The 2019 LEC season is the seventh season, and the first under new branding, of the League of Legends European Championship (LEC), a professional esports league for the MOBA PC game League of Legends, following its rebranding in late 2018.
League changes In November 2018, Riot Games rebranded from the European League of Legends Championship Series to the League of Legends European Championship (LEC). The newly franchised competition was set to commence on January 18, 2019, with the announcement of 10 final franchise partners for the 2019 season. The returning teams included Fnatic, FC Schalke 04, G2 Esports, Misfits Gaming, Splyce, and Team Vitality. The four new organizations included Excel Esports, Rogue, SK Gaming, and Origen.
Riot Games began accepting applications with buy-in prices set at €8 million for existing teams and €10.5 million for new entrants. The selection process for the league involved a three-stage application process running through December 2018. Interested parties submitted applications outlining finances, team plans, and ownership background. Selected applicants underwent in-person reviews with Riot Games representatives.
The revenue pool, consisting of league sponsorship and media rights, individual team sponsorships, and merchandising revenue, were distributed among Riot Games, teams, and players. Players received 35% of the revenue pool to fund their salaries, with the excess distributed among them. Riot Games utilized 32.5% for broadcast production, live events, and other expenses, while the remaining 32.5% will go to the teams, part of which was equally distributed. The minimum player salary was also increased from $29,791 to $74,749 yearly. Riot Games planned to introduce a player development platform, providing support for aspiring professionals in areas like personal finance and healthcare.
Spring
Regular season
Playoffs
Final standings Team Qualification 1 G2 Esports 2019 Mid-Season Invitational Main Event 2019 Rift Rivals 2 Origen 2019 Rift Rivals 3 Fnatic 4 Splyce 5–6 SK Gaming Team Vitality
Awards
1st Team All-Pro: Cabochard, Team Vitality Jankos, G2 Esports Caps, G2 Esports Kobbe, Splyce Mikyx, G2 Esports
2nd Team All-Pro: Wunder, G2 Esports Selfmade, SK Gaming Nukeduck, Origen Upset, Schalke 04 Hylissang, Fnatic
3rd Team All-Pro: Alphari, Origen Broxah, Fnatic Jiizuke, Team Vitality Rekkles, Fnatic Mithy, Origen
Most Valuable Player: Caps, G2 Esports Rookie of the Split: Selfmade, G2 Esports Coach of the Split: Guilhoto, Origen
Summer
Regular season
Playoffs
Final standings Team Qualification 1 G2 Esports 2019 Worlds Main Event 2 Fnatic 3 Schalke 04 4 Rogue 5–6 Splyce Team Vitality
Awards
1st Team All-Pro: Wunder, G2 Esports Jankos, G2 Esports Caps, G2 Esports Perkz, G2 Esports Mikyx, G2 Esports
2nd Team All-Pro: Alphari, Origen Xerxe, Splyce Humanoid, Splyce Upset, Schalke 04 Hylissang, Fnatic
3rd Team All-Pro: Bwipo, Fnatic Broxah, Fnatic Nemesis, Fnatic Rekkles, Fnatic IgNar, Schalke 04
Most Valuable Player: Jankos, G2 Esports Rookie of the Split: Inspired, Rogue Coach of the Split: Grabbz, G2 Esports
Regional Finals
Playoffs
Final standings Team Qualification 1 Fnatic Worlds 2019 Main Event 2 Splyce Worlds 2019 Play-In stage 3 Schalke 04 4 Origen
References