Preface: The S15 season is coming to an end, and the vast majority of players have been paying attention to the recent confrontations. All the Worlds teams are confirmed, with 17 teams gathered. In half a month, the intense fight for the championship will start. This marks Riot's first large-scale adjustment, with major changes to the formats across regions. It was expected that these changes would continue, but before Worlds even began, Riot already announced updates for the S16 season regions. The Americas region is being split again into two, with Brazil returning as its own region, and the Worlds slots increasing from three to four. Many players joked that Riot is squeezing LPL and LCK slots to make room for these wildcard teams.

Riot announces major changes to the Americas region

Most players have been very focused on the S15 Worlds. This time, Riot has made significant adjustments, with slot allocations changing across regions. Previously, both LPL and LCK had four slots each. But after the merging and restructuring of major regions, LPL and LCK now share only seven direct slots. The fourth seeds from each region must compete in a play-in match before the tournament starts. Without a traditional play-in stage, this slot is much harder to secure than expected, especially with powerhouse teams like T1 and IG facing off right from the start. Riot has no solution to this so far.

Initially, fans hoped Riot would modify the rules, but for such a major event, sudden changes would be disastrous for the league's development. Before Worlds even began, Riot announced the S16 regional adjustments, signaling they recognized the current format's shortcomings. The play-in stage will return in S16, with LCS and CBLOL regions reinstated. In other words, the Americas region is splitting back into Brazil and North America — a clear reversal of the previous merger.

The main reason is likely the massive fanbase in Brazil, which in some cases surpasses North America's viewership. After the merger, Brazil's performance was underwhelming, and viewership dropped sharply. Splitting the regions again means they now share four Worlds slots, one more than before. According to Riot's approach, this may lead to reducing LPL and LCK slots again, or alternatively, restarting the play-in matches. This would increase the number of teams at Worlds while still protecting slots for LPL and LCK.

The announcement of the Americas split essentially confirms Riot's reform in S15 failed. Merging major regions, changing formats, and canceling play-ins shortened the tournament but caused many issues. For example, the slot showdown forced the two hottest teams from LPL and LCK to face each other early. Eliminating either team is a huge loss for the competition. No wonder Riot released the announcement so quickly — the situation couldn't be changed, so they are trying to minimize future damage. Play-ins are essential, allowing teams from other regions to compete and letting LPL and LCK battle properly.

Farewell thoughts

I guess Riot didn't expect the backlash to come so fast. They thought the changes would succeed, but before Worlds started, the regions were split again. If nothing unexpected happens, in S16 LPL and LCK will still have four slots each, and the Worlds play-in will be revived. Lower-ranked teams from various regions will compete in play-ins for two main tournament slots.

What do you all think about this situation?