Table of Contents
Riot Games has officially shared the full roadmap for the League of Legends LOL Esports 2026 season, and it is bigger than ever. The new season will travel across three continents, bringing top-level competition to Brazil, South Korea, and the United States.
From intense early battles to a historic grand final, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for LoL esports. Here is a simple and clear breakdown of everything announced so far.
LoL Esports 2026 Schedule Revealed: Cities, Dates, And Big Changes
First Stand 2026 Starts in Brazil
The international season will begin with First Stand 2026, hosted in São Paulo, Brazil. Riot has chosen the CBLOL Studio, known for its loud crowds and strong local support.
Dates: March 16 to March 22, 2026
This tournament is getting a major upgrade. Instead of five teams, eight teams will now compete.
Team slots include:
- 2 teams from LCK
- 2 teams from LPL
- 1 team each from LEC, LCS, LCP, and CBLOL
Another big change is the format. Every match will be a Best of 5 series. There are no easy games, and teams must perform from the very first match.
MSI 2026 Returns to South Korea
The Mid-Season Invitational 2026 will take place in Daejeon, South Korea, a city known for technology and esports culture.
Dates: June 26 to July 12, 2026
This is the first time MSI returns to Korea since 2022. With Worlds qualification often on the line, the pressure will be high. Fans can expect clean gameplay, strong drafts, and intense rivalries.
Worlds 2026 Heads to the United States
The biggest event of the year, League of Legends World Championship 2026, will be hosted in the USA with a split-location plan.
Early stages location:
Allen, Texas at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center
Play-Ins, Swiss Stage, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals will all be held in one city. This helps teams avoid travel stress and focus only on gameplay and preparation.
Grand Final location:
New York City
For the first time ever, the Worlds Final will take place in New York. While the venue is not confirmed yet, major locations like Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center are being discussed.
Regional Leagues Start Dates
Fans will not have to wait long for action. Regional leagues begin in mid-January:
- January 14: LCK and LPL
- January 16: LCP
- January 17: LEC and CBLOL
- January 24: LCS
These leagues will follow the new three-split system, leading into bigger international events.
Also Read: ICE 2026 Guide: AI Tools, Travel Tips, Key Highlights And VIP Access
