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Riot Games introduces a new first-quarter event and aligns Spring and Summer formats for the EMEA region’s premier League of Legends competition.

The League of Legends European Championship (LEC) is entering a bold new era in 2026, introducing a revised competitive structure designed to bring fresh storylines, high-stakes matches, and more opportunities for EMEA Regional League (ERL) teams to shine.

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Introducing LEC Versus

Replacing the traditional Winter Split, LEC Versus will kick off the competitive year, featuring 12 teams: all 10 LEC franchise partners plus two invited teams from the ERL ecosystem. These invitations are awarded based on competitive excellence: one goes to the 2025 EMEA Masters Summer Champion, while the second will be granted to a team with consistent, standout performance across the 2025 season.

The tournament will use a Single Round Robin format with best-of-one matches, and the top eight teams will advance to a double-elimination playoff bracket. Early playoff rounds will be BO3, culminating in BO5 for later stages, ensuring that only the best-of-the-best move forward.

Riot emphasized that these invited ERL teams will not earn permanent LEC franchise spots but will receive participation stipends to cover operational costs like travel, accommodation, and support staff. The winner of LEC Versus will also secure an EMEA slot at the First Stand international event, giving these teams a global stage to showcase their talent.

“Expect fan-favourite formats, high-impact competition, and new storylines filled with energy, passion, and moments that will have you glued to the edge of your seat,” Riot stated.

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Spring and Summer Splits: Standardized and Predictable

After experimenting with different formats in recent years, LEC Spring and Summer 2026 will follow the same standardized structure:

• Single Round Robin with best-of-three matches
• Top six advance to best-of-five playoffs
• Participation limited to the 10 partnered franchise teams

Qualification paths remain unchanged, with two Spring teams advancing to MSI and three or more Summer teams heading to Worlds. Riot believes that a consistent schedule and format will enhance fan experience, enable LEC Roadtrips, and create a clearer competitive narrative throughout the season.

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Potential Implications and Fan Reactions

The introduction of non-franchised ERL teams into LEC Versus has sparked debate among fans. While some welcome the additional exposure for regional talent, others question how franchise owners will respond to competing against teams without permanent league spots.

Another key point is that ERL teams must retain three out of five original players from their European Masters roster to participate, ensuring stability but leaving room for flexibility at Riot’s discretion.

With these format changes, the LEC is positioning itself for a more dynamic 2026 season. Fans are eager to see whether the revamped structure will create deeper competition and more engaging storylines or reignite concerns about non-franchised participation in the league.

The LEC 2026 season promises to be one of the most intriguing yet, with LEC Versus opening the year and Spring and Summer Splits offering a consistent, high-quality competitive experience. Only time will tell how these changes will reshape the European League of Legends landscape.

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