Editor's Note 8/12/2020: After gauging show runtimes of the first RLCS X European Regional event, we've decided to bump up North America's Regional Event start times from 12 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. UTC) to 11 a.m. PDT (6 p.m. UTC). Additionally, we're changing European Regional Event start times from 9 a.m. PT (4 p.m. UTC) to 8 a.m. PT (3 p.m. UTC).

These changes should allow more fans to experience the entirety of the show and they should also result in more reasonable end times for both European and North American players.

The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) X is just around the corner and that means we're about to dive into the first Split of action in this season's brand new circuit format. It's an exciting time to be a fan, and with that excitement comes a ton of changes to the league itself. 

But have no fear! We're here to get you caught up on everything you need to know before the biggest RLCS season ever kicks off.

RLCS X Format and Dates

One of the biggest changes for RLCS X is the format. As mentioned in the announcement article, each Split has its own unique format.

Here's a refresher on how the Fall Split Regional Events will work:

• Each Regional Event will feature a 32-team Swiss-style format. Three wins and you advance, three losses and you're knocked out. Think of it as a triple-elimination format.

• Teams will be split into two groups of 16 and will play out a Swiss format within their group

• The top eight teams from each group will advance

• That new group of 16 will play through another Swiss format

• The top eight teams will advance to a single-elimination playoff bracket to determine the Regional Event Champion

Remember that RLCS teams that qualified for RLCS X will be auto-seeded into the Regional Event and bypass Open Qualifiers. Rival Series teams that qualified in Season 9 will be auto-seeded into the third day of Open Qualifiers.

Broadcast schedules are changing from former seasons as well. In the past, we've had both North America and Europe on the same weekend. This time around, each region will have two weekends straight of Regional Event action. European broadcast days will begin at 8 a.m. PDT (3 p.m. UTC), and North American broadcasts will begin at 11 a.m. PDT (7 p.m. UTC).

Here's the schedule for the Fall Split:

• European Regional #1: August 1, 2, 8, 9 at 9 a.m. PDT (4 p.m. UTC)

• North American Regional #1: August 15, 16, 22, 23 at 11 a.m. PDT (6 p.m. UTC)

• European Regional #2: August 29, 30; September 5, 6 at 8 a.m. PDT (3 p.m. UTC)

• North American Regional #2: September 12, 13, 19, 20 at 11 a.m. PDT (6 p.m. UTC)

• European Regional #3: September 24, 25, 26, 27 at 8 a.m. PDT (3 p.m. UTC)

• North American Regional #3: October 1, 2, 3, 4 at 11 a.m. PDT (6 p.m. UTC)

You'll be able to catch the Regionals on Twitch and YouTube. So, make sure to subscribe and follow so that you get notifications each time RLCS X is live! More information about on-air talent for each broadcast will be released soon!

RLCS: The Grid Format and Dates

The Grid is an exciting new addition to the Rocket League Esports ecosystem. As explained in the RLCS X announcement, this weekly, 16-team league serves as a place where some of the best teams in the world play for Grid Points, prize money, and a spot at that Split's Major. Take a look at how it'll work.

Here's the format:

• Four groups of four teams play in a double-elimination format 

• The top two teams from each group will proceed to an eight-team, single-elimination bracket

• European and North American regions will play their entire tournament on different days

The initial sixteen teams invited for each region are the RLCS and Rival Series teams that qualified via their performance in RLCS Season 9. At the end of the Split, the top ten teams will retain their spots, while the bottom six teams will have to fight to retain their spots in the league.

A unique aspect of The Grid is that broadcasting the tournament will be opened up to the participating players and organizations. This creates fun, new ways to interact and watch your favorite teams and players. As we dive into The Grid's Fall Split, we'll be looking for ways to level up broadcasts and bring fans as much Grid action as possible.

Here's The Grid's Fall Split schedule:

Europe:

• August 6 - Week 1: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

• August 14 - Week 2: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

• August 21 - Week 3: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

• August 27 - Week 4: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

• September 3 - Week 5: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

• September 11 - Week 6: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

• September 18 - Week 7: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

• September 22 - Week 8: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

• September 30 - Week 9: 10 a.m. PDT (5 p.m. UTC)

North America

• August 7 - Week 1: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

• August 13 - Week 2: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

• August 20 - Week 3: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

• August 28 - Week 4: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

• September 4 - Week 5: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

• September 10 - Week 6: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

• September 17 - Week 7: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

• September 23 - Week 8: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

• September 29 - Week 9: 2 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. UTC)

More Coming Soon

Sign-ups have closed for the first European and North American Regionals, but don't forget that you can still sign up for the remaining two events in your region. Head over to Battlefy and register today!

As we boost our way into RLCS X, we'll have more information, content, and coverage on the way. Additionally, we'll also be sharing updated plans for the Fall Split Major as soon as possible. Follow our Twitter to stay up to date on all things Rocket League Esports. We'll see you on August 1 when we hit the pitch for the first day of RLCS X!