The LCP returns on Saturday, April 19 for the Mid-Season Split, featuring a single group of eight teams, with the top six advancing to the Qualifying Series. Just like in the LPL, the region uses 1v1s to determine side selection before each game. For these 1v1s, the LCP announced on Wednesday that players will only be allowed to use champions with Spirit Blossom skins: Ahri, Aphelios, Cassiopeia, Darius, Evelynn, Kindred, Lillia, Master Yi, Riven, Sett, Soraka, Syndra, Teemo, Thresh, Tristana, Vayne, Yasuo, Yone, and Yorick.

No ban, champions played only once

A unique rule in the LCP: unlike in the LPL, players won’t be able to ban champions, and most importantly, they won’t be allowed to play the same champion more than once during the 1v1s of the split. As a reminder, during the Season Kickoff — the first split won by the CTBC Flying Oyster — the same rules applied, players could only pick champions from the region of Noxus or those with a Black Rose skin.

The Spirit Blossom skin line dates back to 2020 and is inspired by the region of Ionia, which will serve as the central theme for the second half of the League of Legends season. It’s meant to evoke the feeling of spring and the vibrant festivals tied to the region’s lore. Several new Spirit Blossom skins will also be released later on for the following champions: Irelia, Ashe, Lux, Zyra, Varus, Bard, and Ivern. In addition, the in-game map will undergo major design and gameplay changes.