NACL 2025 Split 1: Teams, Format, Qualifiers, and more

The North American Challengers League (NACL) is returning in full force. As the dedicated path to pro for the region's best up and coming League of Legends players, the NACL will be an exciting scene to follow in 2025 and witness the development of players and teams first hand.

To start the year, the Tier-2 league returns to North America with the NACL Split 1 on March 26th, featuring a total of ten teams compete to try and make a name for themselves. Here's everything you need to know about the NACL 2025 Split 1.

NACL Split 1 Teams

• Blue Otter
• Dragonsteel
• Supernova
• Winthrop University
• CCG Esports
• Luminosity Gaming
• Pulse Star
• Qualifier #1
• Qualifier #2 
• Qualifier #3

Dragonsteel won the last NACL tournament of 2024, and will return to defend their throne in 2025. (Credit: Christian Betancourt/Riot Games)

NACL Split 1 Qualifiers

The NACL will offer Open Qualifiers starting on the 1st of March. Through the Qualifiers, a total of three teams will be able to make it into the NACL to compete in Split 1.

These Qualifiers will take place across a single, massive tournament featuring a total of 64 teams battle it out across a double elimination bracket. All matches will be played as best-of-3 series, with the exception of the Grand Final which will be a best-of-5- instead, and the tournament will feature the use of Full Fearless Draft throughout.

The Qualifier's schedule will look as follows:

• Week 1: Saturday, March 1st & Sunday, March 2nd
• Week 2: Saturday, March 8th & Sunday, March 9th
• Week 3: Saturday, March 15th & Sunday, March 16th

If you're interested in watching how these Qualifiers will play out, you can catch the games streamed live on the official NACL Twitch and YouTube channels. For further information on rules as well as how to sign up for the Qualifiers, visit the Qualifier sign-up page.

NACL Split 1 Format

Starting March 26th, Split 1 will bring back Full Fearless Draft, meaning teams and players will have to dig deep into their champion pools.

The Regular Season of Split 1 will last a total of seven weeks, and will see teams across a single round-robin format with all matches being best-of-3. The top six teams at the end of the Regular Season will qualify for the Playoffs, while the bottom two teams risk being relegated out of the NACL.

As for the Playoffs, matches will be played out in best-of-5 series, maximizing the use of Fearless Draft. The NACL will hold matches every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday until the tournament concludes.

Welcoming Liga Ace

Starting with Split 1 of 2025, Liga Ace will become the new Tournament and Broadcast Operating Partner of the NACL, helping shape the future for a sustainable path-to-pro ecosystem in North America.

Having operated and broadcasted the VCT Americas Ascension in 2024, as well as DOTA 2's The International in 2023, Liga Ace's experience promises to be invaluable for the NACL moving forward.

Liga Ace led the VCT 2024 Americas Ascension. (Credit: Riot Games)

Where to watch the NACL Split 1?

As with the Qualifiers, you can catch all of the NACL Split 1 action live on the official NACL Twitch and YouTube channels to find out which teams will end up competing for a chance to play in the LTA during the Tier 1 Promotion Tournament.

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Featured Image Credit: Christian Betancourt/Riot Games

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