More best-of-3s, additional seeding announced for upcoming European VCT open qualifiers

The formats for European Riot-run events have come under massive criticism ever since First Strike. The best-of-1 single elimination brackets pale in comparison to North America’s best-of-3s, or other systems like Korea’s group stage. Today, however, good news has come, as Riot have announced changes to Europe’s open qualifier format.

The official information can be found here. The biggest change is probably that, beginning with the round of 128 (the second round), all matches will be best-of-3s. In addition, 12 top teams, though it will be 14 for Challengers 2, will receive a bye to this round, rather than having to play a best-of-1 in round 1.

The changes will also apply to the CIS and Turkey for their upcoming events. Both of those regions are currently doing their first round of open qualifiers, using best-of-1s.

This should all make for a more even and enjoyable format. Just last Challengers, for example, First Strike champions Team Heretics dropped out in a best-of-1 early. The changes are great to see, and though they come a little late, are nonetheless a very welcome addition.