groups, format, schedule and extra

The 2026 worldwide League of Legends esports season is kicking off with First Stand subsequent week.

For a lot of groups, the event gives an early likelihood to make an announcement on the worldwide stage whereas securing essential benefits for his or her area forward of MSI 2026 later this 12 months. However for followers, maintaining with each main area forward of worldwide occasions may be hectic.

From the certified groups and event format to schedules and the way followers can watch the motion dwell, right here is the whole lot to learn about League of Legends First Stand 2026.

Matches will happen on the Riot Video games Enviornment São Paulo, a venue repeatedly used for League of Legends’ regional competitions. As such, the situation has not too long ago been topic to criticism from followers on account of its capability.

The Group Stage will run for 4 days, adopted by the Knockout Stage beginning on March twenty first. All recreation days will begin at 2 pm GMT. The event will conclude with the Grand Last on March twenty second, additionally kicking off at 2 pm GMT.

Alongside the championship match, Riot Video games can also be internet hosting a Runeterra Fan Fest in São Paulo, the place followers can watch the ultimate collectively and take part in group actions associated to Riot’s titles.

A complete of eight groups will compete at First Stand 2026, with representatives from all main areas within the League of Legends esports ecosystem. Most groups certified via successful regional winter competitions, sending early-season contenders to the 12 months’s first worldwide occasion. As a result of areas’ energy, China’s LPL and South Korea’s LCK have been given two seeds every. 

After the LPL Last concludes, Riot Video games will host the official draw present to determine the First Stand Group Stage matchups.

 Europe, North America, Brazil and the APAC area are represented by one group every. 

Listed here are all of the groups collaborating in First Stand 2026:

Among the many contenders, Gen.G enters the occasion as one of many favourites. The group completed its LCK Cup common season undefeated and dropped solely two video games throughout its playoff run earlier than defeating BNK FearX 3–0 within the ultimate. That dominant type, and previous worldwide success, make Gen.G the group to beat heading into the event.

Bilibili Gaming can even be a group to look at. The organisation has constructed a repute for sturdy worldwide performances in recent times, however has but to safe a significant international trophy. With one other look at a global occasion confirmed, First Stand might current a possibility for BLG to lastly break that streak — however on the identical time, not one of the remaining groups must be missed. 

G2 Esports recovered from an inconsistent begin to the season with a stable playoff run within the LEC.  Within the LCS, LYON has reignited hope amongst NA followers wishing for a deeper worldwide run than final 12 months.

Additionally, don’t depend out the so-called wildcard areas. Each CBLOL and the APAC league have proven main enchancment in latest worldwide competitions, pushing high groups a lot nearer than many anticipated and infrequently pulling off main upsets.

First Stand 2026 is split into two phases, starting with a Group Section adopted by a Knockout Bracket. Each collection all through the event will probably be performed as a best-of-five, creating longer matches that check groups’ adaptability and technique.

The Group Stage takes place from March sixteenth to March twentieth. Throughout this part, all eight groups compete to safe a spot within the elimination bracket. Consistency and draft adaptation throughout a number of video games will probably be key as groups goal to advance.

Following the group matches, the Knockout Stage begins on March twenty first. The remaining groups will face off in a single elimination format, the place each match carries excessive stakes. The event concludes with the grand ultimate on March twenty second.

This part will probably be up to date as teams are decided after the LPL Last on March seventh.

Viewers who watch via the official LoL Esports web site whereas logged in with their Riot account can have an opportunity to obtain in-game Drops in the course of the event. Rewards embody cosmetics and particular emotes tied to First Stand, together with an unique Evelynn emote which can drop in the course of the Last.

Riot Video games has additionally confirmed that some co-streaming is enabled for the occasion. Chosen creators and collaborating groups will have the ability to broadcast matches for his or her audiences, providing various commentary to official channels.

Though Riot has not detailed the complete monetary breakdown publicly, the event nonetheless carries significant aggressive rewards. Along with lifting the First Stand trophy, groups will earn benefits for his or her areas heading into the Mid-Season Invitational later within the 12 months.

Riot Video games can also be introducing further income alternatives in the course of the occasion. A portion of gross sales from the Warhounds Senna pores and skin and associated beauty bundles will probably be shared with groups, contributing to the broader income Pool that helps Tier1 groups in LoL Esports.