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MSI set for Daejeon as Worlds 2026 heads to Los Angeles, Texas, and New York

Sofia Guimarães

Sofia Guimarães

· 3 min read
League of Legends News
MSI set for Daejeon as Worlds 2026 heads to Los Angeles, Texas, and New York

Riot Games has announced format changes for MSI and LoL Worlds 2026, along with updates to their locations.

Riot Games has unveiled more information surrounding the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and the League of Legends Worlds Championship (LoL Worlds) 2026. While the MSI will be hosted in Daejeon, the LoL Worlds will host the biggest tournament of the season in three different cities. Let’s dive into everything we know about the locations, formats, and ticket sales.

MSI 2026 lands in Daejeon

For the first time, a League of Legends tournament is heading to Daejeon, South Korea. The games will take place at the Daejeon Convention Center II from June 28 to July 12. As for the format, we will have some updates to the Play-Ins stage.

Contrary to last year, the Play Ins will feature a four-team double-elimination bracket that will qualify a single team into the Bracket Stage. The seven teams that will qualify directly to the Bracket Stage will be the first seed from each region, as well as the second seed of the highest ranking two-seed region from The First Stand.

  • 2 teams each from LCK, LCS, LCP, LEC, and LPL (10 total)
  • 1 team from CBLOL

The tickets for the MSI 2026 will be released in waves through Interpark. However, Mastercard cardholders will be eligible for presale tickets on April 21. The general sales start on April 23 for the global audience.

Daejeon Convention Center II (Image via HEA)

Worlds 2026 returns to North America

The LoL Worlds is coming back to North America in 2026, four years after the last tournament. As for the format tournament, just like in the MSI, changes are coming solely to the Play-Ins stage. The Brazilian regional tournament (CBLOL) is getting an additional slot at the event, increasing from one to two spots.

With this update, the LoL Worlds 2026 will feature 19 teams:

  • 3 teams each from LCK, LCS, LCP, LEC, and LPL (15 total)
  • 2 teams from CBLOL
  • 1 team: MSI Champion (the team must qualify for their home region’s playoffs to retain invite)
  • 1 additional team from the second-place region at MSI

Due to logistical challenges, the Play-Ins stage will be moved to the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles, increasing the number of cities hosting the tournament. The Swiss Stage, Quarterfinals, and Semifinals will still be held in Allen, Texas, at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center (CUTX). The Grand Finals will travel to Brooklyn, New York, at the Barclays Center, one of the most iconic arenas in the world.

  • Play-Ins Stage: Oct. 15–18 
  • Swiss Stage: Oct. 23–26 and Oct. 28–31 
  • Knockout Stage: Nov. 3-8
    • Quarterfinals: Nov. 3–6
    • Semifinals: Nov. 7–8
  • Grand Finals: Nov. 14
MSI will be held in South Korea, while Worlds 2026 heads to North America
Barclays Center (Image via New York City Tourism)

The ticket sales for the LoL Worlds 2026 will be released mid-late July, but don’t worry — we will keep you updated as soon as Riot Games releases all the information. We’re very excited to see good League of Legends at MSI and LoL Worlds 2026.