Worlds 2023 Play-In Bracket, Format, New Rules: All You Need To Know

As the League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) 2023 approaches, fans and teams alike are gearing up for one of the most prestigious esports events in the world. Worlds represents the pinnacle of competitive League of Legends, featuring the best teams from across the globe. 

One of the key stages of this tournament is the Play-In Stage, where lower-ranked teams aim to make their mark on the international stage. In this article, we’ll delve into the Play-In Stage of Worlds 2023, exploring its format, new rules, and what fans can expect.

Worlds 2023 Play-In Stage: An Overview

The Play-In Stage serves as the initial phase of Worlds 2023, where teams that did not qualify directly for the Group Stage compete for a chance to advance further in the tournament. This stage has historically produced some of the most exciting and unpredictable matches, as lesser-known teams get their shot at glory.

Dates and Locations

Worlds 2023 will take place from October 10 to November 19, spanning multiple venues in South Korea:

• Play-Ins: October 10-15 at LoL Park, Seoul
• Group Stage: October 19-29 at KBS Arena, Seoul
• Quarter-finals: November 2-5 at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, Busan
• Semi-finals: November 11-12 at Sajik Indoor Gymnasium, Busan
• Finals: November 19 at Gocheok Sky Dome, Seoul

Play-In Stage Format

The Play-In Stage of Worlds 2023 introduces some new rules and an exciting format:

Round 1 (October 10-15):

• Eight teams are divided into two double-elimination groups.
• The top two teams from each group advance to Play-In Round 2.
• All matches in Round 1 are Best-of-3 (BO3).

Round 2 (October 10-15):

The upper bracket winner from each group faces the lower bracket winner from the other group.

Both matches are Best-of-5 (BO5), with the winners advancing to the Swiss Stage.

Swiss Stage (October 19-29):

• Sixteen teams compete in a five-round Swiss stage.
• In the first stage, teams are randomly paired with an opponent from another region.
• After the initial stage, teams face opponents with the same win-loss record.
• Teams that win three matches move on to the playoffs, while teams that lose three matches are eliminated.
• Progression and elimination matches are BO3, with the remaining matches being BO1.

Playoffs (November 2-19):

Eight teams emerge from the Swiss Stage to compete in a single-elimination bracket.

All matches in the playoffs are BO5.

Notable Teams and Storylines

The Play-In Stage is where teams from minor regions and emerging regions get their chance to shine. It’s a proving ground for underdog stories and upsets, and fans can expect thrilling battles as these teams fight for a spot in the Group Stage alongside the major region representatives.

The Play-In Stage of Worlds 2023 promises to deliver intense competition, memorable moments, and the rise of new esports stars. As the tournament unfolds, fans will witness epic clashes and unexpected outcomes, showcasing the unpredictable nature of competitive League of Legends. Keep an eye on the emerging talents and captivating matches that define the essence of the Worlds Play-In Stage.

Also Read: Complete League of Legends Worlds 2023 Draw Results For Play-In Stage