{"id":2067,"date":"2021-02-05T18:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-05T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.secretlab.co\/stories\/?p=2067"},"modified":"2022-07-18T23:04:09","modified_gmt":"2022-07-18T15:04:09","slug":"lcs-2021-spring-split","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.secretlab.co\/stories\/lcs-2021-spring-split\/","title":{"rendered":"What you need to know about the LCS 2021 Spring Split"},"content":{"rendered":"

New faces, a brand new format, and all-new LCS Edition seats.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

 
\nWhile the start of a new split usually sees plenty of roster moves, the LCS 2021 Spring Split promises a brand new landscape that is more exciting than anything we\u2019ve seen in a while.<\/span><\/p>\n

Old faces are retiring, while fresh Academy players and veterans from across the Atlantic are moving in. Major tournament format changes also up the stakes for the Spring Split, so you can be sure that everyone will be bringing their best game.<\/span><\/p>\n

Will the same few teams dominate?<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/span>Images courtesy of  Riot Games<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

One of the most dominant teams of 2020 was definitely Cloud9 \u2014 their unprecedented 13-game winning streak during the 2020 Spring Split was one for the record books, and even though they failed to clinch the trophy in the summer, they still established themselves as one of the best teams in the league. But Cloud9 is looking very different going into 2021. Former Academy player Ibrahim \u201cFudge\u201d Allami is replacing Eric \u201cLicorice\u201d Ritchie in the top lane, but he\u2019s already singled himself out as a player to watch out for with key roles in C9 Academy\u2019s consecutive split and playoff victories.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Images courtesy of  Riot Games<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The most exciting change however comes in the mid-lane, where <\/span>Luka \u201cPerkz\u201d Perkovi\u0107<\/span> joins Cloud9 from G2 Esports in the LEC. Perkz holds the record for the most titles won in Europe, and he has put up stellar performances at multiple World Championships. With so much talent in one roster, Cloud9 looks primed to continue to sweep the competition at the LCS.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another LCS giant that is seeing some significant changes is Team SoloMid. <\/span>S\u00f8ren \u201cBjergsen\u201d Bjerg and <\/span>Yiliang \u201cDoublelift\u201d Peng <\/span>have retired in shocking announcements, depriving TSM of arguably two of their best players. Tristan \u201cPowerOfEvil\u201d Schrage and Lawrence \u201cLost\u201d Sze Yuy Hui will replace them in the mid-lane and ADC roles respectively, but it remains to be seen how the 7-time LCS champions will continue to fare this spring.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\" Images courtesy of Riot Games<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Team Liquid has added Barney \u201cAlphari\u201d Morris and Lucas \u201cSantorin\u201d Tao Kilmer Larsen in top and jungle, bringing a wealth of experience to their line-up. Santorin in particular has had an impressive 2020 \u2014 his performance on FlyQuest was integral to multiple victories throughout the year, helping them challenge teams like TSM and Cloud9 on the same level.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll want to keep an eye on Evil Geniuses as well. They\u2019ve picked up former world champion Jeong \u201cImpact\u201d Eon-Young, frequently touted as one of the world\u2019s best top laners. Impact has also won four consecutive LCS splits himself, so he\u2019ll be bringing some serious skill and experience to EG.<\/span><\/p>\n

In short, while you can continue to expect dominating performances from the traditional titans of Cloud9, TSM, and Liquid, there won\u2019t be any shortage of capable challengers in the form of young and hungry talents.<\/span><\/p>\n

A brand new format and an all-new LCS Edition chair<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Each match during the Regular Season is a best-of-one, and the top six teams will advance to the <\/span>Mid-Season Showdown<\/b>, or what we usually think of as the spring playoffs. In the Summer Split, the playoffs will be replaced by the <\/span>LCS Championship<\/b>. Winning teams qualify for the Mid-Season Invitational and World Championship respectively, and how teams perform during the Spring and Summer Splits will affect their eventual seeding.<\/span><\/p>\n

This change addresses fans\u2019 complaints that the Spring Split used to matter less than the Summer Split, and will help make the upcoming split even more competitive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s an overview of the timeline going forward:<\/span><\/p>\n