Important Dates for the 2026 League of Legends Esports Season

Riot Games has announced the official schedule and structural updates for the 2026 League of Legends esports season, which spans major competitive regions including the United States, Brazil, South Korea, China, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe. The season begins in mid-January, with the LCK and LPL launching on January 14, followed by the LCP on January 16, the LEC and CBLOL on January 17, and the LCS on January 24.

A key highlight of the 2026 calendar is the inaugural First Stand event, scheduled for March 16–22 in São Paulo, Brazil. This tournament will feature eight teams representing the various global leagues. Furthermore, the 2026 World Championship is set to return to North America, with the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas, hosting the preliminary stages through the semifinals, while the final will take place in New York City.

In a significant shift to its financial model, Riot Games is eliminating regional split prize pools within Global Revenue Pool (GRP) regions. These funds will be reallocated to other areas deemed more impactful for the ecosystem. However, international events—specifically First Stand, the Mid-Season Invitational, and the World Championship—will continue to be supported by the GRP. These changes reflect a broader strategic effort to refine the competitive structure and financial sustainability of the global League of Legends esports circuit.