TL;DR
- EU Masters 2020 features 16 teams across four play-in groups competing for main event spots
- Defending champions LDLC OL enter through play-ins after qualification tournament loss
- Tournament serves as primary pathway for ERL players to reach professional LEC competition
- Double round-robin format determines eight teams advancing to best-of-three knockout series
- Roster includes former LEC veterans and rising talent seeking career advancement opportunities
The European Masters tournament, League of Legends’ answer to football’s Champions League format, has officially commenced with all competing organizations now confirmed for the 2020 summer split. This prestigious competition brings together elite squads from Europe’s semi-professional Regional Leagues, creating a crucial proving ground for talent aspiring to reach the continent’s top-tier LEC stage.
Since its establishment in 2018, the European Masters has demonstrated remarkable success in developing professional careers, with 13 former finalists successfully transitioning to LEC rosters. The tournament structure mirrors traditional sports championships, featuring multiple qualification stages that culminate in a high-stakes main event. Teams compete not just for prize money but for the opportunity to showcase their skills on a regional platform that attracts attention from professional organizations across Europe.
Qualification drama extended to the final hours before competition, with several participants securing their spots mere days before the August 17th start date. The NLC’s Riddle Esports clinched their position following a tense playoff victory against BT Excel on August 16th, with seeding determined through additional matches against Fnatic Rising the same day.
Hosts LDLC OL start in the play-ins
The play-in phase features sixteen organizations distributed across four competitive groups, employing a double round-robin format to identify the top eight advancing squads. These qualifying teams progress to best-of-three elimination matches that determine main event participation.
Competition unfolded across August 17-18, with each group completing their scheduled matches to establish advancement order. The format ensures every team faces each group opponent twice, providing comprehensive evaluation of roster capabilities and strategic adaptability under tournament pressure.
Play-in conclusion arrives on Thursday, August 20th, featuring four decisive best-of-three series commencing at 18:00 CEST. This knockout stage represents the final hurdle before the main tournament bracket, where teams compete for the European Masters championship title and increased visibility within the professional scene.
Defending Spring 2020 champions LDLC OL commence their title defense campaign through the play-in stage, despite their championship pedigree. Their roster includes legendary support player Bora “YellOwStar” Kim, whose extensive competitive experience provides strategic leadership for the organization’s European Masters journey.
The French LFL league postponed crowning their summer split winner to host the LFL 2020 EM Qualification tournament, determining regional representation. LDLC’s narrow 3-2 defeat against Misfits Premier resulted in missing direct group stage qualification, while their conquerors advance alongside GamersOrigin to the main event.
German representative GamerLegion enters as another serious championship contender, seeking redemption after their disappointing group stage elimination during the Spring EUM tournament. The squad achieved third position in the Prime League for the second consecutive split, demonstrating consistent performance within their domestic competition.
NLC qualifiers Riddle Esports complete the notable play-in participants, featuring former LEC mid laner Chres “Sencux” Laursen pursuing another opportunity in Europe’s elite league. Their roster construction emphasizes experienced leadership alongside developing talent, creating balanced team dynamics for tournament success.
Understanding team preparation differences reveals crucial competitive advantages. Organizations with earlier qualification certainty typically benefit from extended scrimmage preparation and strategic development, while last-minute qualifiers must adapt quickly to tournament-level competition. This preparation disparity often manifests during early group stage matches, where strategic depth and champion pool flexibility become determining factors.
Viewers should monitor how teams adapt between their first and second round-robin matches, as successful squads demonstrate learning capacity and strategic flexibility. Pay particular attention to draft phases in best-of-three series, where adaptation between games frequently determines match outcomes.
The European Masters represents more than just another tournament—it functions as Europe’s primary talent development pipeline. Scouts from LEC organizations closely monitor player performance, particularly focusing on mechanical skill, decision-making under pressure, and team communication dynamics. For aspiring professionals, strong EUM performances can dramatically accelerate career progression opportunities.
Strategic observation tips: Focus on how teams handle late-game scenarios, objective control decision-making, and adaptation to patch meta shifts. These elements often separate tournament contenders from early exits.
Action Checklist
- Review group stage results and identify teams demonstrating improvement between round-robin matches
- Analyze draft strategies in best-of-three series for adaptation patterns
- Track individual player performance metrics, especially from former LEC competitors
- Compare team performance across different regional leagues to identify meta trends
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