Big news for TFT esports fans! Riot Games has just announced a brand-new Tier 1 competitive circuit for the top Teamfight Tactics players, creating a more structured, high-stakes tournament system that ensures consistent pro-level competition across sets.
If you’ve ever followed the Golden Spatula tournament or the Tactician’s Crown, this update is going to completely reshape how elite players qualify and compete. Here’s everything you need to know!
A New Era for Competitive TFT – The Tier 1 Circuit
For years, top TFT players have dominated ladder, Cups, and Trials, but each set reset meant starting over from scratch—no matter how well they performed. Riot is now introducing a Tier 1 Competitive Circuit to give the best of the best a more stable and rewarding path to glory.
How the Tier 1 Circuit Works
- The top 32 players from each region in the previous set qualify for the Tier 1 circuit.
- Players will compete in a high-stakes tournament series with bigger prize pools and direct paths to the Tactician’s Crown.
- This system ensures more exposure for top players and creates better opportunities for new talent to rise through Trials and Cups.
By reducing the need for pros to grind their way up from zero every set, TFT esports is becoming more structured, competitive, and exciting for both players and fans!
How to Qualify for the Tier 1 TFT Circuit
At the end of each set, players will qualify based on their Golden Spatula performance.
- 28 out of 32 players from each pan-region’s Golden Spatula will automatically qualify for the Tier 1 circuit.
- 4 additional players will receive special invitations from Riot, based on contributions to TFT esports, historical performance, and regional diversity.
Players who don’t qualify still have multiple paths back into the competition:
✅ Ranked ladder
✅ Cups & Trials
✅ Golden Spatula performances
How to Stay in the Tier 1 Circuit for Set 16
Once you’ve made it into Set 15’s Tier 1 ecosystem, you’ll need to finish in the top 32 in the next Golden Spatula to remain in the circuit for Set 16.
Golden Spatula Tournament Expansion – Now a 6-Day Event!
The Golden Spatula, TFT’s biggest regional tournament, is getting a massive expansion in Set 15!
New Golden Spatula Format (6 Days, 3 Phases)
| Phase | Day(s) | Players | Advancement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play-Ins | Day 1 | 16 Players | Top 8 Advance |
| Week 1 | Days 2 & 3 | 48 Players | Top 20 Advance |
| Week 2 | Days 4 & 5 | 32 Players | Top 8 Advance to Finals |
| Finals | Day 6 | 8 Players | Crowned Champion! |
This longer, higher-stakes format gives more players a chance to break into the competitive scene while ensuring the top contenders battle it out for dominance.
How the New Tier 1 Circuit Tournaments Work
In every set, there will be three major Tier 1 tournaments, featuring all 32 Tier 1 players.
Tournament Highlights
🔥 3-Day Format – High-stakes matches every time!
🔥 Final Day: Checkmate Format – Winner automatically qualifies for the Tactician’s Crown.
🔥 Qualifier Points System – Determines who qualifies directly for different phases of the next Golden Spatula.
| Placement | Golden Spatula Entry |
|---|---|
| 1st – 12th | Week 2 (Auto-Requalifies for Tier 1) |
| 13th – 24th | Week 1 |
| 25th – 32nd | Play-Ins |
With bigger stakes and a more structured path to Worlds, TFT esports is evolving into a true pro circuit!
What’s Next?
Riot has promised even more updates on:
🔹 Further Tier 1 and Tier 2 ecosystem changes
🔹 More ways for up-and-coming players to break into the scene
🔹 Additional improvements based on community feedback
Whether you’re a die-hard TFT esports fan or a player aiming for the top, Set 15’s Cyber City update is shaping up to be the most competitive era of TFT yet!
For more TFT news, esports updates, and leaks, visit LoLNOW.gg – your go-to source for all things League and TFT!
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Frequently Asked Questions about TFT’s New Competitive Circuit
What is the new Tier 1 Circuit in TFT?
The Tier 1 Circuit is a new competitive layer where the top 32 players from each region compete in high-stakes tournaments with direct paths to the Tactician’s Crown.
How do you qualify for the Tier 1 Circuit?
Players qualify by finishing in the top 28 of the Golden Spatula tournament. Riot will also invite 4 additional players per region.
How is the Golden Spatula tournament changing?
The Golden Spatula tournament is expanding to a 6-day event with multiple qualification phases, giving more players a chance to compete.
How do the Tier 1 Circuit tournaments work?
Each set will have three major Tier 1 tournaments. The winner of the final day’s Checkmate format automatically qualifies for the Tactician’s Crown.
What happens if I don’t qualify for the Tier 1 Circuit?
Players can still compete in Ranked, Trials, and Cups to earn a spot in the next Golden Spatula and work their way into the circuit.
When will TFT esports make more updates?
Riot has stated they will release more updates on Tier 1 and Tier 2 competitive structures as Set 15 progresses.
