The Southern Esports Conference is thrilled to announce the format for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, bringing significant changes to its structure and competition levels. The new season promises to elevate the collegiate esports experience with the introduction of a 3-split system and expanded tier structures, ensuring thrilling and competitive play throughout the academic year.

Three Splits to Rule the Year

This year, the SEC is shifting from its traditional two-season format (Fall and Spring) to a single season divided into three distinct splits. This change aims to maintain competitive momentum across the school year while providing more opportunities for teams to showcase their skills and strategies.

Tier 1 "SOL" Expands

In a move to accommodate more elite teams, Tier 1, known as "SOL," will expand to include 12 teams, divided into two groups of six. This expansion allows for more diversity and competition among top-tier teams, enhancing the overall quality and excitement of the matches.

Stricter Scheduling and Penalties

To ensure high-quality streams and reliable scheduling, regular-season matches can now only be rescheduled up to five days before the match day. Failure to comply may result in penalties or forfeitures. Additionally, teams that forfeit three games across the season without reasonable justification will face automatic relegation to Tier 2, "LUNA," at the end of the split.

Fall Split: A New Beginning

The first split, "Fall," will see the 12 SOL teams divided into two groups, Group A "LUX" and Group B "NOX." These groups will engage in a round-robin format, with matches scheduled weekly from September 9th to October 28th. A bye week is included between the regular season and playoffs, providing teams a chance to regroup and strategize.

The Promo/Relegation matches, scheduled from October 28th to November 4th, will feature the top two teams from LUNA competing in a double elimination bracket against the bottom two teams from SOL. The winners will secure their spot in SOL for the next split.

The Fall playoffs will take place from November 4th to 22nd, featuring the top three teams from each group in a double elimination bracket, promising intense and action-packed matches.

Spring Split: Building on Success

The second split, "Spring," continues with qualifying teams from the previous season competing in a round-robin format within their groups. The regular season runs from January 13th to February 16th, followed by Promo/Relegation matches from February 17th to 24th. The Spring playoffs, held from February 24th to March 16th, will feature the top three teams from each group in a double elimination bracket.

Magnus Split: The Grand Finale

The third and final split, "Magnus," begins with a Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) tournament from March 24th to April 6th. Two groups of three teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the top team from each group qualifying for the playoffs.

The championship playoffs will run from April 7th to 27th, featuring eight teams in a double elimination bracket. This includes the top two teams from Fall, the top two teams from Spring, two teams from overall season standings, and two teams from the LCQ, culminating in an epic conclusion to the season.

Tier 2 "LUNA": Opportunities for All

Tier 2, "LUNA," will follow a similar but shorter format to SOL. Depending on the number of teams, the split format may change, but the timeframe will remain consistent. At the end of each split, the top two teams from LUNA will enter a double elimination promo/relegation bracket against the bottom two teams from SOL.

Open Applications and Expanded Participation

With the expansion of teams in both SOL and LUNA, any accredited university from the highlighted states is welcome to apply for competition in the SEC. Tier 1 teams will be selected by the SEC committee starting in August. Teams not selected for Tier 1 may compete in Tier 2, with a chance to be promoted to Tier 1 after the first or second split. Spots in Tier 2 will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

To apply, interested teams can fill out the Team Application Form.

The SEC eagerly anticipates a thrilling and dynamic season, showcasing the talent and dedication of collegiate esports teams across the region.