RLCS returns with new format, prize pool and regions

15 September 2021

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The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is returning for the 2021-22 season with its largest expansion to date.

The upcoming season will usher in a return to LAN as well as an expansion into three new markets, a larger prize pool, and an updated format.

Image credit: Psyonix

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Rocket League developer Psyonix has announced a $6 million (~£4.3 million) prize pool for the upcoming 2021-2022 season of the RLCS, up from $4.5 million in the previous season. 

The 2021-22 season will also feature a much-anticipated expansion into new markets. Middle East & North Africa, Asia-Pacific North and Asia-Pacific South will all be added as regions in RLCS, opening up competition to dozens of new countries across two continents.

In addition, the game developer will officially support Sub-Saharan Africa through regional events which offer qualifying spots for the World Championship.

Moreover, Psyonix announced their intention to return to LAN this season beginning with the Fall Major, which is set to be held in Stockholm, Sweden without a live audience.

The company aims to hold all Majors and the World Championship as LANs, though this will be subject to changes in the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Psyonix will apply the new format, which has seen a number of key changes, across all regions for the upcoming season in an attempt to increase the uniformity of its competitions.

“We’re excited to announce that every region playing in the RLCS 2021-22 season will now be playing the same format,” Psyonix said in a blog post. “This will help make it extra clear to fans around the world who’s performing at the top of their regions and how they compare to their international counterparts.”

A full list of changes, including changes to the in-game Esports Shop, can be found in Psyonix’s latest blog post.

Esports Insider says: This is a huge update and another significant investment in Rocket League esports’ flagship tournament. The move into new regions, which has been highly anticipated and requested amongst fans, will expand Rocket League’s reach in key emerging markets where Rocket League’s popularity is surging.

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