Riot Games has unveiled on Thursday updates for the 2026 LEC season with Maximilian Peter Schmidt, Director for
League of Legends Esports in EMEA, and
Artem Bykov, LEC Commissioner, presenting the format changes and new initiatives geared toward "
increasing competition and fan engagement".
The biggest shift comes with the
removal of the traditional Winter Split and the introduction of
LEC Versus, the new EMEA Invitational tournament launching in January. This event will bring together all 10 LEC teams alongside two select ERL teams, as previously reported by
Sheep Esports:
- The reigning EMEA Masters Summer Champions — Karmine Corp Blue or Los Heretics
- The best performing team from the 2025 EMEA Masters season, which happens to be Los Ratones
The ERL teams will have to keep 3 players from among the 5 on their Summer 2025 rosters. Moreover, it is specified that ERL teams will not receive revenue from the LEC model like the other teams but will be given a sum of money by Riot Games.
Both of these teams will not compete in Spring or Summer splits. The tournament format consists of a single round-robin best-of-one regular season involving all 12 teams, with the top eight advancing to playoffs. Playoffs will follow a double elimination bracket featuring best-of-threes in the two initial rounds and best-of-fives culminating in a brand new trophy that grants qualification to represent EMEA at the First Stand.
Stability in Spring and Summer Splits
Spring and Summer Splits’ formats will remain consistent with previous years. All ten LEC teams will compete in a best-of-three single round-robin, with only the top six advancing to playoffs. Playoffs remain double elimination, with every series played in best-of-five formats, ensuring every match carries significant weight. The two Spring finalists will qualify for MSI, while the three best Summer teams will go to Worlds.
On top of that, Riot plans to amplify the LEC experience with more events and promise that the RoadShows will be back in 2026. The year will culminate with the Summer Split finals hosted in arenas, just like in 2025 in Madrid's arena.
In Summary: What to Expect in 2026
- The year begins with LEC Versus, a new invitational featuring 10 LEC and 2 ERL teams. It begins in January, all matches to be played at the LEC Arena in Berlin.
- Both ERL teams will receive an allowance while not being a part of the LEC revenue share model.
- Spring and Summer Splits maintain the beloved best-of-three single round-robin format with best-of-five playoffs.
- Increased number of road trips and live events to engage fans across EMEA.
- Top two teams from Spring qualify for MSI, top three teams from Summer qualify for Worlds.
Header Photo Credit: Riot Games/Gomez Visual
