© 2026 Riot Games. All Rights Reserved.
© 2026 Riot Games. All Rights Reserved.
We are excited to share more details about MSI and Worlds! With new host cities, iconic venues, and full stage schedules now locked in, both events are shaping up to be unforgettable experiences for fans around the world.
Following the First Stand Tournament and after the completion of the second regional splits, international competition ramps up with MSI 2026 in Daejeon, South Korea. This marks the first time a LoL Esports event has been hosted in the city, introducing a fresh setting for our halfway point in the season.
MSI will take place at the Daejeon Convention Center II June 28-July 12, giving fans a brand-new venue to experience fierce cross-regional competition. MSI is broken down into the following stages:
Play-In Stage: June 28–July 1
Bracket Stage: July 3–6 and July 8–12
Upper Final: July 9
Lower Final: July 11
Grand Finals: July 12
Format Update:
The format for MSI 2026 will look very similar to last year, with the only changes occurring in the Play-In Stage. The Play-In Stage will feature a 4-team Double-Elimination Bracket that will qualify a single team into the Bracket Stage. The 7 teams that will skip the Play-Ins and start in the Bracket Stage are the 1 Seed from each region, as well as the second seed of the highest ranking two seed region from First Stand. Eleven teams will qualify:
2 Teams each from LCK, LCS, LCP, LEC, and LPL (10 total)
1 team from CBLOL
Ticket Sales Information
Tickets for MSI 2026 will be released in waves through Interpark, giving fans multiple chances to secure their seats.
Global Ticket Sales (Passport required)
Mastercard cardholders, you’re eligible for presale tickets! Mastercard cardholders will be able to visit the ticket sales website and purchase tickets with a Mastercard on April 21.
General On-Sale: April 23
South Korea Ticket Sales (Korean SSN required)
General On-Sale: May 21
Later this year, Worlds returns to North America, bringing the pinnacle of competition to multiple cities across the U.S. With a mix of familiar venues and a landmark Finals destination, this year’s event is built to deliver unforgettable moments for fans at every stage of the tournament.
Format Update:
The format for Worlds 2026 will largely mirror Worlds 2025, with updates limited to the Play-Ins format and regional seeding.
As part of these updates, we’ve reviewed the regional allocations for Worlds 2026 and will grant CBLOL an additional slot at the event. With this addition, Worlds will feature 19 teams from around the world competing in the United States.
A total of 19 teams will qualify:
3 teams each from LCK, LCS, LCP, LEC, and LPL (15 total)
2 teams from CBLOL
1 team: MSI Champion*
1 additional team from the second-place region at MSI
The Play-Ins stage will feature four teams competing in a double-elimination Best-of-5 bracket, with one team advancing to the Swiss Stage. Seeding for all qualified teams will be determined based on regional performance, including results from MSI 2026, and will be announced at a later date.
*Team must qualify for their home region’s playoffs to retain invite
A Change for Play-Ins: Los Angeles
Due to a few logistical challenges, we’re adjusting our plans and hosting the Play-In Stage at the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles before transitioning to Allen, Texas, for the previously announced stages.
Swiss Stage, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals: Allen, Texas
The bulk of Worlds will take place at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center (CUTX) in Allen, Texas, just north of Dallas. Built to welcome thousands of fans, this arena sets the stage for the tournament’s storylines to emerge. Its central location also makes it an accessible stop for fans across North America.
Worlds Final: Brooklyn, New York
For the biggest moment of the year, Worlds is heading to Brooklyn! The Grand Final will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, one of the most iconic arenas in the world. It’s the perfect setting to crown a new World Champion, honor the legacy of League of Legends, and unite fans from around the globe for an unforgettable night.
Worlds 2026 will run October 15-November 14, with each stage hosted across multiple cities:
Play-In Stage: October 15–18 (Riot Games Arena, Los Angeles)
Swiss Stage: October 23–26 and October 28–31 (Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen, Texas)
Knockout Stage: November 3-8 (Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen, Texas)
Quarterfinals: November 3–6
Semifinals: November 7–8
Grand Final: November 14 (Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York)
Ticket Sales Information
Tickets for Worlds 2026 will be released mid-late July. Stay tuned for more updates.
