DFM Evi and DFM Steal high-fiving (Source: lolesports.jp Instagram)

Three days ago, I read an article about how Japan wants to boost their economy through expanding the esports scene in their own country around 2025. While a lot of other regions such as China, Europe and North America have developed in a fast mannered pace, the Japanese region has lacked the growth that they really wished they loved to accomplish in contrast to other regions.

But there is one scene already ahead of the government, which is the LJL League of Legends scene! Throughout the birth of the competition, the LJL has managed to be a stable entertaining facilitator for the Japanese fans (and also foreign fans) who love to watch the competition.

In this article I will explain more about the growth of the league, and why you should watch it!

The expansion from six to eight teams since 2019

So, back a year ago the LJL expanded their competition from six teams to eight teams. The 2019 LJL spring season was regarded as the first split of franchised partnership, and teams couldn’t relegate anymore. Teams in the LJL are assured of a spot, so that players and staff could build up a foundation and develop into stable competitive teams. The expansion has been great so far, teams such as AXIZ, V3 Esports and Crest Gaming Act have been developing into stable LJL contenders to what we have seen from them as of now. Maybe in the future we could even see ten teams competing in the LJL, who knows what the future could bring?

The eight LJL teams (Source: lolesports.jp)

New play-offs structure

After trying the new franchise system out for a year, the teams battled it out in the regular split and in the end DetonatioN FocusMe would always win. But there was still one thing missing, which they blindly forgot about: their play-offs structure. In 2020, the LJL has revamped their play-offs system with instead of three, now six teams play for the post-split tournament. With the change to its format, the play-offs are actually now interesting and exciting at the same time. More League of Legends, more stories to tell and of course more upsets to come to a wonderful new structure!

More League of Legends in a day then ever!

MORE League of Legends, yes that’s right! Just when you’d thought that hadn’t had enough, LJL has you covered with packed League of Legends action. Instead of three matches in one week in a best of three format, you are now guaranteed with eight matches but in a best of one format. Also teams are playing twice, meaning you will see your favorite team twice in action aswell. So more variety, with more teams equals more LJL action!

LJL scouting grounds

Now this is one of the most interesting things of the LJL expansion. With the expansion, LJL announced the scouting grounds. What is scouting grounds you might ask? The scouting grounds are a tournament where domestic talent could showcase their greatness. Known players such as CGA Yoshi, SHG Pooh and Isurigi have made their debut (or return) through the LJL scouting grounds. It has proven quite an success, as new talent arises from the Japanese solo queue enviroment that nobody knew of. With LJL being a league with relatively older players than other leagues, bringing young talent could be the difference maker for the development of the LJL teams.

CGA Yoshi (Source: lolesports.jp Instagram)

CGA Yoshi on Lee Sin (Source: lolesports.jp Instagram)

Want to withness the growth of the LJL? Tune into the next LJL match!

Interested in the LJL? Come and watch the next LJL broadcast either on the official Japanese broadcast or the English broadcast! Sadly enough the broadcast has been postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak in the world. However, a return date has already been planned by the LJL!

On the 3rd of May, the LJL will return with round three of the play-offs. Starting on 6AM CEST, DetonatioN FocusMe will play against V3 Esports in a stunning best of five series. Be sure to watch the game!

Join our LJL English Discord to discuss and learn even more about the LJL!

I hope you had a wonderful read about The growth of the LJL, and why you should watch it! And on every Thursday I will post an new article which features various things about the LJL as well. So stay tuned!