LPL 2025 Format Explained

The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) is introducing a revolutionary format for its 2025 season. Moving away from the traditional spring and summer split structure, the new system divides the year into three distinct stages, culminating in an exciting playoffs to determine the season champion and qualifiers for Worlds 2025. Here’s a breakdown of what fans can expect from the updated LPL format.

The first stage of the LPL season kicks off with all 16 teams competing in a high-stakes format:

1. Group Stage:

• Teams are split into 4 groups of 4, seeded based on Summer 2024 placements.
• Each group plays a Single Round-Robin Best-of-Five (Bo5) with Fearless Draft.
• The top 2 teams from each group advance to the Playoffs, while the bottom 2 are eliminated from Split 1.

2. Playoffs:

• A Double Elimination format is used.
• Group Winners are seeded into the Upper Bracket Semifinals, while Runners-up start in the Lower Bracket Round 1.
• All matches are Bo5 with Fearless Draft.

Split 1’s winners will earn the honor of representing the LPL at First Stand, the first international event of 2025.

The second stage keeps the competition intense, offering a fresh challenge for all 16 teams:

1. Group Stage:

Teams are re-seeded into 4 groups based on Split 1 results.

Groups play Single Round-Robin Best-of-Three (Bo3).

Top 2 teams move to Group Ascend, while the bottom 2 head to Group Nirvana.

2. Rumble Stage:

In Group Ascend:

• Top 4 advance to Playoffs.
• Next 4 move to the Knight’s Rivals Stage.

In Group Nirvana:

• Top 4 also move to Knight’s Rivals.
• The 5th and 6th teams proceed to Split 3.
• Bottom 2 teams end their 2025 season.

3. Knight’s Rivals Stage (Play-In):

• Teams compete in Single Bo5 matches for a spot in Playoffs.

4. Playoffs:

• Double Elimination format continues, with teams from Group Ascend picking their opponents for the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals.
• All matches are Bo5.

Split 2’s winners will represent the LPL at MSI 2025.

The final stage determines the ultimate standings and Worlds representatives:

1. Rumble Stage:

• Top 8 teams from Split 2’s Playoffs Proper are placed into Group Ascend.
• The next 6 teams are placed into Group Nirvana.
• Both groups play Single Round-Robin Bo5 matches.
• In Group Ascend: Top 4 advance to Playoffs. Next 4 go to Knight’s Rivals Stage.
• In Group Nirvana: Top 4 advance to Knight’s Rivals. Bottom 2 teams are eliminated.

2. Knight’s Rivals Stage:

• Teams compete in Single Bo5 matches for Playoffs qualification.

3. Playoffs:

• Double Elimination format determines the season champion and Worlds 2025 qualifiers.

The LPL 2025 format promises to be an exhilarating ride for fans and players alike. With three distinct stages, innovative side-selection mechanics, and high-stakes matches throughout the year, the new structure ensures that every game matters. As the league adapts to the evolving esports landscape, this format sets a new standard for competitive League of Legends.