The 2025 League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP) Season Finals Playoffs are heating up as only one coveted spot at Worlds 2025 remains unclaimed. Two of the region’s most established teams, PSG Talon and CTBC Flying Oyster, have already secured their places on the global stage, setting the stage for a highly competitive battle among the remaining contenders. However, a notable storyline this year is the complete absence of Japan from the World Championship – a first since 2016 – signaling a significant shift within the APAC competitive structure.
Japan Misses Worlds for the First Time Since 2016
Japanese League of Legends fans will have to watch Worlds 2025 without a home region representative. After Fukuoka SoftBank HAWKS were swiftly eliminated in early playoff rounds, all hopes turned to DetonatioN FocusMe (DFM) – Japan’s most iconic esports organization. Unfortunately, DFM fell 1-3 in the lower bracket against MGN Vikings Esports, ending Japan’s journey and ruling out their participation in this year’s World Championship.
Structural Reforms in 2025 Make Qualification Tougher
Japan’s exclusion from Worlds cannot be seen in isolation. In 2025, Riot Games restructured the APAC competitive scene, merging regions under the new top-tier League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP). The previously autonomous League of Legends Japan League (LJL) was demoted to a secondary domestic competition, with the LCP becoming the only official path to Worlds for APAC teams.
This unified structure has significantly deepened the competitive pool. Now, Japanese teams must outplay top squads from Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Oceania – all legacy members of the former PCS. While this model increases regional parity and competition, it also considerably raises the qualification bar for Japanese organizations.
Rising Popularity Amid Competitive Struggles
Despite international setbacks, League of Legends continues to see robust growth in Japan. According to data tracked by OP.GG and reported by TheGamer, the ranked solo queue player base on the Japan server has soared to approximately 260,000 in 2025 – up from just 85,000 in 2022. This tripling of player activity signals healthy grassroots growth, even if results on the global stage remain elusive.
Inside the LCP 2025 Playoffs: Format, Stats, and Stakes
The LCP 2025 Playoffs currently feature eight Pacific teams competing in a double elimination bracket. With Fearless Draft rules in play and high-caliber lineups across the board, matches are averaging just over 31 minutes per game – indicating a fast-paced and competitive environment.
Notably, legendary players like Maple, Betty, and Azhi are dominating the stat sheets this season. The stakes are equally intense: while both first and second place secure entry into Worlds, the champion also takes home a monetary reward of $26,400. The final ticket to Worlds 2025 will be awarded to the third-place finisher.
Current Qualified Teams
Seven teams have already earned their spots at Worlds 2025. To view the complete list, matchup schedules, and regional overviews, consult our comprehensive guide:
Track the Action: Live Results and Updates
For fans looking to follow the LCP 2025 Playoffs in real time, including detailed brackets, player stats, and match outcomes, we recommend visiting the following resources:
- GOL.GG: Match Results and Brackets
- Liquipedia: LCP 2025 Playoff Overview
- Oracle’s Elixir: Player Statistics and Champion Data
- Leaguepedia: Historical Performance and Global Stats
The Road Ahead: A Region in Transition
While Japan’s absence from Worlds 2025 will be disappointing for its passionate fanbase, the long-term implications of APAC’s regional unification may lead to a stronger, more competitive representation in years to come. With a rapidly growing player base and enhanced competition, Japanese teams are well-positioned to adapt and rise once again on the international stage.
Stay tuned to LoLNews.gg for all updates on LCP action, regional developments, and the road to Worlds 2025.
