I want to raise a concern about the current VCT 2027 format, particularly the advantage given to teams that participated in the previous Masters.

I understand Riot’s intention to reward teams that qualify for international tournaments. Reaching Masters is already a huge achievement, and teams that perform well internationally deserve recognition. However, I don’t think simply participating in Masters should automatically guarantee a direct spot in the next regional Playoffs.

My main concern is the difference between rewarding participation and rewarding performance.

Think about it: a team could qualify for Masters Seoul, get eliminated during the group stage, and still receive the same direct Playoffs advantage as a team that reaches the semifinals or even the grand final.

Does that really make sense?

Meanwhile, other teams have to work their way through Open Qualifiers and Play-ins just to earn an opportunity to compete in the regional Playoffs. Some of these teams aren’t partnered, while others are partnered but simply failed to qualify for the previous Masters. They still deserve a fair opportunity.

And let’s not underestimate the value of a Play-in spot. Getting there already requires considerable effort, time, and consistency. It’s not a small reward.

If multiple Masters participants automatically occupy Playoffs positions in the next regional competition, that also means fewer opportunities for teams coming through the qualification system. If this advantage carries over from Cup to Cup, the same teams could repeatedly benefit while other teams face a more difficult route.

My proposed solution

I believe Riot should introduce a two-level reward system:

1. Masters participation = Automatic Play-in spot

Any team that participates in Masters receives a Play-in spot in the next regional competition, regardless of its result.

This still recognizes the achievement of qualifying for an international event without giving away the bigger advantage.

2. Reaching the quarterfinals or beyond = Direct Playoffs spot

Teams that demonstrate a deeper international run, such as reaching the quarterfinals, semifinals, or grand final, earn direct entry into the next regional Playoffs.

This makes the reward proportional to the team’s actual performance.

Why I think this is better

First, it gives teams a reason to keep fighting even after qualifying for Masters. They shouldn’t feel comfortable simply because participating already guarantees them a significant advantage in the next regional competition.

Second, it rewards actual international achievement. A team that reaches the quarterfinals has demonstrated something more than a team that exits during the group stage.

Third, it protects opportunities for other teams. Teams grinding through Open Qualifiers and Play-ins shouldn’t have their chances unnecessarily reduced by automatic Playoffs positions awarded solely for participation.

And to be clear, this isn’t about taking anything away from teams that reach the semifinals or finals. Those teams absolutely deserve recognition for their performance. My criticism is specifically about giving the same level of privilege to teams that qualify for Masters but leave early.

The bigger the competitive advantage, the greater the achievement required to earn it.

I believe this would create a healthier competitive environment: reward teams for reaching Masters, reward them even more for performing well, and still give other teams a meaningful opportunity to fight for their place.

I’m interested in hearing what you guys think about this. Do you believe simply participating in Masters should be enough to guarantee a direct Playoffs spot, or should teams have to reach a certain placement first?