The 2023 League of Legends World Championship, also known as Worlds, has introduced a brand new format that promises to elevate the tournament's intensity and drama. The standout feature of this year's competition is the adoption of the best-of-three (BO3) format, along with the introduction of an innovative Swiss-style stage.

This new phase of the Worlds, named the "Swiss Stage," kicked off on October 19, 2023, marking the inception of the tournament's Main Event. A total of 16 teams are competing in this stage, representing a culmination of the tournament's initial Play-In and qualification rounds.

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The Swiss Stage is designed to ensure competitive equilibrium and add an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling tournament. While 14 top teams secured their place in the Swiss Stage through prequalification, two additional teams had to battle their way through the preliminary Play-In round to earn their spots. This arrangement ensures a mix of seasoned and emerging talent vying for glory.

In terms of structure, the Swiss Stage is unique. It comprises five rounds, each with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Teams will face off against opponents with a similar win-loss record until they either secure three wins or suffer three losses. This approach guarantees that every team will experience intense competition against squads with similar performance.

The Swiss Stage introduces the concept of best-of-three (BO3) qualification and elimination matches. Teams that win three of these matches will advance to the highly anticipated Knockout Stage, while those who endure three losses will be eliminated from the competition. Other matches within the Swiss Stage are played as best-of-one (BO1) games.

The competition begins with randomized pairings in the first round, where teams from different regions face off in single BO1 matches. As the rounds progress, teams are rematched against opponents who share the same record as them. For instance, teams with a 1-0 record will be pitted against other teams with a 1-0 record in the subsequent round. This matching process continues throughout all five rounds, culminating in the advancement or elimination of teams in the Worlds 2023 tournament.

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As the Swiss Stage unfolds, fans can expect an electrifying display of talent, strategy, and intense competition. It's a bold new step in the evolution of the League of Legends World Championship, promising to keep fans on the edge of their seats throughout the entire tournament.