Edited By
Omar El-Sayed
As fans gear up for the Rocket League World Championship, questions surrounding the Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQs) are heating up. With 4 teams vying for a spot at the championship, details on this pivotal event remain a hot topic.
The LCQs offer four teams a final shot at joining the 16 previously qualified teams for the championship, raising the total to 20 contenders.
While exact dates are still pending, the schedule is as follows:
Region 1: July 11-13 (Double Elimination + Swiss), July 18-20 (GSL + Playoffs)
Region 2: July 18-20 (Double Elimination + Swiss), July 25-27 (GSL + Playoffs)
Region 3: July 25-27 (Double Elimination + Swiss), August 1-3 (GSL + Playoffs)
Region 4: August 1-3 (Double Elimination + Swiss), August 8-10 (GSL + Playoffs)
According to RLCS guidelines, the regions with the strongest performances in recent majors will earn their spot in the LCQs:
Europe (EU)
North America (NA)
South America (SAM)
Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
Interestingly, there's no guarantee on the order in which these regions will play.
Players from any region who are eligible for the RLCS can compete in the LCQ, and theyโre not locked into their original roster or region. Many are speculating that this could lead to strategic roster changes just ahead of competition, as one user pointed out, "Could teams from NA head to MENA for a better shot?"
The LCQs will follow a familiar structure for seasoned competitors:
Open Double Elimination: 1-2 days
Top 32 Swiss Stage
Top 16 GSL Stage
Top 8 Hybrid Playoffs
Notably: No prize money is awarded, but a championship slot is at stake.
"I hate how itโs being done teams could peak and make it to worlds despite a lack of performance all season."
Teams will be seeded based on their playersโ performance in the 2025 RLCS season. Three criteria will be used:
Average RLCS seeding scores of the starters.
Best team placements from majors or opens.
Average Matchmaking Rating in Ranked 3v3 Standard Mode.
๐ 4 teams will earn a spot in the World Championship through the LCQs.
๐ Dates for the qualifiers span July and August, pending confirmation.
๐ผ No roster restrictions; players can switch regions as of July 1, 2025.
๐ฎ Seeding determined primarily by recent performance.
Comments from the community reflect a mix of excitement and skepticism:
"Wonder if weโll see any last-minute region change drama"
"Seems like easy qualification for teams not in the top regions"
"Wildcard was the best solution, but it costs money to fly teams out."
Sentiments vary, but the common thread is a keen anticipation of how the LCQs will unfold and what surprises they may bring.
As we approach the July qualifiers, all eyes will be on the competitive structure and potential roster maneuvers in this high-stakes scenario.
As the Last Chance Qualifiers approach, there's a strong chance weโll see major region shifts, especially as teams explore new strategies. Experts estimate about 60% possibility that teams from North America could move to compete in the Middle East & North Africa region, seeking an easier path to the championship. With no roster restrictions in place, teams may experiment with player line-ups, further increasing the unpredictability. This season, competitive play is expected to intensify, reflected in the styles seen during the recent Raleigh Major, which could serve as a catalyst for last-minute roster changes shaping the outcomes of these qualifiers.
Revisiting the path of the 1970s New York Knicks is perhaps an unexpected parallel. Just as those players unexpectedly shifted strategies mid-season to claim pivotal playoff spots, todayโs teams are likely to engage in tactical shifts as the LCQs unfold. The Knicks' adaptive strategies not only took their rivals by surprise but also underscored how fluid dynamics in competition can lead to significant upsets. This narrative hints at how the forthcoming qualifiers can shape not just the current landscape, but also the future trajectory of eSports competitions as teams vie for recognition and glory.