The wait is over, and the destination is global. Riot Games has officially pulled the curtain back on the 2026 League of Legends Esports season, revealing a globe-trotting calendar that spans three continents. In a year that promises to test the endurance and adaptability of the world’s best teams, the 2026 season will take fans from the passionate roar of crowds in Brazil to the tech hub of South Korea, finally culminating in a historic Grand Final in New York City. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 LoL Esports Roadmap.
2026 LoL Esports Roadmap: Brazil Brings the Heat
The international season kicks off with First Stand 2026, and Riot is leaning into one of the most energetic fanbases in the world. The tournament will be held in São Paulo, Brazil, at the Riot Games Arena (CBLOL Studio).
- Dates: March 16 – March 22, 2026
- The Big Change: The tournament is expanding. Unlike the 5-team format of the past, this year features 8 teams (2 LCK, 2 LPL, 1 LEC, 1 LCS, 1 LCP, 1 CBLOL).
- The Stakes: In a move sure to please hardcore fans, every single match will be a Best-of-5 series. There are no warm-ups; it is do-or-die from the very first minute.
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2026 MSI Returns to the Mecca of Esports
For the mid-season check-in, the circuit returns to the home of esports: South Korea. The 2026 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) will take place in Daejeon, a city known for its innovation and technology.
- Dates: June 26 – July 12, 2026
- Context: This marks MSI’s first return to Korea since 2022. With the winner likely securing an automatic bid to Worlds, the pressure in Daejeon will be immense as teams fight for the first major international trophy of the year.
LoL Worlds 2026 in the USA
The Summoner’s Cup is heading to North America. Worlds 2026 will be hosted in the United States, featuring a unique split-venue approach designed to centralize the action before a massive finale.
- The Road to Glory: The Play-Ins, Swiss Stage, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals will all take place in Allen, Texas, at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center. This centralization should help reduce travel fatigue, allowing teams to focus purely on the meta.
- The Finals: For the first time in history, the World Championship Final will be held in New York City. While the specific venue is yet to be confirmed, expectations are high for a legendary arena like Madison Square Garden or the Barclays Center.
You don’t have to wait until March for the action. The regional leagues are starting in just a few days:
- January 14: LCK (Korea) & LPL (China)
- January 16: LCP (Asia-Pacific)
- January 17: LEC (EMEA) & CBLOL (Brazil)
- January 24: LCS (North America)
With a new three-split structure and expanded international formats, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for League of Legends. Get your jerseys ready—the season starts next week.
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