C9 Berserker leaks LCS import rule changes

Cloud9’s star AD carry Kim “Berserker” Min-Cheol may have unintentionally disclosed one of the most significant potential changes to North American League of Legends competitive structure in recent memory. During a recent streaming session, the Korean import player hinted at modifications to the LCS import regulations that could dramatically alter team composition strategies across the league.

Presently, the North American professional circuit maintains strict limitations on non-resident competitors per roster. The existing framework permits only two international players per starting lineup, with limited exemptions for athletes from emerging competitive regions. This system aims to balance global talent acquisition with domestic player development, though its effectiveness remains hotly debated among analysts and team management.

Berserker’s offhand comments suggest Riot Games might be preparing to expand this allowance to three imported players per team.

Berserker’s Import Rule Revelation

During a recent Twitch broadcast, viewers questioned Berserker about his teammate Ibrahim “Fudge” Allami’s earlier disclosure regarding Riot’s planned shift from two to three international tournaments annually. While addressing Fudge’s leak about the competitive calendar, Berserker unexpectedly shared previously unknown information about roster construction rules.

While contemplating Fudge’s tournament schedule revelation, Berserker stated with apparent sincerity: “Also, Riot said that LCS can field three [Korean players] or three [Chinese players]. I cannot confirm this information’s accuracy, but I received this intelligence.” The player’s phrasing indicated he was sharing genuine information rather than speculative rumor.

Recognizing potential terminology confusion, Berserker immediately utilized a Korean-to-English translation tool to eliminate any misunderstanding about his meaning. This quick correction demonstrated his awareness of the statement’s significance and potential misinterpretation risks.

“Like [you could field] three,” he hesitated, seeking the appropriate terminology, “mercenary, hired soldier.” His word choice, while unconventional in esports contexts, clearly referenced imported professional players from other regions.

Despite translation imperfections, Berserker’s meaning was unmistakably clear: he discussed import players, specifically competitors from non-North American regions joining NA organizations. Riot Games historically implemented non-resident limitations to encourage regional talent cultivation, though this philosophy has produced inconsistent outcomes across different competitive ecosystems.

Introducing an additional import slot would fundamentally transform team construction methodologies, potentially enabling rosters with more international than domestic players. Should both Berserker and Fudge’s leaked information prove accurate, the professional League landscape will undergo dramatic transformation by 2024 compared to current competitive structures.

The positive aspect involves potentially elevating North American organizations’ capabilities to challenge internationally. With access to greater global talent pools, teams could assemble more formidable rosters capable of competing with elite Korean and Chinese squads at world championships.

The transition to three imports introduces complex strategic considerations that organizations must navigate carefully. Teams should avoid overloading on star power without considering communication dynamics and team synergy. The most successful organizations will likely balance international talent with strategic leadership and shotcalling capabilities.

Common mistakes include prioritizing individual skill over team cohesion, neglecting communication infrastructure, and underestimating cultural integration challenges. Organizations should establish comprehensive support systems including language training, cultural orientation, and team-building exercises to maximize imported talent effectiveness.

Advanced roster optimization requires considering player role distributions, champion pool diversity, and playstyle compatibility. Teams must evaluate whether three imports from similar regions might create stylistic redundancy or whether diverse regional backgrounds could produce more adaptable strategies.

For teams considering these new roster possibilities, our Class Guide provides valuable frameworks for evaluating player role compatibility and team composition balance.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » C9 Berserker leaks LCS import rule changes Cloud9's Berserker leaks potential LCS import rule changes allowing three international players per team