«This week, there are only 4 best-of-three matches happening on Saturday and Sunday. Next week will return to the more typical three days (Saturday/Sunday/Monday) with 6 matches. The following week has 4 matches scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Then there is absolutely nothing the next week,» stated a League fan on an online forum. «After that, it’s the Playoffs starting on a Friday, which is quite baffling.»

The inconsistent scheduling, unexpected breaks, and abrupt Start of the playoff phase have puzzled even the most dedicated fans of the LEC. The core issue appears to be the league’s altered format. Starting in 2023, the LEC transitioned from two splits to three (Winter, Spring, Summer), incorporating both best-of-three and best-of-five match series. This has introduced overlapping schedules, especially when matches occur on Monday.

Although these scheduling adjustments were intended to increase competitiveness and raise the stakes, they have inadvertently complicated the viewing experience for fans. Many are now drawing parallels between the current LEC timetable and the later years of the LCS, pointing out the league’s decline after frequent changes in broadcast days. There’s also a prevailing feeling that these significant gaps between matches reduce excitement and lower the competitive intensity among teams.

Additionally, fans have highlighted the sparse number of matches in the LEC, contrasting with the LCK’s average of about 10 games per week and the LPL’s approximate 12. For many, this disparity underscores the reasons behind the West’s challenges in competing against Asian teams. An interview with Tabe during MSI 2025 emphasized the rigorous work habits and demanding schedules of teams in Asia.

To mitigate this confusion, Riot Games could look into streamlining match days, ensuring more predictable break periods, and refining the competition as they approach the 2025 Worlds. Alternatively, reverting to the previous format in 2026 might also be an option worth considering.