For the second consecutive year, Riot Games’ international circuit will consist of three competitions: the
First Stand in São Paulo, Brazil, from March 16 to 22; the
Mid-Season Invitational in Daejeon, South Korea, from June 26 to July 12; and finally,
Worlds in Allen and New York from October 16 to November 14.
The dates for this year are almost identical to last year. In 2025, the First Stand in Korea was held from March 10 to 16, the First Stand in Canada from June 27 to July 12, and Worlds in China from October 14 to November 9. Regional competitions will end around similar times: the CBLOL concludes on February 28, the LCK Cup, LCP, LCS, and LEC Versus on March 1, and the LPL on March 8.
A Few International Events
Other international events will also take place this year. For example, the Asian Games are expected in September, which is why the LCK adjusted its end-of-year schedule. Another event is the
Americas Cup, a tournament in São Paulo just before the First Stand, featuring the LCS and CBLOL second- and third-seeded teams in a five-day competition. It adds a semi-international flavor, preserving some of the spirit of the LTA, which offered cross-conference matchups.
This is the second
League of Legends competition ever to be held in Brazil, the first being MSI 2017, won by T1 over G2 Esports in the final. MSI returns to South Korea for the first time since 2022, when the now-defunct Royal Never Give Up defeated T1 in the final.
Finally, Worlds will take place in the United States for the fifth time: in 2012, when the Taipei Assassins were crowned champions; in 2013, for SKT T1’s first title; in 2016, for their third; and in 2022, for one of the most legendary Worlds in history, with DRX defeating T1.
