Action is brewing in Brazil as teams from across the world converge on São Paulo for the
second edition of First Stand, running from March 16 to 22, 2026. With several weeks having passed since most teams last competed, one key question now hangs over the tournament: what kind of meta will greet them on stage?
Released on March 4, Patch 26.5 will be used for the entirety of this year’s First Stand. While the patch introduces a number of balance adjustments — including nerfs to several standout picks — many familiar names were notably absent from the update.
More importantly, the patch gap between regional play and the international event could have a significant impact. Aside from the Americas’ LCS and CBLOL, most leagues concluded their first split on Patch 26.3. That means many teams effectively skipped Patch 26.4 entirely before jumping straight into 26.5 — two updates that together introduce a sizeable number of changes likely to shape the tournament meta.
On paper the larger of the two patches, 26.4 brought a wide array of changes, though their impact on the meta varies significantly. With a focus on toning down certain outliers, buffing mage supports, and nerfing carry junglers, the patch aimed to shake up solo queue more than it did professional play.
Changes brought by Patch 26.4. Credit: Riot Games
While some teams could experiment, it is unlikely that the newly buffed mage supports will see much play. Despite noticeable boosts to champions like Annie and Lux, the world’s perhaps most creative support,
, will notably be absent from the tournament — historically one of the biggest drivers of innovation in the role.
On the other hand, the jungle adjustments could have a more tangible impact. Several carry-oriented junglers such as Ambessa, Qiyana, and Naafiri received nerfs targeted at their presence in the role. Meanwhile, a once-forgotten pick, Maokai, received buffs and has already seen a spike in popularity — particularly in Game 5s in Fearless Drafts. That detail could prove important, as the entirety of First Stand will be played in best-of-five series from the group stage through the finals.
Aside from these changes, a number of smaller adjustments could still influence draft priorities. Quality-of-life buffs to Camille, buffs to Xayah, and nerfs to champions like Aphelios, Braum, Gwen, and Rumble may slightly shift the balance of power and open the door to alternative picks. However, recent series played in the Americas suggest that priority on these champions has not changed significantly so far.
Perhaps the more impactful patch for professional play, 26.5 focused on bringing down several midlane outliers, as well as few other champions, that have dominated drafts in recent weeks. One notable absence from the balance list, however, is Ryze, who has avoided nerfs across both recent patches. In fact, he may have even received
a small quality-of-life improvement through a change to the behavior of his Realm Warp. Previously, allies could accidentally fail to teleport if they clicked outside the portal as it closed — an issue that has now been addressed.
Changes brought by Patch 26.5. Credit: Riot Games
With multiple other meta midlaners receiving nerfs, the Rune Mage is expected to dominate and remain a major priority throughout the tournament. While likely not enough to remove them from the meta entirely, Azir, Orianna, and Taliyah all received nerfs of their own — particularly targeting their early-game power through reductions to health, cooldowns, and waveclear.
Alongside these changes, Neeko — who has remained a staple support pick since her rework — also received a significant nerf to her Shapesplitter (W) ability. The skill previously allowed Neeko to scout areas for extended periods, enabling teams to exert overwhelming vision control through clever use of her clone and emotes. With the adjustment, the cooldown now only begins once the clone expires, meaning Neeko may have to wait up to 16 additional seconds in the early and mid-game before using the ability again. This represents a substantial reduction to her ability to safely gather information and control space on the map.
While the patch also introduced another nerf to a carry jungler in Kha’Zix, it simultaneously brought meaningful buffs to Lee Sin and Nocturne. The latter has already seen moderate popularity across several regions and could rise further in priority — especially as nerfs hit several other aggressive jungle picks.
TL;DR — What to expect from First Stand?
All things considered, it is unlikely that any champions will disappear entirely from the meta compared to what was seen during recent regional playoffs. This is especially true given First Stand’s best-of-five Fearless Draft format, where teams are expected to dig deep into their champion pools regardless of nerfs.
In the top lane, the familiar lineup of champions is expected to remain largely intact. While Rumble and Gwen both received individual nerfs, they are unlikely to fall out of favor given how dominant they have been in professional play. Tanks such as K’Sante, Ornn, Sion, and Rek’Sai remain strong options and have avoided any direct changes, alongside staples like Renekton, Gnar, and Ambessa. Should the jungle meta shift toward more supportive or tank-oriented picks, toplaners may gain additional freedom to experiment — something that could particularly benefit players like
, who is well known for his creative champion choices that have at times secured key series victories, though occasionally backfiring as well.
The jungle role could see slightly more movement. Many carry junglers received nerfs across the two patches, though classic picks like Xin Zhao, Jarvan IV, Wukong, and Vi remain untouched. Meanwhile, Nocturne is expected to rise in priority following recent buffs. Other niche picks could also make appearances, such as Malphite — which has maintained solid priority in the LCK — or even Nautilus, a pocket pick occasionally brought out by
jungler
.
Mid lane, meanwhile, could continue to revolve around Ryze, who avoided nerfs entirely and is expected to draw significant ban attention throughout the tournament. With Azir, Orianna, and Taliyah all receiving nerfs, the Rune Mage could become even more central to the meta. Mel may also see a resurgence after buffs in the latest patch, as she has historically been well suited to coordinated play, though her recent mini-rework significantly weakened her presence. Picks such as Galio, Anivia, and Aurora also remain on the fringes of the meta, each offering strong situational value in the right compositions.
Bot lane is unlikely to undergo major shifts. Xayah — and potentially Rakan alongside her — could see increased priority following recent buffs. Otherwise, the established picks of Yunara, Corki, Ashe, Jhin, and Ezreal remain untouched. The only notable hit in the role came to Aphelios, whose nerfs may slightly reduce the prevalence of hypercarry compositions.
Finally, the support role may experience the most noticeable adjustment. Neeko is expected to fall significantly in priority following major pro-play targeted nerfs to her vision control — one of the key aspects that made her so oppressive in coordinated environments. Braum may also become slightly more situational, though his unique defensive utility will likely keep him relevant. Beyond that, the role should largely remain stable, though enchanters could become slightly less prevalent following the Aphelios nerfs, which previously synergized well with such supports. Teams may instead pivot toward other hypercarries like Zeri, who has remained quietly viable. Meanwhile, Varus — a multirole menace in recent drafts — also received meaningful nerfs that could reduce his presence at the tournament.
