Riot Games has officially unveiled the full details for both MSI and Worlds 2026, confirming host cities, venues, schedules, and notable format changes for the two biggest events of the competitive League of Legends calendar.
MSI heads to Daejeon for the first time
MSI 2026 will take place in Daejeon, South Korea, at the Daejeon Convention Center II from June 28 to July 12 — marking the first time the city hosts a LoL Esports global event. The format remains largely the same as last year's, with changes limited to the Play-In Stage, which now features a 4-team double-elimination BO5 bracket where only one team advances. Seven teams will skip Play-Ins entirely: the #1 seed from each of the six regions, plus the #2 seed of the LPL because of BLG's victory at First Stand. Eleven teams in total will qualify across LCK, LPL, LEC, LCS, LCP (two each) and CBLOL (one).
Worlds returns to North America across three cities — Two slots for CBLOL
Worlds 2026 runs October 15 to November 14 and will be split across three U.S. venues. The Play-In Stage (October 15–18) moves to the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles following logistical challenges with the originally planned Allen, Texas location. The Swiss Stage and Knockout Stage (October 23 – November 8) will be held at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen. The Grand Finals on November 14 head to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The play-in situation is a scandal... How could Europe have had the second seed with only one team at first stand ? We got fucked by the riot, again...
The article is edited, we received Riot's confirmation that if G2 wins, the LEC actually skips MSI's play-ins!