League of Legends has long been known for its high-stakes ranked ladder and globally followed esports scene — but for everyday players looking to feel the thrill of tournament play, Riot Games created Clash. Since its launch, Clash has given amateur players a taste of professional competition, all without leaving the comfort of their client.
But for the uninitiated, the questions remain: How does Clash actually work? How do you join, what’s at stake, and why is it one of the most anticipated features on the monthly League calendar?
Here’s everything you need to know about Clash — League’s weekend warrior tournament mode.
What Is Clash?
Clash is a monthly in-game tournament mode where players form 5-person teams and compete against others at similar skill levels. It’s designed to simulate the feel of a professional bracket: coordinated drafts, team logos, scouting reports, and real tournament structure — all condensed into a single weekend.
Think of it as ranked, but organized and team-based.
How to Join a Clash Tournament
Joining Clash is simple, but there are a few requirements:
- Reach Level 30
- Verify your account via SMS
- Be placed in a ranked queue for the current season (Solo/Duo or Flex)
Once you meet the criteria, you can either create a team or join an existing one via the Clash tab in the League client.
Tournament Structure
Each Clash event spans an entire weekend, usually with one bracket on Saturday and another on Sunday. Teams compete in single-elimination brackets of either 4 or 8 teams, depending on the number of sign-ups.
If your team loses the first match, you’re not out — you’ll be placed into a consolation bracket to continue playing for rewards.
Key features include:
- Tiered matchmaking: Teams are placed into one of four skill tiers based on the average MMR of players.
- Scouting reports: Before each match, you can view your opponents’ recent games, preferred champions, and bans.
- Pick-ban phase: A full draft phase like in professional play, with bans and counter-picks.
Clash Tickets and Entry
To enter Clash, each player must pay an entry fee in the form of:
- 1 Basic Ticket (free or purchasable with Blue Essence)
- 1 Premium Ticket (purchasable with RP)
While both tickets allow entry, premium tickets unlock better rewards if your team places high.
What Can You Win?
Clash rewards range from cosmetic items to exclusive loot:
- Victory Capsules or Orbs with skin shards, XP boosts, and emotes
- Trophies displayed on your Summoner profile and in-game base
- Team logos and banners
- Summoner icons specific to that tournament
Winning isn’t just about bragging rights — the in-game rewards can be substantial, especially with Premium Tickets.
Teamwork Is Key
Unlike solo queue, Clash demands communication, strategy, and synergy. You’ll need to:
- Coordinate picks and bans
- Decide on a game plan
- Adapt quickly to different team comps and playstyles
Many players use Discord voice chat to plan and play together, making it a more social and organized experience than traditional ranked play.
Why Clash Matters
Clash has become a fan-favorite mode for several reasons:
- It offers casual players a competitive outlet
- It encourages team cohesion in a game often criticized for its solo nature
- It simulates tournament pressure, complete with brackets and stakes
- It provides shared goals and memories for groups of friends and clubs
For many, Clash weekends are the highlight of their League month — a chance to rally their squad and fight for victory, just like the pros.
Final Thoughts
Clash is more than just a mode — it’s League of Legends in its purest team-based form. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual five-stack, it brings structure, tension, and rewards to your League experience.
So grab your friends, pick your comp, and enter the bracket. Because on Clash weekends, every game feels like finals.
Written by:
Christian