League of Legends International Events in 2026
Confirmed Hosts and Venues
Riot Games has announced the locations for the 2026 international League of Legends Esports events. The lineup features both returning cities and new hosts.
First Stand in São Paulo, Brazil
The season will open with First Stand in São Paulo from March 16 to 22, 2026. Five teams from each region will compete for the first international title of the year.
“Brazil has one of our most passionate player bases,” said Chris Greeley, director of LoL Esports. He added that they look forward to seeing the city come alive again for League of Legends.
The last time Brazil hosted a League of Legends international event was in 2017. Every match in First Stand will be a best-of-five.
Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) in Daejeon, South Korea
MSI 2026 is set to take place in Daejeon, South Korea’s fifth-largest city. The event will feature 11 teams from various regions, with a single team advancing from the Play-ins into the Bracket Stage.
The double-elimination format will remain to “ensure every match will have enough attention,” according to Greeley.
Worlds 2026 in Texas and New York City
The World Championship will be split between two locations in the United States. Texas will host the Play-ins, Swiss Stage, and Knockout Stage, while New York City will hold the Grand Finals.
Summary
The 2026 international League of Legends events bring a rich blend of tradition and new venues, with major competitions in Brazil, South Korea, and the United States.
Author’s Note
These selected venues reflect Riot’s commitment to global engagement and diverse fan experiences in the 2026 esports season.