LEC Versus kicks off the 2026 season with a brand-new tournament, featuring new teams and fresh rosters. Here’s everything you need to know.
New year, new LEC tournament. The 2026 season kicks off with LEC Versus, bringing chaotic plays, fresh rosters, and thrilling new matchups. Beyond the ten LEC teams, two guest squads will step onto the Riot Games Arena, ready to prove their value on the big stage. Are you ready?
LEC Versus teams
The League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) 2026 season will kick off with a never-before-seen event. The LEC Versus will feature the ten LEC teams and two guests from the EMEA Regional League (ERLs), Los Ratones and Karmine Corp Blue. This is the only chance for both ERL teams to prove their value against the Tier 1 teams. These are all the teams participating in the tournament:
- Shifters (previously Team BDS)
- Fnatic
- G2 Esports
- Team Heretics
- Movistar KOI
- GIANTX
- SK Gaming
- Karmine Corp
- Team Vitality
- Natus Vincere
- Los Ratones
- Karmine Corp Blue
Tournament format
Starting on Jan. 17, all teams will play a single round robin best-of-ones (Bo1). The goal is for the ERL to have the opportunity to face each Tier 1 team and to showcase their potential in unique matchups. However, due to the tight schedule and The First Stand, this will only be possible in Bo1.
The top eight teams will qualify for the Playoffs stage. We will have a double-elimination bracket. Rounds 1 and 2 will be best-of-three (Bo3), while the remaining matches will be best-of-five (Bo5). Only one team will be able to secure their sport at The First Stand. The Grand Finals will be held on March 1, 2026.
The LEC Versus announces HyperX as the official peripherals sponsor of the event. This partnership brings the best and high-performance HyperX gaming gear to the best European League of Legends.
LEC Versus tickets
The LEC Versus tickets will be available for purchase on Dec. 17 at 6 p.m. CET. The tournament will be held at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Germany. Each ticket will cost 15€ (around 18$) and can be purchased on the EMEA tickets page. For now, you can buy tickets until Feb. 13.
The Playoffs tickets will be available in January 2026, with the Upper Bracket Round 1 going on sale on Jan. 5. The remaining ones will be available for purchase on Jan. 12. If you can't attend, don't worry. You can watch all the matches on the official LEC YouTube and Twitch channels.
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