Riot Games, FunPlus Esports and Garena have announced the inaugural season of the League of Legends Pacific Championship Series (PCS) which kicks off 8 February, 2020. The PCS is a merged evolution of the League of Legends Master Series (LMS) and League of Legends Southeast Asia Tour (LST). The new league is meant to continue increasing the level of competition in Southeast Asia, Taiwan and Hong Kong, while creating a more engaging experience for fans.

“Teams form the heart of any league, and we’re proud to be partnering with top teams from the former LMS, as well as top esports organizations from throughout Southeast Asia as we launch the PCS. We are focused on working hand-in-hand with teams to grow their fan bases and improve their competitive ability while unlocking additional financial opportunities.” – Chris Tran, Riot Games Southeast Asia’s Head of Esports

To ensure the strength and sustainability of the league and associated teams, an extensive, multi-month team vetting process was conducted in accordance with Riot’s global league operations policies. Kevin Pai, CEO of FunPlus Esports, states, “We have invited committed team organizations with responsible financials and a mutual understanding of fan focus.”

While several of these teams and associated organizations are new to League of Legends, they have proven dedication through success in the broader esports space. This diverse roster of teams will be spread across multiple cities to allow cross-regional rivalry with local passion at its root, an experience for fans to be proud to call their own. The PCS will see veteran esports teams against hungry new organizations.

The PCS teams for 2020 are as follows:

• ahq eSports Club (Taipei) – Established in September 2012, ahq is one of the region’s most celebrated esports organizations, having achieved competitive success across a variety of esports titles, while representing the LMS region in multiple World Championships.
• Alpha Esports (Taipei) – Alpha made its debut during Season 9 of the LMS. With a brand new team roster, Alpha is looking to make a name for itself in the PCS.
• G-Rex Gaming (Hong Kong) – Owned by Emperor Entertainment Group, G-Rex Gaming is one of Hong Kong’s most respected entertainment enterprises. Despite being a young esports organization, G-Rex represented the LMS at Worlds in 2018.
• Hong Kong Attitude (Hong Kong) – Founded in 2013, Hong Kong Attitude is considered amongst the top esports organizations in the region and has competed at multiple World Championships, including this year’s event.
• J Team (Taipei) – J Team debuted during the 2016 LMS Summer Split and has consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the region. They performed incredibly well in 2019, winning the LMS Summer Split and cementing a spot at the World Championship in Europe. J Team is owned by acclaimed musician Jay Chou.
• Liyab Esports (Manila) – In just a short span of time, Liyab has become synonymous with Filipino esports. Having recently undergone a rebrand and name change (they were formerly known as Mineski), the heart and spirit of the team remain distinctly Filipino and they are hungry for recognition on the regional stage.
• Nova Esports (Bangkok) – In mobile esports, Nova has won multiple world championships over the years, and is committed to bringing their champion DNA to PCS. With their unique culture and play style, they are set to take on the old guard of professional LoL esports.
• Resurgence (Singapore) – Established in 2017 with a vision to elevate the Southeast Asian esports scene, Resurgence (RSG) is the largest esports organisation in Singapore.
• Talon (Hong Kong) – Talon is an esports organisation that has clinched
  championships across multiple esports titles in Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Thailand. They are setting their sights on the PCS and are committed to delivering an exhilarating and competitive fan experience.

Information about the 10th and final competing PCS team will be announced in the new year.

Riot Games and FunPlus Esports are co-organizers and operators of the PCS, with Garena as the publisher of League of Legends in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. FunPlus Esports is an organization operating on esports leagues, independently from FunPlus Phoenix: the 2019 LoL World Championship champions.

As part of the approach to shaping the new league, the competitive format will also be adjusted. Number of games will be increased from previous LST seasons, and will be a best-of-one with double elimination season finals. Fans can be assured this finals format will see the top team represent them on the global stage.

“Watching the growth and success of other LoL esports leagues that have embraced Bo1s, we hope that fans will enjoy the high stakes games while knowing their favorite team(s) will play every broadcast day. – Chris Tran, Riot Games Southeast Asia’s Head of Esports

Due to the geographical diversity of teams, online tournaments will be the initial focus.

“It is important for us to create opportunities for fans to experience competition in person, and we are currently exploring what those opportunities might entail.” – Kevin Pai, CEO FunPlus Esports.

PCS broadcasts will be available in English, Mandarin, and Thai. Information on teams, broadcast platforms, schedules and more will be known via the PCS website that will launch shortly before the season starts. For now, follow along on Facebook. Chris Tran hopes fans will rally behind teams in the PCS, as they compete for pride, honour and competitive success. Look forward to the 2019 League of Legends Pacific Championship Series season kickoff on 8 February!