TL;DR
- LEC 2021 kicks off January 22nd with same format as 2020 season
- Berlin-based league continues remote broadcasts with potential return to studio
- Major roster shakeups feature Rekkles to G2, Upset to Fnatic
- Spring split determines MSI representative, summer split crucial for Worlds qualification
- Six teams advance to double-elimination playoffs with four Worlds spots available

The competitive League of Legends scene in Europe officially returns on Friday, January 22, 2021, marking the beginning of another thrilling season of professional gameplay.
Riot Games confirmed this start date shortly after North America’s LCS revealed its own schedule adjustments. While the LCS implemented significant format modifications, the LEC maintains its successful 2020 structure to further strengthen Europe’s esports brand through its exceptional player talent pool.
#LEC
Spring 2021 will kick off on January 22nd!Full article:
https://t.co/xautE0wwJr
pic.twitter.com/Gmnpjl4GeV— LEC (@LEC)
December 15, 2020
This continuation means European fans can expect both spring and summer splits, with the summer competition carrying greater weight for World Championship qualification. The spring split remains vital for determining which organization will represent Europe at the prestigious Mid-Season Invitational international tournament.
Although the 2021 LEC season may continue with remote play initially rather than immediate studio returns, numerous compelling narratives and competitive squads demand attention. The offseason featured extensive roster adjustments, with multiple promising newcomers aiming to establish their professional credentials.
Organizations including Astralis, SK Gaming, and Misfits have invested heavily in cultivating emerging talent, creating intrigue around their developmental success.
MAD Lions demonstrated in 2020 that rookie-dominated lineups can achieve success, inspiring other teams to pursue similar strategies. Among the established powerhouses, G2 Esports and Fnatic appear positioned to maintain their dominance following strategic roster enhancements.
The most significant storyline involves former Fnatic bot laner Martin “Rekkles” Larsson’s transition to G2, while Fnatic undergoes significant restructuring with new mid laner Yasin “Nisqy” Dinçer and bot laner Elias “Upset” Lipp joining their ranks.
The upcoming LEC season promises exceptional entertainment value, with fans awaiting just a few more weeks until revamped rosters compete on Summoner’s Rift.

When does the LEC 2021 start?
Riot has officially scheduled the 2021 LEC season commencement for January 22. While enthusiasts finally have a concrete date to anticipate, additional scheduling specifics including broadcast start times remain unconfirmed. The competition framework includes a regular season where each team faces all opponents twice, progressing to playoff stages featuring the top six squads competing in a double-elimination bracket system.
Where is the LEC held?
The LEC operates from its Berlin headquarters, traditionally broadcasting from this location. The 2020 season introduced remote play adaptations beginning in March, with the World Championship providing the only live stage experience that year. For 2021, the potential return to studio-based productions from the Berlin facility remains uncertain.
What does LEC stand for in LoL?
LEC represents the “League of Legends European Championship,” serving as Europe’s premier competitive circuit and one of the four major global leagues. This status grants the region’s top performing teams four qualification spots for the World Championship through competitive seeding.
Action Checklist
- Mark January 22 on your calendar for season opener
- Follow official LEC social media for broadcast time announcements
- Research team rosters and player backgrounds before matches begin
- Identify 2-3 developing teams to track their seasonal progression
- Learn double-elimination format rules to better understand playoff scenarios
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » The LEC will start play for the 2021 season on January 22 Complete guide to LEC 2021 season schedule, format changes, and top team storylines to watch
