Is there any way that the format could be done so that the regional playoffs are more than just "seeding games". Apac and Emea games feel lame af even though they are gonna be the final games of the region for this year.
Ditch this format, replace it with 2023's format except have a second regular season split and masters instead of LOCK//IN, then bring back LCQ as the tournament between masters 2 and champs. Imo LCQ is the only way to fix the issue u mentioned, since champs points will always mean that some teams are gonna qual early if they did well in the season (which is fair, since they earned it)
I don't want just 2023 format though, I want it repeated twice (2 international leagues with masters following them), then LCQ, then champs
Idk if riot would do this. Because leo faria always says that he doesn't want to increase the minimum number of games, but this format would almost double that number
Yes but the solutions I can think of kinda suck
You could treat the regionals as actual qualifiers. You get top 4 you dont have to play any more games. https://www.vlr.gg/event/196/first-strike-europe/c-d-playoffs
(Obviously not single elim, but the core idea is visible)
Then there's also the multi qual idea you can see in first strike (or just any open quals riot held back then) - 2 qualifiers but only top 2 qualify. But unrealistic since that means more games which goes against who riot wants their format.
Means there's only 2 seeding games total and everything else matters.
Personally I like all teams to start at the same level on tournaments so I would try to award no byes to the teams.
My idea is making the classification system a lot more enjoyable
We could have a single elim tournament between the 8 teams whoever wins it classifies and gets #1 seed, then those who were knocked out on R1 do a single elim and only all but the winner get knocked out of the tournament.
Afterwards the "rescued" team and the others fight on a double elim tournament, whoever wins WF classified as #2 seed and whoever win LF as #3 seed. For masters 1 there would be a grand finals where the winner would qual as #2 seed and for masters 2 as stated beforehand there would be no grands. For champs #4 would be chosen by points as it is now.
Not gonna be done but this would have me on the edge of my seat for all games.