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The BLAST Premier Spring Final will be the final S-Tier Counter-Strike tournament before the month-long player break, with the event set to take place from June 12 through June 16.
Meanwhile, two of the major League of Legends regional leagues will kick off this week, with the LCK and LCS starting their summer splits on June 12 and June 15, respectively.
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CS2: BLAST Premier Spring Final
Eight of the best CS2 teams will congregate in London, England, for the BLAST Premier Spring Final, with seven of the eight rosters ranked inside the top 10 in the ESL world rankings.
With a massive US$425,000 prize pool on the line and a spot at the BLAST Premier World Final up for grabs for the winner, it is expected that the gameplay will be top-tier throughout the four days.
Esports betting sites have FaZe Clan and Team Spirit marked as $4.00 equal favourites in the outright betting market, followed by Team Vitality ($4.50), Astralis ($7.00) and Natus Vincere ($7.50).
Check out our extensive BLAST Premier Spring Final betting guide to get the latest odds and tournament information.
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League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK)
The Korean League of Legends summer split will kick off on June 12 and run through September 8.
Fresh off their Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) victory, Gen.G will enter the LCK Summer split as clear $2.00 favourites with bookmakers.
Check out our extensive LCK betting guide to get the latest odds and tournament information.
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League of Legends Championship Series (LCS)
On Sunday, June 16, a new era of the LCS will kick off in Los Angeles at the Riot Games Arena.
The North American League of Legends summer split will play fewer series than they did in the spring, and those series will be best-of-three matches.
Esports betting sites have Cloud9 marked as $3.50 favourites in the outright betting market, closely followed by Team Liquid ($4.00) and FlyQuest ($4.50).
Check out our extensive LCS betting guide to get the latest odds and tournament information.
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These changes, detailed by LCS commissioner Mark ‘MarkZ’ Zimmerman on June 3, include the return of the best-of-three series, a gauntlet-style lower bracket for playoffs, and a notable but less emphasized addition: a Twitch extension for the LCS main channel.
Here's all the details you need to know about the 2024 #LCS Summer Split!
3⃣ Big Surprise: Best of 3's
Punchier Playoff Bracket
Full Summer Schedule
And More! pic.twitter.com/9yjfEa4SXB
— LCS (@LCSOfficial) June 3, 2024
MarkZ highlighted that these changes are in the testing phase as Riot Games seeks to gather more data on viewership and the fan experience before making any further adjustments for 2025 or beyond.
The Twitch extension will allow viewers to access detailed build and game information live during gameplay, which is particularly beneficial on the live patch.
This feature is expected to attract both hardcore fans and new players by providing insights into how professional players navigate new updates, items, champions, and systems.
The introduction of the best-of-three format for the regular season is a response to fan feedback, drawing comparisons to the LPL and LCK.
This format allows teams to showcase their skills and strategies in more matches, focusing on a single opponent each week.
The new playoff format will place all qualifying teams in the winners bracket, with a gauntlet-style lower bracket that could enable dramatic Cinderella runs to the championship.
The top two seeds will receive a first-round bye, with the top team having the advantage of choosing their side of the upper bracket.
This format could see scenarios where the top team plays only two playoff series before the LCS Championship, while another team could play up to five series, emphasizing both consistent excellence and underdog resilience.
With three spots at LoL Worlds 2024 up for grabs, the 2024 Summer Split promises to be thrilling for North American League of Legends fans.
The action kicks off on Saturday, June 15, and fans are eagerly anticipating the new and improved LCS experience.
]]>This acquisition follows the departure of head coach Ilias “Enatron” Theodorou after a challenging spring split where Dignitas showed potential but struggled with consistency.
Spica’s journey in the LCS has been marked by significant highs and challenging lows.
As a dynamic young jungler, he made a substantial impact with TSM, helping them secure the 2020 LCS Summer Split title and earning the MVP title in the 2021 LCS Summer Split.
Despite his remarkable individual performances, TSM failed to secure a Worlds spot.
Spica found himself sidelined for the 2024 Spring Split due to recent league downsizing, turning to full-time streaming with FlyQuest during this period.
Dignitas’s decision to bring Spica on board is a strategic move aimed at revitalizing their roster and improving gameplay dynamics.
With the departure of Enatron, the team needed talent and experience.
Spica, known for his aggressive playstyle and deep game understanding, is expected to fill this gap.
Lawrence “Exyu” Xu, the current Dignitas jungler, expressed his surprise at the roster change.
In a post on X, he mentioned that he was told less than two weeks ago that he would be starting for the Summer Split.
nothing in esports is guaranteed
less than 2 weeks ago I was reassured by my gm and head coach that I was a lock for the upcoming LCS split.
we were supposed to start scrims in 4 days and I've just been told I won't be on the roster
not sure what i plan on doing yet 1/2
— eXyu (@lol_eXyu) May 21, 2024
With Spica’s arrival, Exyu has announced his departure from Dignitas and indicated plans to join an NACL team, while also returning to Berkeley in the fall.
Spica’s return to pro play with Dignitas follows his stint with FlyQuest last year.
Despite high expectations due to the presence of LCK imports like Lee “VicLa” Dae-kwang and Lee “Prince” Chae-hwan, FlyQuest underperformed in the 2023 Summer Split, finishing ninth.
Afterward, Spica took a break from competitive play and became a content creator for FlyQuest.
Dignitas’s roster for the summer split now appears significantly strengthened on paper.
The team finished in the top six last split with a lineup considered weak by many, so expectations are higher with these new additions.
Spica joins a team of veterans, including former Golden Guardians player Eric “Licorice” Ritchie and former Cloud9 player Jesper “Zven” Svenningsen, aiming to climb the ranks and challenge the dominance of established teams.
As the LCS gears up for an exciting summer, all eyes will be on Dignitas to see if this new roster, with Spica at its core, can turn potential into performance.
This move marks a critical step in Dignitas’s journey to regain prominence in the LCS landscape.
]]>Veteran mid-laner Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen is rumoured to be benched for the entire split, with Song “Quad” Su-hyeong set to be promoted to the main roster from FlyQuest Challengers.
Quad has had a notable journey in his career, starting with DRX as an academy mid-laner before moving to Gen.G and NS RedForce.
In 2024, he debuted in the LCS with FlyQuest Challengers.
Initially known as a Cassiopeia specialist, Quad has since expanded his champion pool significantly, showcasing his versatility and growth as a professional player.
FlyQuest Challengers had an impressive spring split, finishing first in the regular season and sweeping Maryville University 3-0 to win the tournament.
Quad’s outstanding performance, particularly his expertise on meta champions like Ahri, Taliyah, and Corki, earned him a promotion to the main roster.
Notably, Quad led the NACL mid-laners in kills and had the second-highest KDA in the spring split, with an impressive 879 average damage to champions per minute, according to Oracle’s Elixir.
FlyQuest’s main roster also had a strong start in the spring split, quickly becoming fan favourites.
Despite finishing first in the regular season, they fell short in the playoff finals against Team Liquid and struggled at the Mid-Season Invitational.
As a result, FlyQuest is likely looking to Quad to reinvigorate the team’s performance and push them back into championship contention.
With Jensen potentially benched, his future remains uncertain.
He might transfer to another team for the summer split or take a temporary break from competitive play to pursue streaming, a common path for many pro players in similar situations.
The only expected roster change for FlyQuest is Quad’s promotion, as the team believes they have the building blocks for a championship and need that one piece to propel them to the top.
Quad’s addition could provide the needed firepower and fresh perspective to help FlyQuest reclaim their position as top contenders in the LCS.
]]>The 27-year-old has decided to undergo mandatory military service in his home country of Korea, marking the end of a distinguished decade-long career.
hello this is ssumday.
I'm going to retire from a professional gamer that's been over 10 years.
there is lot's of reason the main reason is that i felt it was my turn.to my fans.
i've been trying to be a proud player that you can brag about supporting ssumday and i've lived… pic.twitter.com/A0vycb8bdh— Ssumday (@Ssumday) May 8, 2024
Ssumday began his journey with KT Rolster in the LCK, where he spent a significant portion of his career, transitioning from the academy to the main squad in 2014.
After his stint with KT, he moved to North America to join Dignitas in 2017 before becoming a cornerstone of the 100 Thieves’ roster for four years.
During his time with 100 Thieves, Ssumday achieved notable success, including an LCS championship in 2021 and multiple appearances in split finals.
His contributions were pivotal to the team’s performance, earning him admiration from fans and peers alike.
Following a brief stint with Evil Geniuses in 2022, Ssumday returned to 100 Thieves for his final split before retirement.
Although the team struggled to replicate past success, Ssumday remained a beloved figure within the LCS community.
Prior to his retirement, Ssumday had transitioned into a content creator role for 100 Thieves, but he has now decided to step away from the League of Legends scene entirely.
He intends to complete his military service and explore opportunities in streaming or coaching upon his return.
Ssumday’s retirement announcement sparked an outpouring of support from the community, with many expressing gratitude for his contributions to the game.
Despite bidding farewell to competitive play, Ssumday’s legacy as a skilled and respected player will endure in the memories of fans and fellow players alike.
]]>This change, reported by League content creator Travis Gafford, aligns the North American League of Legends competition with China’s LPL and Korea’s LCK, both of which have consistently featured best-of-three formats.
Fans are welcoming this move with enthusiasm, seeing it as a boon for those who follow specific teams closely.
Commissioner Mark “MarkZ” Zimmerman’s direction for the league has garnered praise, with many viewing this transition as a positive step forward.
However, Riot Games is cautious about expanding play across too many days, opting to maintain a relatively compact schedule.
Despite the format change, the LCS won’t significantly increase its number of play days, as Riot Games plans to shift the regular season to a single round-robin format.
Playoffs will continue as best-of-fives, consistent with previous years.
One notable addition to the Summer Split schedule is a two-week break for the 2024 Esports World Cup, following a similar break during the Spring Split for the VALORANT VCT Americas Kickoff tournament.
This decision reflects the league’s commitment to accommodating major esports events without disrupting its own schedule.
Commissioner MarkZ has hinted at this format change since February, acknowledging fan desires for such a shift.
The reduction in LCS teams from 10 to 8 has also contributed to the timing of this change, seen by many as an opportunity to rejuvenate the league’s viewership.
Overall, the transition to best-of-three series in the LCS signals a significant evolution for the league, driven by both fan demand and strategic decisions from league management.
]]>While the League of Legends EMEA Championship kicked off last weekend, the North American (LCS) and Korean (LCK) regions will start their respective spring splits on the 17th and 19th of January.
Meanwhile, the final weekend of the Call of Duty: Stage 1 Major Qualifiers will take place, with most of the teams playing their final two games before the Major begins on January 25.
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League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK)
The opening night of the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) will feature two matches, with Nongshim RedForce taking on DRX, followed by the world champions, T1, clashing with Gen.G in a star-studded match-up.
Esports betting sites have T1 marked as the $2.00 favourites to take out the 2024 LCK Spring Split, ahead of Gen.G ($2.50) and Hanwha Life Esports ($6.50).
Check out our extensive LCK betting guide to get the latest odds and tournament information.
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League of Legends Championship Series (LCS)
With all the changes that have been made to the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), many League of Legends fans will keep a close eye on the league that has historically been the weakest of the top four leagues in the world.
Changing back to Friday and Saturday matchdays should bring more viewers, as should a more competitive league with only eight teams involved in 2024.
Cloud9 are the overwhelming favourites at $1.83 ahead of NRG ($5.00) and Team Liquid ($7.00) with most bookmakers.
Check out our extensive LCS betting guide to get the latest odds and tournament information.
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Call of Duty: Stage 1 Major Qualifiers
The last of four qualification weekends for the Call of Duty: Stage 1 Major in Boston will determine the seeding for the Major.
Going into the final weekend, Atlanta FaZe sits atop the table with a 5-0 record ahead of the New York Subliners, who are 4-0 but have a worse map-difference than FaZe.
Check out our extensive Call of Duty League betting guide to get the latest odds and tournament information.
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Cloud9 has solidified its commitment to maintaining its competitive edge by re-signing jungling icon Blaber to a three-year deal, extending his contract until 2026.
Blaber, a legendary figure in the LCS community, has been a cornerstone of Cloud9 since joining as a substitute for the Academy squad in 2017, evolving into one of the region’s most talented players.
The best jungler in the history of North America is staying with Cloud9 for 3 more years!
pic.twitter.com/4e1B8GrHzI
— Cloud9 League of Legends (@C9LoL) November 21, 2023
Throughout his career, the 23-year-old has amassed an impressive list of achievements, including four LCS championships, two MVP awards, the 2018 Rookie of the Split award, and four first-team All-Pro honors.
Blaber has consistently represented Cloud9 at the World Championship, playing a crucial role in the team’s 2018 semifinal run alongside Svenskeren.
Despite Cloud9’s less-than-ideal performance in 2023, Blaber remains a standout jungler in the region.
While other roster changes are in progress, such as Zven entering free agency as an AD carry and EMENES retiring, Cloud9 sees Blaber as a pivotal figure to build around.
Cloud9 is not only securing Blaber’s future but also bolstering its roster with a three-year deal for top laner Fudge, extending his contract until 2026.
Fudge, who was already under contract until 2025, now enjoys added job security, ensuring the longevity of Cloud9’s topside duo.
Looking ahead to the 2024 season, Cloud9’s roster is expected to maintain its core, with Blaber and Fudge serving as the backbone.
Five total titles with Cloud9
The @Fudgecakey factor isn't going anywhere!
pic.twitter.com/5HTJ9Wg4Gc
— Cloud9 League of Legends (@C9LoL) November 22, 2023
The team has made strategic moves in the offseason, with reported signings of former FlyQuest support Vulcan and LCS MVP Jojopyun as the new mid laner.
While Zven and EMENES have departed, their replacements are yet to be officially confirmed.
As the North American LCS free agency period unfolds, Cloud9’s proactive approach to securing key players reflects its commitment to remaining a competitive force in the league.
With Blaber and Fudge locked in for the long term, Cloud9 aims to continue its legacy of success in the coming seasons.
]]>Golden Guardians and Evil Geniuses are set to exit the League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), allowing their former players to explore new opportunities during the current offseason.
This downsizing comes shortly after the LCS achieved record-breaking viewership in the 2023 World Championship finals.
The departure of Golden Guardians and EG raises questions about potential changes to the LCS format and whether other organizations will step up to claim spots in the franchised league.
Riot’s president of esports, John Needham, disclosed that both organizations had the option to terminate their “team participating agreements” (TPA) and settle with Riot, with the transactions being recently finalized.
Golden Guardians, owned by the Golden State Warriors, opted to redirect resources toward traditional sports, specifically basketball.
On the other hand, EG faced financial struggles, compelling the organization to withdraw from LCS participation.
As a result, Riot is now tasked with considering the future of the LCS.
Riot has been expediting settlements with these organizations to enable players to potentially join other teams before the 2024 season kicks off.
However, the staff behind the scenes are left to navigate their next steps independently.
Riot’s Needham emphasized the challenge, stating, “They are employees of different organizations. There’s no way for us to really intercede and do anything for those people, sadly.”
LCS fans now face the reality of a smaller league in the 2024 season, with Riot expected to disclose its plans for the future early next year.
Both Golden Guardians and EG players and staff find themselves caught off guard by the sudden news.
Top laner Eric “Licorice” Ritchie expressed his uncertainty about the future, having planned to play for Golden Guardians in 2024.
I received the news this morning that GG won’t be a part of the LCS next year
My plan for next year was to play for GG again so as of right now I don’t have a team and will likely not be a starter in the LCS next year, since remaining teams have all locked top laners afaik
— Licorice (@Licorice) November 20, 2023
Kelsey Moser, the head of EG League coaching staff, voiced disappointment in the timing of the news, as very few were aware before the weekend.
The late announcement poses challenges for players seeking opportunities in the upcoming season, especially given that the official news coincided with the opening of the free agency window.
The League of Legends Championship Series Players Association (LCSPA) expressed dissatisfaction with Riot’s “11th hour” decision, stating that it has cost jobs for 20 percent of the league overnight.
While acknowledging frustrations with communication and the lack of time for affected players to find new opportunities, the LCSPA sees the removal of struggling organizations as a net benefit.
The association emphasized the importance of player voices in shaping the future of the LCS.
The LCSPA had demonstrated its influence earlier in the year when Riot unexpectedly removed the requirement for LCS teams to field Academy rosters.
In response, the association voted for a walkout during the opening games of the Summer Split, forcing Riot to postpone the games and reconsider its decision.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether this marks an inflection point for the LCSPA and if they will take further action in response to the recent changes in the LCS landscape.
Statement from the LCSPA https://t.co/RK302gkUOE pic.twitter.com/LhDiIqOfWB
— LCS Players Association (@NALCSPA) November 20, 2023
]]>
Shopify Rebellion, a rising esports organisation, secured TSM’s LCS slot for a reported $10 million, marking their debut in the League of Legends esports scene. The move aligns with Shopify Rebellion’s ambition to expand its presence in the esports world.
TSM’s exit from the LCS signals the end of an era, as they were one of the founding members and the most successful team in LCS history, boasting seven domestic championships. After a turbulent period for TSM that included controversies, financial irregularities, and the loss of their title sponsor, FTX, the departure occurs.
As TSM makes its exit, questions linger about their next destination. Speculation points towards China’s League of Legends Pro League as a potential landing spot, following in the footsteps of other Western organisations seeking success in the highly competitive Chinese region.
Shopify Rebellion, with its roots in Canada and a diverse portfolio in various esports titles, will inherit TSM’s roster for the 2024 season. However, decisions regarding player contracts, including those expiring in November, remain to be seen.
The LCS, which has faced challenges in recent times, welcomes Shopify Rebellion as it continues to evolve. The addition of new organisations like Shopify Rebellion and the departure of stalwarts like TSM hint at a dynamic future for the League of Legends competitive scene in North America.
]]>