LFL Spring Split will feature 10 teams competing in home-and-away Best-of-One matches, with playoffs adopting a double elimination format and a fearless draft. Roster changes have been minimal, but notable adjustments include KCBS losing Boukada and ISMA, and BDSA benching Hiro and Piwek. KCB and Ici Japon Corp are top contenders, while Solary and Galions aim for playoff success. Teams like BKR, Vitality, and Gentle Mates are in a transitional phase, while GameWard, Joblife, and BDSA need improvements after a challenging Flash In.
LFL Spring Split: Key Details and Roster Changes
The LFL Spring Split is set to kick off with the familiar format that fans have come to know. For the entire split, including LFL Days, teams will engage in traditional home-and-away Best-of-One (Bo1) matches. Riot Games has recently confirmed that the fearless draft will be implemented throughout the competitive season, so significant alterations to the Spring Split format are unlikely.
- 10 teams will compete in home-and-away Bo1 matches.
- Playoffs will feature 6 teams in a double elimination bracket, complete with a lower bracket.
- The playoffs will adopt a fearless draft format, meaning champions played cannot be selected by both opposing teams.
Any potential format changes are expected to occur during the Summer Split, aiming to enhance the fearless draft experience outside the playoffs, which Bo1 matches do not accommodate.
Roster Updates Across Teams
In terms of player transfers, the short duration of the Flash In competition has led to minimal movement among teams as they prefer to stick with their current rosters before contemplating changes for the Summer Split. However, some teams have made notable adjustments:
- KCBS: The reigning champions have seen significant roster changes. Boukada has joined SK Gaming in the LEC, while ISMA has returned to GiantX and has been replaced by Yukino, a promising talent from Disguised. Piero’s status remains uncertain due to visa issues, leaving Nsurr as a potential option.
- BKR: The German ADC Keduii has finally found a home with SK Gaming, replacing him is Booshi, a young French player previously with Akroma and more recently with White Dragons.
- BDSA: Following a challenging Flash In, the Summer Split champions have made several changes, benching toplaner Hiro and ADC Piwek in favor of newcomers Papiteero and Mishi from Verdant.
- Galions: No roster changes have been made, though there has been a coaching staff adjustment with Horéüs replaced by Karot as assistant coach.
As the Spring Split approaches, the hierarchy of teams is taking shape, with favorites and challengers emerging.
Top Contenders and Rising Stars
KCB: With a stellar performance in the Flash In playoffs, KCB is firmly positioned as a favorite for the championship. Their roster, featuring top-tier players like Maynter and SlowQ, sets the stage for a potential back-to-back victory. Piero’s participation remains uncertain, but if he returns, it would significantly bolster KCB’s chances.
Ici Japon Corp: After reaching finals in both the Flash In and EMEA Masters, Ici Japon Corp is looking to claim the top spot. With Theocacs showing promising skills as a rookie, the team aims to challenge KCB for supremacy. A strong performance from SamD will be critical as they strive for the championship.
Solary: Coming off their best placement in the Flash In, Solary is filled with ambition for the Spring Split. While they need to address some midgame errors, their potential for playoff success is significant, and they remain hopeful for a title run.
Galions: Expected to perform at a high level, Galions must overcome consistency challenges to compete for the title. Their talented roster should at least secure a playoff spot, but the true goal is championship glory.
BKR, Vitality, and Gentle Mates: These teams are hard to categorize as either true challengers or mid-table competitors. BKR’s change to a rookie player necessitates quick adaptation for success. Vitality faces the pressure of improving their collective performance after an early exit in the previous tournament. Meanwhile, Gentle Mates showed promise during the Flash In and can contend for playoff positions.
For these teams, reaching the finals is a realistic aspiration as they gear up for an exciting Spring Split.
GameWard, Joblife, and BDSA: With a rocky Flash In behind them, these teams have their work cut out. GameWard and Joblife decided against roster changes, opting to analyze their performance further. BDSA is already making roster adjustments in hopes of turning their fortunes around. All three teams will need to significantly improve to aim for playoff contention.