Riot Games Korea announces 10 finalists for 2021 LCK franchises

Riot Games Korea has officially revealed the ten organizations selected as finalists for the LCK’s groundbreaking transition to a franchise system commencing in 2021.

Following successful implementations in major leagues like LEC, LCS, and LPL, Korea’s premier competitive circuit will adopt the franchise format that guarantees permanent league positions. This structural shift removes the traditional relegation threat that has defined Korean esports since its inception.

Esteemed esports journalist Ashley Kang confirmed Riot’s selection of ten primary negotiation partners for these coveted spots. With Brion Esports as the only non-LCK participant among the finalists, the organization aims to introduce fresh competitive energy to the established ecosystem.

[Official] Riot Korea has announced ten finalists for the
#LCK
franchise spots in 2021:

Brion Esports
SANDBOX Gaming
Afreeca Freecs
DAMWON Gaming
KT Rolster
Team Dynamics
Hanwha Life Esports
DRX
Gen.G

T1
pic.twitter.com/ZGBDImxtka

— Ashley Kang 애슐리강 (@AshleyKang)
August 28, 2020

The selection represents a strategic blend of established legacy organizations and emerging competitive forces. DAMWON Gaming brings championship pedigree following their world-class performances, while T1 maintains its iconic status as Korea’s most celebrated esports brand.

Brion Esports stands as the sole newcomer, having demonstrated consistent performance in Challengers Korea. Their inclusion follows patterns observed in other regions where successful academy teams earn promotion to premier leagues.

Team Dynamics represents another promising organization that has shown remarkable growth potential through their developmental system and strategic roster building approach.

Strategic Reserve Teams and Exclusion Analysis

SeolHaeOne Prince emerges as the most notable exclusion from the primary selection, having concluded the summer split with a disappointing single victory record. The team’s challenging inaugural LCK season following their 2020 Spring Promotion entry highlights the competitive intensity of Korea’s top league.

Riot implemented a sophisticated contingency strategy by identifying five reserve organizations should primary negotiations encounter obstacles. These backup candidates include SeolHaeOne Prince alongside prominent Challengers Korea contenders, ensuring league integrity regardless of business discussions.

These six reserved candidates are:

SeolHaeOne Prince
Element Mystic
Jin Air Greenwings
Awesome Spear
OZ Gaming

(Fixed grammar)

— Ashley Kang 애슐리강 (@AshleyKang)
August 28, 2020

Jin Air Greenwings represents the most recognizable reserve organization, boasting extensive LCK experience spanning multiple competitive eras. The team faced relegation during the 2020 Spring Promotion after a decisive match against Hanwha Life Esports.

Element Mystic brings strong developmental credentials, having cultivated numerous professional talents through their academy system. This selection approach mirrors successful franchise implementations in other regions where strong organizational infrastructure outweighs temporary competitive performance.

Korean esports enthusiasts have eagerly anticipated franchise implementation, recognizing the stability and growth opportunities demonstrated in international leagues. The new structure provides unprecedented security for participating organizations while elevating overall league professionalism.

A groundbreaking regulation mandates minimum annual compensation of 60 million Korean won (approximately $50,000 USD) for each professional competitor.

This salary floor eliminates exploitative contractual practices that have occasionally plagued the LCK ecosystem. Players now benefit from enhanced working conditions while the league strengthens its brand value and competitive appeal.

The financial security measures address longstanding concerns about talent drainage to better-paying international leagues. By establishing competitive compensation standards, the LCK creates stronger incentives for domestic player retention and international recruitment.

Similar to understanding class selection strategies in competitive gaming, these structural changes provide foundational stability for long-term growth and international competitiveness.

The franchise system officially launches with the 2021 LCK Spring Split, with Riot Games Korea expected to confirm the definitive team roster in the coming months.

The transition represents Korea’s strategic alignment with global esports business models that have proven successful in sustaining league growth and fan engagement.

The timing aligns with broader industry trends toward sustainable esports ecosystems. Just as comprehensive guides like our Battlefield 6 Complete Guide provide comprehensive understanding, this franchising move offers stakeholders predictable business environments for strategic planning.

This structural evolution positions the LCK for enhanced international competitiveness while preserving Korea’s legacy as an esports powerhouse. The model creates opportunities for long-term partnership development and brand investment similar to traditional sports franchises.

For teams preparing their competitive strategies, understanding weapon unlock systems provides valuable parallels for strategic roster development and talent acquisition in the new franchise era.

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