The Ligue Française de League of Legends (LFL) has introduced the format for its 2026 season, which can start with a Winter Invitational, adopted by the Spring and Summer time splits.
The LFL Invitational, which formally kicks off on January twenty first, will see 20 groups compete for 2 EMEA Masters spots. Furthermore, two alternatives to be part of the LFL’s common season 10-team lineup for 2026 are up for grabs.
The opening event will characteristic seven LFL groups, eight groups from the second division, in addition to three Recreation Changers groups. Karmine Corp Blue, the LPL’s eighth staff, is not going to take part on account of being concerned in subsequent yr’s LEC Versus occasion.
Moreover, there can be two extra influencer groups: one named French Aptitude, led by G2 co-streamer Jean ‘Trayton‘ Medzadourian, and ZYB, constructed round Karmine Corp substitute participant Yasin ‘Nisqy‘ Dinçer.
The LFL Invitational Format
The 20 groups will initially take part in a bunch stage that includes 5 teams of 4 groups every. Each group may have a mixture of LFL groups, Division 2 groups, Recreation Changers lineups, and, the place relevant, the 2 influencer groups. The highest two groups from every group will advance to the subsequent section. Presently, no indication relating to the match format has been given.
The remaining 10 groups will then be positioned right into a single tremendous group, the place the second stage begins. This section will decide the highest six groups going to the playoffs, which can characteristic a double-elimination bracket, a standard format used within the tier-one scene.
The highest two groups from the tremendous group can be positioned within the higher bracket, whereas groups ranked third to sixth will begin within the decrease one.
On the finish of the event, the 2 greatest non-LFL groups will be capable of safe a slot within the European Regional Leagues (ERL) for the remainder of the 2026 season and can compete within the following two splits. In consequence, this marks a brand new entry level for groups to enter the tier-two scene, together with Recreation Changers rosters.
The brand new season format comes shortly after Riot introduced modifications to its insurance policies within the ERLs. This included eradicating the unified Domestically Skilled Consultant (LTR) mandate and giving extra leeway to each league for roster-building necessities, thus growing general regional autonomy.
