After LCK and YouTube fail to agree, where to watch the 2021 LCK

The 2021 LCK Spring Split is starting on January 13, and here’s everything you need to know about the new season.

In 2021, the LCK is adopting a franchised model with ten teams competing in the league. The LCK is the last of the major regions to transition to this type of model. In order to be part of the new LCK, organizations had to go through an application process. Teams such as FaZe Clan and NRG were rumored to be interested in submitting an application, but ultimately didn’t do it.

Last November, the LCK revealed the list of selected teams. It included popular organizations including T1, Gen.G, and current world champion DWG Kia, previously known as DAMWON Gaming.

LCK schedule revealed for 2021

The LCK regular season format in 2021 remains the same with all ten teams playing on a double round-robin. The first half of the split will be played Wednesday through Sunday. The second half is taking place Thursday through Sunday. Each will have two best-of-three series starting at 2 AM CST.

For the playoffs, the LCK went for a new format. The top six teams from the regular season advance to the playoffs. Teams play in a single-elimination bracket, and all series are to the best of five. The champion qualifies to the Mid-Season Invitational.

Where to watch the LCK 2021?

This year, the LCK is making changes to its broadcast. Unfortunately, the LCK didn’t reach a rights agreement with YouTube and won’t be hosting the broadcast on that platform. English-speaking fans can watch through the LCK’s official Twitch channel instead.

For the Korean broadcast, fans can watch on Afreeca TV, Naver, and Twitch. The Chinese broadcast is being hosted on HuyaTV. French-speaking fans can watch through OTP.

The 2021 LCK Spring Split kicks off on January 13 with a match between KT Rolster and Gen.G.  

What does LCK mean in LoL?

LCK stands for League of Legends Champions Korea. LCK is the primary pro League of Legends competition in South Korea. As a franchised league, the LCK now features ten permanent esports organizations.

Who won LCK 2020?

T1 won the 2020 LCK Spring Split. DWG Kia, formerly known as DAMWON Gaming and the reigning world champion, won the 2020 LCK Summer Split.