LoL Esports | League Handbook

League Handbook

Everything you need to know about the Tier 1 professional League of Legends 2026 season.

About the Season

LoL Esports is the game’s Tier 1 professional league, and is made up of five regions: Americas (LCS/CBLOL), EMEA (LEC), Korea (LCK), China (LPL), and Asia-Pacific (LCP). Over the course of the 2026 season, teams participate in a series of regional and international events that culminate at the final international event, Worlds, where the best team in the world is crowned.

Season Event Timeline

Split 1

REGIONAL event (Jan – Mar)

The 2026 League of Legends Esports season kicks off with each region running their own Split format and style. The top team from each region and second seeds from LCK, LPL qualify for First Stand.

First Stand

GLOBAL event (Mar)

The top team from each region's Split 1, along with the second place team from LCK and LPL, come together for the first of three international events. The winning region earns a bye directly into the MSI bracket stage.

Split 2

REGIONAL event (Mar – Jun)

The second regional Split, with each region running their own Split format and style. The top team from CBLOL and top two teams from remaining regions qualify for MSI.

MSI

GLOBAL event (Jun – Jul)

The top teams from each region come together for the second international event. The winner qualifies directly to Worlds. Additionally, the 2nd place region gets a seed for its domestic league at Worlds.

Split 3

REGIONAL event (Jul – Oct)

The last regional Split, with each region running their own Split format and style. The top teams from the season will come together for the final tournament of the year, Worlds.

Worlds

GLOBAL event (Oct – Nov)

The top teams from the season come together for the final tournament of the year. The winner is crowned the best team in the world.