The LCS returns in 2026, bringing North America’s top League of Legends competition back to its roots. After a year of evolution across LoL Esports, the LCS is shifting focus to what fans have been asking for: more games, more competition, and a clear, easy-to-follow format that celebrates regional play.

LCS Lock-In Returns

The action begins January 24, 2026, with the return of the fan-favorite LCS Lock-In Tournament, this time with a modern, Fearless twist.

Lock-In will open the season with an all best-of-three Swiss Stage across the first three weeks. From there, teams will advance into a top-six, double-elimination, best-of-five bracket, setting the tone for a year of high-stakes competition.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• The 3–0 team will choose their opponent from among the 2–1 teams for the upper bracket.

• The 0–3 team will be eliminated.

• Among the 1–2 teams, the one with the best game record will auto-advance as the 5th seed in the lower bracket.

• The remaining two teams will compete in a last-chance tie-breaker to claim the 6th seed.

The winner will go on to represent the LCS at First Stand, our global season-opening event. With these changes, Split 1 will feature over 50% more games than in 2025, giving fans more action than ever before.

Spring and Summer: Tradition Returns

The LCS will return to its traditional split structure, with Split 2 and Split 3 officially renamed back to Spring and Summer.

Both Spring and Summer will feature a round-robin best-of-three regular season, followed by a top-six playoff bracket.

Spring Split: Playoffs will mirror the Lock-In format, but with the top two teams advancing to MSI to represent the LCS on the international stage.

Summer Split: Playoffs will use the 2024 Summer format, featuring an expanded lower-bracket gauntlet designed to ensure the three best teams from North America earn their place at Worlds.

After several seasons of experimentation and evolution across LoL Esports, we’ve learned a lot about what makes competition exciting and engaging for players and fans alike. Now, we’re bringing simplicity and consistency to the forefront.

For the first time since 2022, the LEC and LCS will share nearly identical formats, making it easier than ever for fans across the West to follow their favorite teams and storylines throughout the season.

Looking Ahead

That’s only the beginning of what’s to come. Early next year, we’ll share even more about the next chapter of the LCS, from broadcast plans and new content to what’s ahead for the league.

With Worlds wrapping up, our channels will shift back into LCS mode as we get ready for a fresh season of rivalries.

The LCS is back this January and we can’t wait to see you there!