League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) is the leading professional esports league in North America for LoL. Prior to its founding in 2013, the main event was the Worlds. However, everything changed with the launch of the LCS. This new championship has allowed many teams and esports players from North America to break onto the world stage.
Elite Championship
The LCS operates on a split system, with two main splits each year: the Spring Split and the Summer Split. Each split features a regular season followed by playoffs, where the top teams compete for the championship title and the chance to represent North America on the international stage.
Main Information:
- Year Established: 2013
- Format: Double round-robin regular season, followed by playoffs
- Number of Teams: 10
- Venue: LCS Studio in Los Angeles, California
Main Champions of the LCS
Many teams compete for the right to be called the best cyber athletes in LoL, but only 3 of them stand out as the most impactful and successful.
Team SoloMid (TSM)
Team SoloMid, commonly known as TSM, is one of the most storied and successful teams in LCS history. Founded in 2011, TSM quickly rose to prominence and became a fan favorite due to their consistent performances and charismatic players.
- Championships: TSM has won the LCS seven times, with titles in Spring 2013, Summer 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2015, Summer 2016, Summer 2017, and Summer 2020.
- Notable Players: The team has featured some of the best players in North American history, including Søren “Bjergsen” Bjerg, who is considered one of the greatest mid laners ever, and Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng, a legendary AD carry.
- Impact: TSM’s dominance and massive fanbase have significantly contributed to the popularity of the LCS. Their success has set high standards for competitive play and professionalism in the league.
Cloud9 (C9)
Cloud9, often abbreviated as C9, has been a powerhouse in the LCS since its entry in 2013. Known for their innovative strategies and strong international performances, C9 has consistently been at the forefront of the North American League of Legends.
- Championships: Cloud9 has claimed five LCS titles, including Summer 2013, Spring 2014, Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Spring 2022.
- Notable Players: Cloud9’s roster has included standout players such as Zachary “Sneaky” Scuderi, an iconic AD carry, and Nicolaj “Jensen” Jensen, a top-tier mid laner.
- Impact: Cloud9 is celebrated for their ability to adapt and innovate, making them a formidable opponent in both domestic and international competitions. Their 2018 World Championship run to the semifinals remains one of the best performances by a North American team on the world stage.
Team Liquid
Team Liquid has been a dominant force in recent years, showcasing a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars. Since joining the LCS, Team Liquid has built a reputation for strong team synergy and strategic depth.
- Championships: Team Liquid secured four consecutive LCS titles from Spring 2018 to Summer 2019, marking a period of dominance in the league.
- Notable Players: The team’s success has been driven by players like Jung “Impact” Eon-yeong, a world-class top laner, and Jo “CoreJJ” Yong-in, a former world champion known for his exceptional support play.
- Impact: Team Liquid’s consistent high-level performances have raised the competitive bar in the LCS. Their dominance during 2018-2019 showcased the potential for North American teams to perform on an international level.
Enjoy the Battle Royal!
The League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) is a testament to the growth and potential of esports in North America. With exciting competitions, iconic champions and significant contributions to the esports ecosystem, the LCS continues to inspire and captivate fans around the world.
Join the friendly community and watch the championship matches live and via online streaming!