Riot Games Unveils 2026 LCS Season Format
Riot Games announced the format for the 2026 League Championship Series (LCS) season, marking the return of LCS branding to North American League of Legends after a year of using LTA branding.
In a video hosted by LCS Commissioner Mark Zimmerman, details of new formats and modifications to existing structures were revealed. The season kicks off on January 24th with the LCS Lock-In.
Split One Format
- Features a best-of-three Swiss stage.
- The top five teams will advance to the playoffs.
- Teams finishing sixth and seventh will play a tie-breaker to decide the last playoff spot.
- The top four teams start in the upper bracket, and the top seed can choose their first opponent from seeds two to four.
- The remaining two teams compete from the lower bracket.
Zimmerman states that split one will have 50% more games than in 2025.
International Qualification
The winning team from the split will qualify for First Stand, the season's first international tournament.
Spring Season Details
Spring 2026 begins with a best-of-three round robin group stage, which determines six teams to advance to the playoffs. The playoffs will follow the same format as Lock-In:
- Four teams will start in the upper bracket.
- Two teams will compete in the lower bracket.
Riot's new format emphasizes more matches and strategic flexibility, promising an exciting season for North American League of Legends fans.
Author's summary: Riot Games' format revamp for the 2026 LCS season introduces more games, exciting playoff structures, and international qualification, revitalizing North American LoL competitive landscape.
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