LPL 2025 Split 2 Playoffs: Comprehensive Guide to Format, Schedule, and Key Details

The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) 2025 Split 2 Playoffs are set to commence on May 24, 2025, culminating in the Grand Final on June 14, 2025. This pivotal phase will determine the LPL Split 2 champion and the two teams that will represent the region at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2025 in Vancouver.

Playoff Format: A Strategic Double-Elimination Bracket

Teams & Qualification

Total Teams: 12
Direct Qualifiers: Top 10 teams from the Split 2 “Group Ascend” Rumble Stage
Play-In Qualifiers: Top 2 teams from the “Group Nirvana”

The “Knights Rival” Play-In features the bottom 6 teams from Group Ascend and the top 2 teams from Group Nirvana, competing in best-of-five matches, with winners advancing to the Bracket Stage.

Bracket Structure

Format: Double-elimination bracket (upper and lower brackets)
Match Type: All matches are best-of-five series
Seeding Advantage: Top four seeds from Group Ascend earn the right to choose their first opponents for the bracket, based on their final standings.

Draft Format

“Hard Fearless Draft”: Champions can only be picked once by either team during the series.
Game 5 Side Selection: Decided by a 1v1 solo match; a player can’t play two 1v1 matches consecutively.

Stakes

Championship: Determines the LPL Split 2 champion
MSI Qualification: Top two teams (winner and runner-up) qualify for MSI 2025 in Vancouver.

Schedule: Key Dates and Timeline

Playoffs Duration: May 24, 2025 – June 14, 2025
Grand Final: June 14, 2025
Match Times: To be announced; historically held in the afternoons/evenings local time.

How to Navigate the LPL 2025 Split 2 Playoffs

Step 1: Understand the Group Stages

Group Ascend: Top-tier teams competing in a double round-robin format
Group Nirvana: Lower-tier teams competing in a single round-robin format

Step 2: Follow the “Knights Rival” Play-In

Participants: Bottom 6 from Group Ascend and top 2 from Group Nirvana
Format: Best-of-five matches
Outcome: Winners advance to the Bracket Stage

Step 3: Track the Playoffs Bracket

Structure: Double-elimination with upper and lower brackets
Seeding: Top 4 from Group Ascend choose their opponents
Matches: All best-of-five series

Step 4: Watch the Grand Final

Date: June 14, 2025
Significance: Determines the Split 2 champion and MSI qualifiers

FAQ: LPL 2025 Split 2 Playoffs

What is the format of the LPL 2025 Split 2 Playoffs?

The playoffs feature 12 teams in a double-elimination bracket, with all matches being best-of-five series. The top 10 teams from Group Ascend qualify directly, while the remaining 2 spots are filled via the “Knights Rival” Play-In.

How do teams qualify for the playoffs?

Teams qualify through their performance in the Group Ascend and Group Nirvana stages, followed by the “Knights Rival” Play-In for the remaining spots.

What are the stakes of the playoffs?

The playoffs determine the LPL Split 2 champion and the two teams that will represent the region at MSI 2025.

When do the playoffs take place?

The playoffs run from May 24, 2025, to June 14, 2025, with the Grand Final on June 14.

How can I watch the playoffs?

Fans can watch the playoffs on various platforms, including Huya, Bilibili, DouYu, AfreecaTV, and co-streams on Twitch and other platforms.

Are there any changes to the playoff format this year?

Yes, the introduction of the “Knights Rival” Play-In adds a new layer to the qualification process for the playoffs.

What happens to the teams that don’t make the playoffs?

Teams that don’t qualify for the playoffs will have to wait for the next split to compete again. The bottom two teams from Group Nirvana are eliminated from the league’s 2025 season.

Who are the top contenders this split?

As of early May 2025, specific teams have not been confirmed for the playoffs. Final standings will be determined after the Rumble Stage and “Knights Rival” Play-In.

What is the “Fearless Draft” format?

“Fearless Draft” is a format where champions can only be picked once by either team during the series, adding a strategic layer to champion selection.