LCK Spring Split 2021 Confirmed For January Kick-Off
The professional League of Legends scene is hitting the ground running in 2021 as the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) Spring Split is just days way. 2020 was massive for pro-LoL in the midst of the global pandemic, and while there's still an uncertain future for how esports will adapt in 2021, LCK is keen to make the first move.
Following a shiny rebrand on January 4, LCK is barrelling toward the Spring Split's debut. This year, seven returning teams will face-off against three newcomers. In 2021, returnees Afreeca Freecs, DAMWON, DragonX, Gen.G, Hanwha Life, KT Roster, and T1, will take on new talent from Liiv SANDBOX, Nongshim RedForce, and Fredit BRION. Even if fans don't know the full schedule, the LCK Spring Split 2021 is closer than ever.
LCK Spring Split 2021: When does it start?
According to Daily Esports, the LCK Spring Split is kicking off on January 13. Riot Games has reportedly confirmed the tournament will open on January 13 and not include any spectators due to COVID-19. There will also be a massive emphasis on social distancing guidelines for players. A Riot official explained, "It has been confirmed that the 2021 LCK Spring, which will be held on the 13th, will open without spectators." The organisation is discussing changing this if things improve.
The LCK starts just days after the League of Legends Pro League started the ball rolling in China on January 9. Despite last year being huge for Riot, the company is determined to put 2020 behind it and try to get back to some form of normality in 2021. Hopefully, both the LCK and LPL can put us on the right track. Elsewhere, DAWON has just secured Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun's LCK contract through to 2022, meaning the superstar bot lane will be sticking around for a while longer.
LCK Spring Split 2021: What else do we know?
Speaking about the LCK rebrand, the classic bird logo has been replaced by a more minimalistic look. Discussing the rebrand, LCK explained, "Our new brand introduces a confident, contemporary design language that signals a bold new era for our league.
"Our logo captures the confident, sophisticated spirit of our league. Made up of two simple triangles, it represents the past and the future, two sides of the rift—and the powerful outstretched wings of a bird in flight. Our logo pays respect to the precise angles and star-inspired geometry our historical mark".
We'll have to wait and see whether DAWON (now known as DWG KIA) will continue its unrivalled streak after it trounced the competition at the 2020 LCK Summer Split, Worlds 2020, and the KeSPA Cup. As LCK waits in the wings, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the Spring Split 2021.
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Images via Riot Games | Lol Esports Photos