2025 LTA Split One Preview

S. Samek

Big changes were made this past offseason to professional League of Legends. We no longer have an LCS. Now we have the LTA. So, what can we expect from this new league? Let’s dive into a preview of it ahead of week one of play.

The LTA is divided into two divisions the North and South. Each division has eight teams. It’s a double elimination bracket with best of three, except for round three which is best of one. The top four teams in each division then make the playoffs.

The playoffs will produce one winner, who then will take the spot at the First Stand 2025 tournament.

The North division features some strong teams. Lyon is a name change of Movistar R7, who made it to Worlds last year. Team Liquid won the LCS in Spring of 2024 and made it to Worlds. 100 Thieves also represented the LCS at Worlds in 2024. FlyQuest made it to the quarterfinals at Worlds in 2024, after winning their lone LCS title during the summer spilt.

Disguised is make their debut this spilt after spending time in the NACL. They did win the NACL summer playoffs in 2023. Yet can they take the leap to the LTA from challenger league? Will they be able to fend off relegation at the end of the year?

The South division is made up of teams from the former CBLOL. Pain Gaming looks to lead this division. Pain won the Spilt Two playoff title and made it to the Swiss Stage of Worlds from the play-in stage. Vivo Keyed Stars had the best record during the regular spilt during both split one and two last year, before falling to third place and second place in the playoffs. Both of those playoff losses were courtesy of Pain Gaming. Look to see this butting rivalry continue.

Loud is another team in the South to watch. They won the Spilt One playoff title and made it to MSI in 2024. They also won both splits’ playoffs in 2023 and earned a Worlds spot. They could also rival Pain Gaming, who they drew in their round one match this split.

It should be exciting to see the quest for the first ever LTA title. Which team will emerge victorious? Tune in starting on Saturday January 25, 2025 to find out!