The 2022 LCS season kicks off with it’s second annual LCS lock in tournament. Will last years winners Team Liquid make it two in a row? or will a new challenger rise to the occasion this preseason.
The LCS lock-in was introduced in 2021 and has been kept for the 2022 season. Similar to other major regions, this tournament offers teams a competitive experience for their new acquisitions. Last year, fans got to witness superstar players such as Perkz, Alphari and Swordart compete in a preseason tournament. This also appeals to fan service who want more opportunities to watch their favorite teams and players.
Esports.gg has put together the ultimate fan information guide for the LCS lock in.
Which teams will be competing in the 2022 LCS lock in?
As was the case in the inaugural lock-in, the 2022 LCS lock-in tournament will feature all ten teams competing in the LCS. However, it must be noted not every team is expected to have their starting roster. New Cloud9 head coach Nick "LS" De Cesare announced on his stream recently his team is experiencing standard visa issues and will not be starting any of their new players.
Since the global pandemic began, it has been more difficult for LCS sides to have their imports ready and available during the preseason. One of the more notable victims of this is Mads "Broxah" Brock-Pedersen who had to wait weeks before he could start for Team Liquid and then again for Counter Logic Gaming.
What is the format for the 2022 LCS lock in?
The format for the 2022 tournament remains the same. The ten teams will be split into two groups of five. The finalists from last year's summer split, those being TL and 100T were made group captains. The two captains would both pick a team they would like to send to the other group. What followed would be each team selecting another team to go into the opposite group.
The group stage would be a single round-robin with the top four teams in each group moving onto the playoffs. The quarter-finals for the playoffs will be a best-of-three. The semi-finals and the grand finals will be a best-of-five.
What is the prize pool for the 2022 LCS lock in?
The prize pool for this tournament is $150,000 with the winner receiving the entirety of the pool. The winning team will also receive an additional $50,000 to give to a charity of their choice.
The 2022 LCS lock-in tournament kicks off Friday, January 14 with TSM taking on 2021 summer split champions 100 Thieves.
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