The LoL Esports 2026 season is set to begin following a year defined by major competitive shifts and T1’s third consecutive World Championship title.
With updated systems, new tournament locations, and structural changes across regions, the upcoming season signals another phase of evolution for the global LoL Esports ecosystem.
Regional league start dates
| REGIONAL LEAGUE | YEAR 2026 START DATE |
| LCK | January 14 |
| LPL | January 14 |
| LCP | January 16 |
| LEC | January 17 |
| CBLOL | January 17 |
| LCS | January 24 |
Regional competition will begin throughout January. The LCK and LPL both return on January 14, followed by the LCP on January 16. The LEC and CBLOL are scheduled to start on January 17, while the LCS will open its season on January 24.
First Stand returns as LoL Esports 2026 season’s opening global event
- Takes place March 16 to 22, 2026
- Eight teams compete
- All matches are best-of-fives in Fearless Draft format
The first international tournament of the year, First Stand, will take place from March 16 to 22, 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil.
The event marks the return of a global League of Legends Esports tournament to the country for the first time since 2017 and will be hosted at the Riot Games Arena.
Eight teams will compete, representing all major regions: two teams each from the LCK and LPL, and one team each from the LEC, LCS, CBLOL, and LCP.
All matches will be played as best-of-five series, continuing the use of the Fearless Draft format. Tournament placement will directly impact Mid-Season Invitational seeding, including a Play-In Stage bye for the winning region. Ticket sales will begin on January 20 via Eventim.
Mid-Season Invitational 2026 heads to Daejeon
Following First Stand, the Mid-Season Invitational 2026 will be held in Daejeon, South Korea. This marks the first time MSI has been hosted in the city.
Worlds 2026 returns to North America
The 2026 League of Legends World Championship will take place in North America. Play-Ins through the Semifinals will be hosted at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas, a venue previously used during the 2025 LTA Championship.
The Worlds Final will be held in New York, bringing the season’s concluding match to one of the league’s largest international markets.
New competitive system introduced: First Selection
- Lets team choose between sidle selection or first pick
- Live in all regions for the LoL Esports 2026 season
Riot Games is introducing a new competitive system known as First Selection. Instead of directly awarding side selection, qualifying teams will choose between selecting their side (blue or red) or choosing first or second pick in the draft. The opposing team then receives the remaining option.
The change is designed to address side win-rate disparities by increasing team agency rather than applying systemic balance adjustments.
First Selection will be implemented across all regions at the start of the 2026 season.
Hall of Legends to return ahead of Worlds
The Hall of Legends will return later in the year ahead of Worlds 2026.
While details have not yet been announced, the program will induct its third member, recognizing another influential figure in League of Legends Esports history.
Changes to prize pool and financial structure
Beginning in 2026, Riot Games will remove regional split prize pools in Global Revenue Pool regions. These funds will be redirected toward broader ecosystem development initiatives.
Prize pools for international events, including First Stand, MSI, and Worlds, will continue to be funded through the GRP system.
According to Riot, the adjustment reflects a shift toward long-term sustainability as the competitive ecosystem matures.
With events scheduled across Brazil, South Korea, and North America, the 2026 season introduces new formats, locations, and competitive systems that will shape professional League of Legends throughout the year.
