Worlds 2023: Additional qualification will be in South Korea

The crunch battle between America and Europe will take place elsewhere and just before the tournament. Will this change be a success?

While we are slowly but surely closing the list of certain participants for Worlds 2023, one thing will remain unresolved virtually until the tournament begins. The World Qualifying Series (WQS), created this year for American and European foursomes, due to changes in tournament format, was scheduled to be played on American soil.

But critics and many fans disagreed with the location of the additional series. In particular, it is a big advantage for the American team, which can use the time to practice with the Korean teams. Europe won’t know its representative until early September. It will then challenge the Golden Guardians.

The original plan to hold the battle for the last Worlds spot on American soil was eventually called off by the organizers after much delay. Riot subsequently confirmed via the LoL Esports Twitter account what had long been circulated and speculated online.

“While we had planned to host WQS in America, following the decision we will move the series to South Korea and give teams time to prepare,³” reads Riot Games’ statement on WQS.

The welcome change also brings another effect. An additional series, where the winner will then advance to the main qualifier (Play-in Stage), will face the champions of the weaker regions + the champions and runners-up of the VCS and PCS leagues. The deciding series before Worlds will begin on October 9 at the famous LoL Park in Seoul.

In other words, the battle for the last spot at Worlds will be incredibly intense. The historic rivalry between America and Europe for Worlds? The day before the tournament starts? The organizers couldn’t have picked a better opener!

Source: LoL Esports