We are kicking off 2026 with a bang, delivering never-before-seen match-ups in a brand new tournament, LEC Versus - The EMEA Invitational.

Starting January 17, our ten LEC teams and our two guests from the EMEA Regional Leagues (ERLs), Los Ratones and Karmine Corp Blue, will battle it out in the 12-team tournament. LR and KCB will have just one opportunity, to compete with the region’s elite. Let’s see if they can make it count.

With its own brand identity, unique trophy, dedicated format, and the addition of two ERL teams to spice things up, LEC Versus is set to be something special and we can’t wait to bring you along for the ride.

As we move into a new season, we are excited to announce HyperX as our official peripherals partner for LEC Versus. This partnership pairs HyperX’s high-performance gaming gear with the best in competitive League of Legends play, setting the stage for an electrifying start to the year.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Format reminder

LEC Versus will kick off on January 17 with a single round robin of Best-of-Ones, where every team will play each other once, to get things started.

We wanted to make sure ERL teams get to compete against every LEC team so fans can get a taste for every thrilling matchup. With the limited window of time before First Stand, Best-of-Ones is the format that allows us to showcase this.

During this phase there will be six matches every game day, the most we’ve had daily in the LEC. Every game day will be fast-paced, punchy, and loaded with energy and excitement.

Any team with a new roster will immediately be put to the test and will have to adapt quickly. There’s a chance we’ll see some crazy upsets and amazing moments. Plus with brand new match-ups, rivalries old and new, and battles between former teammates all in a fast-paced package, the early stages of LEC Versus will have you on the edge of your seat at all times.

When the dust is settled after an exhilarating four weeks, the top eight teams who survived the chaos will qualify for the Playoffs.

This double-elimination bracket is going to be intense. Rounds 1 and 2 will be played as Best-of-Threes, and all remaining matches as Best-of-Fives. Teams will need skill and endurance to claw their way through and claim the sole EMEA spot at First Stand.

LEC Versus ticket information

You can join us in person for LEC Versus at Riot Games Arena. Every match day, whether it's the Best-of-Ones or the Playoffs, will start at 17:00 CET.

Tickets for Weeks 1-4 of the single-round robin matches will go on sale December 17 at 18:00 CET. Each ticket will cost €15 and can be purchased here.

Playoff tickets will be released in batches in January, starting with the Upper Bracket Round 1 going on sale January 5, and more available January 12.

We can’t wait for you to join us, in-person or virtually, for LEC Versus and the absolute rollercoaster of emotions that will come with it. Make sure you don’t miss it.