Look Sports Media – LEC Commissioner Artem Bykov delivered a bombshell announcement on X, confirming the controversial Summer Split format will not be returning for the 2026 season. The decision, following significant fan backlash, marks a pivotal moment for the League of Legends European Championship. The format, featuring two five-team round-robin groups resulting in a meager four Best-of-Three series per team in the regular season, drew widespread criticism for its lack of games and overall underwhelming nature.
Bykov, in his statement, acknowledged the negative reception, stating, "I’ve been following the feedback about the Summer Split format and schedule, and I want to be upfront about it. Summer Split format didn’t land the way we hoped, and we won’t bring it back next year." He further emphasized the LEC’s commitment to expanding the competitive calendar in 2026, promising a more extensive schedule.
The commissioner attributed the initial adoption of the format to a confluence of factors: a desire to avoid the increasingly unpopular Best-of-One matches, coupled with logistical constraints. The tight scheduling window between MSI/EWC and the Madrid Finals, along with scheduling conflicts with the VCT EMEA tournament held in the same Berlin studio, significantly impacted the Summer Split’s design and execution. Bykov specifically highlighted the unpopularity of Monday and Tuesday matches, further compounding the issues.
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While the specifics of the 2026 format remain shrouded in mystery, Bykov hinted at a significant overhaul, stating, "We’ve learned a lot from both Spring and Summer, and we’re already working on 2026 with a structure that addresses your feedback." He engaged with fan suggestions on X, addressing questions regarding potential formats, including the possibility of a double-elimination bracket or an LCK-style regular season. While he ruled out Best-of-Two matches due to fan dissatisfaction with 1-1 draws, he suggested a tiebreaker system as a possible solution.
The LEC’s decision represents a significant course correction, acknowledging the importance of fan feedback and signaling a commitment to delivering a more engaging and comprehensive competitive experience in the future. The coming weeks will be crucial as the LEC unveils its plans for the 2026 season, promising a renewed focus on fan satisfaction and a more robust competitive landscape.
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