No person can loosen up or unwind. That is implausible for competitors and hype,” wrote the person. “An awesome component is the way it makes BDS and Astralis tryhard for his or her lives. It’s an evening and day distinction for these decrease groups who’ve to point out up early now.”
Gamers agreed that three weeks have 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 exhibiting their limits, since groups received’t have the time to get comfy with the format.
Beginning 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 would truly concentrate for a complete common season as a substitute of simply watching first week and the top,” wrote one other League fan.
Some have been nervous 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.
However others argued that the group could 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 onerous weeks of competitors.
Whereas 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 part will kick off subsequent Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11am CT.
