Why are LAN matches so important in the VRS?

The Valve Regional Standings (VRS) were put into place this year, with one of its aims being to create a level-playing field with no partnership leagues.

Also read: NIP win Fragadelphia x LVL UP EXPO Vegas convincingly

However, it is also apparent that the VRS system has emphasized LAN matches v. online matches. The most recent example of this is Fragadelphia x LVL UP EXPO Vegas. The champions of the event, Ninjas in Pyjamas, rose 43 places in the rankings and earned 192 VRS points after winning the tournament.

Victories on LAN make up for 25% of VRS, independently of the adversary. Almost every victory on LAN rewards teams with around 40 points.

NIP won a total of six matches in Fragadelphia Vegas, mostly facing teams below them in the global VRS, but they still earned an average of 32 VRS per game won.

This goes to show how important smaller LANs like the Frag events can be for teams such as NIP, who are not getting invites for the tier-one tournaments.

Also read: Snappi on the VRS grind: "It's a slow climb where you need to take every step"