Since 2025, Vietnamese League of Legends (LoL) teams have transitioned from the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS) to the broader League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP). This regional tournament brings together representatives from Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and Oceania.

While the VCS was the sole measure of domestic strength, the LCP serves as a benchmark for Vietnamese teams against regional competitors. The LCP championship, therefore, transcends mere title recognition; it directly impacts Vietnam's standing, international tournament participation, and the image of Vietnamese Esports on the global League of Legends stage.

The LCP 2025 qualifying stage. Photo: LCP

The LCP 2025 qualifying stage. Photo: LCP

Vietnam boasts one of the world's largest LoL fan bases. A June 2025 report by the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sport Association (VIRESA) estimated over 28 million Esports players in Vietnam, with LoL, the most popular PC game, comprising a significant portion.

While audiences in Japan and Taiwan primarily follow major tournaments, Vietnamese viewership extends to domestic leagues, regularly attracting hundreds of thousands of online viewers. The VCS Summer 2024 finals drew 340,172 concurrent viewers, while World Championship matches attract even larger audiences. For example, the T1 vs. TES match in the 2024 Swiss stage garnered 648,768 concurrent Vietnamese viewers.

Consequently, community expectations are high. Fans not only desire to see their teams participate in international tournaments but also expect compelling performances that reflect the investment and passion they pour into the sport.

Saigon Dino versus SN Cyber Esports at the VCS Final 2025. Photo: VCS

Saigon Dino versus SN Cyber Esports at the VCS Final 2025. Photo: VCS

However, recent Vietnamese team performance has fallen short of these expectations. Disappointing results in recent LCP matches have significantly impacted Vietnam's World Championship representation. From two slots during the VCS era, Vietnam now has only one opportunity to participate in the year's biggest tournament.

This reduction puts pressure on teams and necessitates an LCP championship win to maintain Vietnam's standing. A regional title not only unlocks entry to the World Championship group stage but also demonstrates to Riot Games and the international community that Vietnam remains a credible competitor deserving of continued representation.

GAM Esports' championship moment at VCS Summer 2024. Photo: VCS

GAM Esports' championship moment at VCS Summer 2024. Photo: VCS

Failure in the LCP risks relegating Vietnam to the World Championship play-in stage, or worse, complete absence—a realistic possibility. This would severely damage Vietnamese LoL's international image. A region once lauded for its aggressive and unpredictable playstyle risks fading into obscurity against rising competitors if absent from the biggest annual event.

Conversely, an LCP championship would provide a significant boost. It would restore fan confidence, affirm domestic teams' capabilities, attract sponsors, and elevate player value. Regular competition against experienced teams from established Esports regions like Taiwan and Japan provides valuable lessons, improves tactics, and keeps Vietnamese teams aligned with global gameplay trends.

Levi expresses disappointment and takes responsibility after GAM Esports' narrow 2-3 loss to G2 Esports in the MSI 2025 Play-In stage. Photo: MSI

Levi expresses disappointment and takes responsibility after GAM Esports' narrow 2-3 loss to G2 Esports in the MSI 2025 Play-In stage. Photo: MSI

The LCP is more than just a new international tournament hosted domestically; it holds existential significance for Vietnamese Esports. Winning the LCP secures a World Championship spot, maintains fan faith, and preserves the legacy of a region that has left its mark on the game. Conversely, failure threatens Vietnam's standing and future development opportunities.

Trong Trung