Every region, every split, one ultimate world championship

The 2026 League of Legends esports season is officially underway, once again delivering one of the most complex and expansive competitive calendars in gaming. Rather than relying on a handful of standalone events, Riot Games continue to operate a year-long ecosystem where international tournaments, Tier-1 regional leagues, and Tier-2 circuits all feed into one another. 

At the global level, the season opens with new and returning international events. The Americas Cup debuts in March, linking North America and Brazil early in the year and offering qualification stakes toward First Stand. Shortly after, First Stand 2026 provides the first cross-regional comparison of the season, setting early meta narratives. The calendar then builds toward major milestones like Mid-Season Invitational, now carrying extra Worlds qualification slots, the Esports World Cup, and ultimately Worlds 2026, which remains the definitive climax of the competitive year. 

Regionally, Tier-1 leagues such as the LCK, LPL, LEC, LCS, LCP, and the returning CBLOL operate across multi-month seasons, each with formats designed to reward consistency and peak performance. Beneath them, a vast Tier-2 ecosystem quietly develops future talent through national and sub-regional leagues. 

Together, this layered structure ensures that competition runs almost nonstop throughout 2026, offering clear pathways from local play to the world stage.