Riot Games Reveals 2026 League of Legends Esports Schedule and New Twilight’s End Cinematic
Riot Games announced key details about its 2026 international League of Legends esports calendar on Friday, alongside a new cinematic created with longtime partner Fortiche. The update includes host cities, tournament formats, and projections for viewer engagement as the competitive season approaches.
2025 Worlds Play-Ins Record Viewership
Riot highlighted that the 2025 Worlds Play-Ins reached a record peak viewership. The match between T1 and Invictus Gaming became the most-watched Play-Ins game in the event’s history.
"The milestone is a sign of sustained global interest in the esport."
Exact viewer numbers were not disclosed.
First Major Event: Stand Tournament
The first big tournament of 2026 will be the Stand Tournament, taking place March 16-22 at the Riot Games Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. The format includes two double-elimination groups that advance into a single-elimination knockout bracket. All matches will be played as best-of-five series, a structure aimed to preserve competitive integrity throughout the event.
Mid-Season Invitational Returns to Korea
The Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) will be hosted in Daejeon, Korea, in 2026. Eleven teams will compete, starting with a Play-In Stage where one team advances to a double-elimination Bracket Stage. Riot explained this format provides emerging regions a clearer path while ensuring top-seeded teams face strong competition.
Summary
Riot Games sets a competitive and viewer-focused roadmap for 2026 League of Legends esports, combining formats that support global growth with high-stakes tournaments across premier locations.
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