After going through the second round of the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, the Swiss Stage bracket has been unveiled, and the players’ responses to possible matchups are already outrageous. According to the official lolesports tweet, the standings were updated and the order of matches has not yet been finalized, still, there was and there is a lot going on in the community in terms of speculation and even some complaining here and there.
So, the scenario is as follows. The Swiss format, which changes the course of sometimes a very predictable tournament by introducing a more thrilling and entertaining group stage, is causing quite a racket. One of the biggest topics of the discussion is that the regional rivalries are matched against each other far too early in the tournament. The consequence will be that people will grow tired of watching the same teams fight over and over again in the same region, and their conclusion would be that the whole point of an international tournament has been missed.
Spirithief Isa, one of the users, pointed out the issue and gave it a more in-depth analysis, saying, “I just think it’s a waste having a world tournament only for some teams to end up playing mostly against their same region.” Thus they were ruling out the possibility of “LEC match #1708” in favor of G2 vs HLE or KOI vs BLG. It is a very sensible argument! Why spend a fortune on transitioning between continents just to be a part of a battle with your usual rivals?
On the other hand, there is the opposite side of the story. Lalna held up a very strong point when he/she/they said that if a team cannot take over their region then they should not get a chance to be in the quarterfinals anyway. “But ultimately, it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day whoever each team faces unless they are the best team competing then they are not going to win unless they can beat every team,” their response included. A tough-love perspective it is, no question about it.
Ah, but hold on, the drama isn’t finished here yet! The chance for some very delicious stories is being strengthened. Besides, Lalna was also discussing a situation in which T1 is beaten by Gen.G in an already-1-1 tie and Fnatic manages to win (which they acknowledged is unlikely) then we might have a Faker vs polby duel. That is the kind of thrill that makes Worlds, well, Worlds! But this is also the kind of rivalry that might not happen if the current format does not permit disparities between regions. So, it’s a matter of whether the format is skewed or just masterfully chaotic? The answer really depends on whom you ask.
Some players are not shy to declare that the format is simply rigged. Carlos Gutierrez did not hold back when tweeting “What a rigged format”. The case is different for others such as AndresX who vented their frustration over the repeat pyrotechnics and called the organizers to “come up with something to prevent same region matches,” the issue has been there for two years now with no solution. The consensus is that the distinctness of Worlds lies not in the same-old rivalries but in the diversity of styles clashing.
Still, the no votes are not unanimous. Moh, a fan of the format, tweeted “Don’t listen to these guys, this format is way much more exciting than boring groups.” And, you know, maybe they’re right. The Swiss stage does embody more unpredictability and more chances for an underdog to pass through, and if it means that a few more regional rematches must take place, then so be it.
Also, don’t forget the T1 situation that is more like a user proudhyunie pointed out T1’s draw as pretty severe as they have played FLY, CFO, and now Gen.G who are all coming in as first seeds. “Next get ready for T1 vs BLG or G2,” they made a jest. The universe is almost making Faker and company go through a series of tests from the start. If they get through this trial, they will indeed be very strong and well prepared for the next battles.
On the other hand, in LEC, Targamas, the Support King, presented European fans with a scenario that was both funny and sad. Since FNATIC has lost 0-2 and only one of either G2 Esports or KOI is also likely to be in the 0-2 bracket, the match will be an all-LEC elimination match 50% of the time. This means an LEC team will start the tournament with a record of 0-3 and will then get the boot. Ouch! This is very hard for a major region to swallow.
The Korean community will also not be silent. Comments along the lines of “It’s not fun! Delete it!” popped up under the post by Hanwha Life Esports with criticism of the team’s form, which just indicates that the dissatisfaction is not confined to the Korean region only. Everyone wants their teams not only to be able to play but also to give the audience and themselves, the more the merrier, an exciting experience.
So, where are we headed from here? The Worlds 2025 Swiss Stage is turning out to be a roller coaster ride. It is the main attraction, triggering loud arguments, and drawing lots of passionate responses. Whether you enjoy the chaos or despise the repetition, one thing remains: players are taking part. The bracket might be set, but the stories are just beginning to be told. As the order of matches is decided, it will be fascinating to see how these regional dramas and possible upsets unfold. Will it be the victory of the format or the spur for change next year? Only the games will reveal. But for now, prepare your popcorn because the Swiss stage is presenting drama that we all secretly desire, even if we are always whining about it. Really, it is part of the fun, isn’t it? The community gets to argue, predict and eventually enjoy the battle of the world’s best teams. Even if sometimes they are fighting their mates from home a little bit more often than not.
For those following on PlayStation and Xbox, the excitement continues.
