The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) has introduced a transformative new format for Split 3 of the 2025 season. Designed to sharpen competition and clarify the path to Worlds, this split divides the league into two performance-based groups – Ascend and Nirvana – leading into a two-phase playoff system culminating in a high-stakes Grand Final. Here’s everything you need to know about the current structure, match results, and bracket status.

LPL Split 3: Refined Group System and Objectives

For Split 3, the LPL replaced its traditional single-table format with a tier-based group division inspired by teams’ Split 2 performance. This move aims to reward top teams while adding pressure to lower-placing rosters.

  • Ascend Group: Comprises the top eight teams from Split 2, regarded as the highest-performing tier.
  • Nirvana Group: Includes the six lowest-ranked teams from Split 2.

This separation isn’t just symbolic – it shapes the path to playoffs and ultimately, Worlds qualification. Learn more about the current rosters and standings on Liquipedia.

Comprehensive Format Breakdown

1. Group Stage (Double Round-Robin)

Each group plays internal best-of-three (BO3) matches in a double round-robin format. Notably, the LPL has removed 1v1 side-selection tiebreakers for Split 3, instead resolving ties via fixed rules or coin tosses. Additional details are available on Sheep Esports.

2. Advancement and Elimination Path

  • Ascend Group Top 4: These teams bypass preliminary rounds and head straight to the Bracket Stage.
  • Ascend 5th-8th and Nirvana 1st-4th: Enter the Play-In to compete for remaining bracket slots.
  • Nirvana Bottom 2: Are eliminated from the competition, concluding their Split 3 campaign.

Road to the Grand Finals

Two-Stage Postseason Format

The LPL Split 3 postseason comprises two phases: a Play-In and the primary Bracket Stage.

  • Play-In: A single-elimination BO5 round where Ascend’s 5th to 8th place teams face Nirvana’s top four squads.
  • Bracket Stage: Features the top four Ascend teams and the four Play-In winners. Teams engage in a double-elimination BO5 bracket, with Upper and Lower Bracket paths.

Seeding plays a significant role here – in order of their placement, the four direct qualifiers from Ascend personally select their quarterfinal opponents from the Play-In winners. The Grand Final victor is crowned Split 3 champion and secures China’s first seed at Worlds.

Follow the bracket live via LoLEsports.com.

LPL Play-In Results and Performances

The Play-In featured high-stakes battles between teams at the edge of playoffs. Ascend squads held a statistical edge, but upsets prove the gap is closing. Match winners advanced to fill the lower half of the quarterfinal bracket.

  • Weibo Gaming (WBG) 3-0 Ultra Prime (UP)
  • JD Gaming (JDG) 3-0 LGD Gaming (LGD)
  • Team WE (WE) 1-3 EDward Gaming (EDG)
  • FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) 2-3 Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP)

The success of EDG and NIP highlights the resurgence of Nirvana teams, making them dangerous spoilers in the Bracket Stage.

Updated Bracket Stage Matchups

Each of the top-four Ascend teams can now choose a Play-In winner to face in the Quarterfinals. The specifics of each pairing are subject to selection order and strategic consideration.

  • Top Esports (TES) vs TBD
  • Anyone’s Legend (AL) vs TBD
  • Invictus Gaming (iG) vs TBD
  • Bilibili Gaming (BLG) vs TBD

Winning teams remain in the Upper Bracket, while losers fall to the Lower Bracket for a last-chance route. All matches are best-of-five (BO5), demanding consistent performance across multiple games.

Structural Changes and Competitive Implications

  • No More 1v1s: The LPL has discontinued the 1v1 tiebreaker format used for side selection in previous splits. Decisions are now made using rule-based criteria or coin tosses.
  • Reduced Franchise Count: The league now features 14 teams. Underperforming Split 2 teams Royal Never Give Up and Oh My God have been relegated to the LDL (China’s developmental league).
  • Razor-Thin Margins: Simply failing to reach the top four in Nirvana results in immediate season elimination, boosting match intensity and viewer stakes.

For granular stats and match highlights, check the LPL Official YouTube Channel or analysis on Sheep Esports.

What This Means for Worlds 2025

The updated LPL format aligns all matches toward a singular goal: qualifying for Worlds. Only the Grand Final winner from Split 3 earns China’s first seed, with all other placements determined in subsequent qualifiers.

With do-or-die stakes and a fine-tuned playoff structure, Split 3 is delivering the most merit-driven LPL yet. Whether you’re following the powerhouses or scouting dark horses, the path to victory has never been sharper.

To stay informed with schedule updates and match outcomes, monitor the official LoLEsports standings and Liquipedia’s LPL 2025 Split 3 coverage.