Updates for MSI and the 2026 World Championships

Riot Games is excited to share more details about the 2026 MSI and World Championship (Worlds) international tournaments! With new host cities, iconic venues, and a finalized schedule, both events promise to be unforgettable experiences for esports fans worldwide.

MSI 2026 will be coming to Daejeon, South Korea.

Following the First Stand tournament, and after the second round of regional competitions concludes, international competition will accelerate with MSI 2026 in Daejeon, South Korea. This marks the first time a League of Legends (LoL) esports event has been held in the city, providing a fresh stage for this year's mid-season.

MSI will take place at the Daejeon Convention Center II in South Korea from June 26th to July 12th, offering fans a brand-new venue to experience the fierce competition between top regions.

MSI is divided into the following rounds:

• Play-In Round: 26 June 29
• Bracket Rounds: 01 05/07 and 07 - 12/07
• Winners Bracket Final: July 9th
• Lower Bracket Finals: July 11th
• Grand Finals: July 12th

Format Update:

The format of MSI 2026 will be the same as last year, with the only changes being in the Play-Ins. The Play-Ins will be played in a Bracket format with four teams in each group to determine a single team to advance to the Bracket. Meanwhile, the seven teams that start directly from the Bracket (skipping the Play-Ins) are the #1 seed from each region, as well as the #2 seed from the region with two seeds and the highest-ranked team in the First Stand. The 11 teams that will qualify for MSI are:

• Two teams from each region: LCK (South Korea), LCS (North America), LCP (Asia Pacific), LEC (Europe), and LPL (China) - a total of 10 teams.
• 1 team from the CBLOL region (Brazil)

Ticket Sales Information:

Tickets for MSI 2026 will be released in batches through Interpark, giving fans more opportunities to secure their seats.

• International Ticket Sales Open (Passport Required): April 23rd
• Tickets go on sale in South Korea (Korean ID required): May 21st

The 2026 World Championship Returns to North America

Later this year, the World Championship will return to North America, bringing the pinnacle of esports competition to cities across the United States. Combining familiar competition venues with iconic Finals locations, this year's event is designed to deliver unforgettable moments for League of Legends fans at every stage of the tournament.

Format Update:

The format of the 2026 World Championship will be quite similar to the 2025 World Championship. The only changes are the Play-In format and the seeding between regions. The 18 teams that will qualify are:

• 3 teams from each region (LCK, LCS, LCP, LEC, and LPL) (a total of 15 teams)
• 1 team from CBLOL
• MSI Champion*
• An additional team from the second-place region at MSI.

*This team must reach the Playoffs in their domestic league to retain their invitation.

The Play-Ins will feature four teams competing in a Best-of-5 bracket (Winners' Bracket - Losers' Bracket) to determine the two teams that advance to the Swiss Round. Teams starting from the Play-Ins will be the lowest-seeded teams from regions with multiple seeded teams but who did not win MSI.

Changes for the Play-In Round: Los Angeles

Due to some logistical difficulties, Riot Games will adjust its plans and is expected to hold the 3-day Play-Ins at the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles before moving to Allen, Texas for the previously announced rounds.

Swiss Round, Quarterfinals and Semifinals: Allen, Texas

Most of the World Championship matches will take place at the Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) Event Center in Allen, Texas, near north of Dallas. Built to accommodate thousands of fans, this arena is the stage where the tournament's stories unfold. Its central location also makes it easily accessible for fans across North America.

World Championship Finals: Brooklyn, New York

For the most important moment of the 2026 League of Legends season, the World Championship Finals will be coming to Brooklyn! The Grand Finals will take place at the Barclays Center, one of the world's most famous arenas in Brooklyn, New York. This is the perfect location to find the new World Champion, celebrate the legacy of League of Legends, and bring together fans worldwide for an unforgettable night.

The 2026 World Championship will take place from October 16th to November 14th, with each round held in a different city:

• Play-Ins Round: October 16-18 (Riot Games Arena, Los Angeles)
• Swiss Round: 23 October 26 and 28 October 31 (Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen, Texas)
• Knockout Round: 3, November 8th (Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen, Texas)
• Quarterfinals: November 3-6
• Semi-Finals: November 7-8
• Grand Finals: November 14th (Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York)

Ticket Sales Information

Tickets for the 2026 World Championship will go on sale between mid and late July. Stay tuned for updates.

For the latest updates on League of Legends esports tournaments, please visit LOL Esports VN.