EMEA Masters format changes for 2024

The EMEA Masters format changes for the Spring and Summer Split of 2024 have been announced

EDIT: The format for the 2024 Summer EMEA Masters has changed following community feedback. Read about the new format here.

An article on the lolesports website has revealed the new format changes coming to the EMEA Masters this year.

Overall, the Spring Split EMEA Masters format won't see too many changes, it will still consist of 28 teams. However, the tournament will be played over the span of only two weeks from April 15 to April 28. This means there more parallel games will be played. The overall tournament format for Spring will look as follows:

Play-in: 16 teams, divided into four groups of four, engaging in a best-of-one, double round-robin format. The top two teams from each group advance to Knock-outs.
Play-in (Knock-outs): 8 teams compete in a best-of-three series, with the top four teams progressing to the Group Stage.
Group Stage: 16 teams, split into four groups of four, competing in a best-of-one, double round-robin format. The top two teams from each group move on to the Playoffs.
Playoffs: 8 teams fight in a best-of-five, single-elimination bracket.

The Summer Split EMEA Masters format will see many more changes as the tournament increases from 28 to 38 teams.

Last Chance Qualifiers: The LCQ will host 24 teams competing for a spot in the Group Stage, with one to three teams per region. The complete details about the LCQ format haven't been announced yet.
Group Stage: 16 will compete in the Group Stage, with 13 teams automatically qualifying as winners of their respective ERL Summer Finals. The remaining three teams will qualify through the LCQ. This stage consists of four groups of four teams, battling in a best-of-three, GSL format. The top two from each group will be advancing to the Playoffs.
Playoffs: This stage will now be featuring a double-elimination bracket. First seeds from the Group Stage head to the upper bracket, while second seeds progress to the lower bracket. Matches are mostly best-of-threes, except for the Lower Bracket Finals and Grand Finals, which are best-of-five.

It has also been announced that the EMEA Masters Summer will be played on stage during 2024 LEC Roadshow in Munich. This is similar to how last year's EMEA Masters finals were played in Montpellier before the LEC Season finals. The 2023 finals saw Karmine Corp beat Movistar Riders with a score of 3-2 in front of the French crowd.