The LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea) is one of the most prestigious professional esports leagues in the world. It features the best teams and players from South Korea competing in League of Legends (LoL), a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Riot Games.
If you are a fan of competitive gaming or just starting to learn about esports, this guide will provide you with all the essential information about the LCK, including its history, top teams, famous players, format, and how to watch matches.
Table of Contents
What is the LCK?
The LCK is the top-level professional League of Legends league in South Korea. It is known for producing some of the best players and teams in the world. The league operates under a franchise system, meaning teams are permanent partners rather than qualifying through promotions and relegations.
The LCK is part of Riot Games’ global competitive structure, and its top teams qualify for international tournaments like the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds).
History of the LCK
The LCK was officially established in 2012, but professional League of Legends competitions in South Korea date back to earlier tournaments like OnGameNet (OGN) Champions. South Korea quickly became the dominant region in LoL esports, winning multiple world championships.
Some key moments in LCK history include:
- 2013-2017: The era of SK Telecom T1 (now T1), led by legendary player Faker, winning multiple World Championships.
- 2018-2020: The rise of new champions like DAMWON Gaming (now Dplus KIA) and Gen.G.
- 2021-Present: Continued dominance of LCK teams at international events, with T1 winning the 2023 World Championship.
Top LCK Teams in 2024
The LCK features some of the strongest teams in League of Legends. Here are the most notable ones:
1. T1
- Formerly known as: SK Telecom T1
- Key Players: Faker (mid-lane), Keria (support), Zeus (top-lane)
- Achievements: 4-time World Champions (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023)
2. Gen.G
- Formerly known as: Samsung Galaxy
- Key Players: Chovy (mid-lane), Peyz (ADC), Canyon (jungle)
- Achievements: Multiple LCK titles, strong international presence
3. Dplus KIA (DK)
- Formerly known as: DAMWON Gaming
- Key Players: ShowMaker (mid-lane), Kingen (top-lane)
- Achievements: 2020 World Champions
4. KT Rolster
- Key Players: Bdd (mid-lane), Deft (ADC)
- Achievements: Consistent playoff contender
5. Hanwha Life Esports (HLE)
- Key Players: Zeka (mid-lane), Viper (ADC)
- Achievements: Strong roster with high potential
LCK Tournament Format
The LCK follows a structured format each year:
1. Regular Season (Spring & Summer Splits)
- Teams play in a double round-robin format (each team faces every other team twice).
- Matches are best-of-three (BO3).
- The top six teams advance to the playoffs.
2. Playoffs
- The top six teams compete in a single-elimination bracket.
- The top two teams get a bye to the semifinals.
- The finals are best-of-five (BO5).
3. Championship Points & Worlds Qualification
- Teams earn points based on their performance in Spring and Summer Splits.
- The team with the most points qualifies for Worlds.
- The remaining spots are decided through the Regional Finals.
How to Watch LCK Matches
If you want to follow the LCK, here are the best ways to watch:
- Official LCK YouTube & Twitch Channels (English & Korean broadcasts)
- Riot Games’ LoL Esports Website (Schedules, live streams, and VODs)
- AfreecaTV (Korean streaming platform for LCK)
Most matches are free to watch, with some premium content available for subscribers.
Why is the LCK So Dominant in Esports?
South Korea has been the strongest region in League of Legends for years. Some reasons include:
- Strong Infrastructure: Professional training facilities, coaching staff, and team houses.
- High Competition Level: Intense practice culture and skilled players.
- Early Esports Adoption: South Korea has a long history of competitive gaming.
- Talent Development: Many young players train hard to become pros.
Conclusion
The LCK is the home of the best League of Legends teams and players in the world. With legendary organizations like T1, Gen.G, and Dplus KIA, the league continues to set the standard for competitive gaming.
Whether you are a casual viewer or a hardcore esports fan, following the LCK is a great way to enjoy high-level LoL matches. Stay updated with schedules, watch live games, and support your favorite teams!
