Season 2026 Begins With Immediate Strategic Pressure
The 2026 LoL Esports season is officially underway, and Riot Games wasted no time introducing changes that will directly affect competitive strategy. A new draft rule called First Selection reshapes how teams approach picks and sides, while First Stand returns as the season’s opening international event with an all best-of-five format.
Sa simula pa lang ng taon, malinaw na mas kaunti na ang automatic advantages at mas malaki na ang bigat ng preparation at adaptation.
Regional Leagues Return Throughout January
Top-tier regional competition resumes across all major leagues this January, with several regions starting on the same day. With First Stand slots and MSI implications tied closely to early performance, every match carries added importance.
- LCK and LPL begin on January 14
- LCP starts January 16
- LEC and CBLOL open January 17
- LCS follows on January 24
Early momentum could shape international seeding far earlier than in previous seasons.
First Selection Changes the Draft Dynamic
The biggest competitive update this year is First Selection, a new draft rule applied across all regions starting Season 2026. Teams that earn First Selection no longer get both side choice and pick priority.
Instead, they must choose one advantage only:
- Side choice (blue or red), or
- Draft priority (first or second pick)
The opposing team automatically receives the remaining option.
Riot Games explained that this change aims to reduce side-based win rate advantages while increasing strategic depth. Rather than relying on a stronger side, teams must now lean on champion pools, scouting, and draft planning.
First Stand Returns as the First International Test
First Stand runs from March 16 to 22 in São Paulo, Brazil, hosted at the Riot Games Arena. It marks the first international League of Legends event in Brazil since 2017.
Eight teams will compete:
- Two teams from LCK
- Two teams from LPL
- One team each from LEC, LCS, CBLOL, and LCP
Every match will be a best-of-five, reinforcing Riot’s push toward formats that reward adaptation and long series preparation. The tournament will also use Fearless Draft, further testing champion depth.
The winning region earns a Play-In Stage bye at MSI. Tickets go on sale January 20.
MSI and Worlds Define the 2026 Roadmap
After First Stand, MSI 2026 heads to Daejeon, South Korea, the first time the city hosts an international LoL event. Riot will announce venues and schedules closer to the tournament.
The season concludes with the 2026 World Championship. Play-Ins through Semifinals will be held in Allen, Texas, while the Worlds Final takes place in New York, closing out the competitive year.
Hall of Legends and Financial Adjustments Continue
Riot confirmed the return of the Hall of Legends ahead of Worlds 2026, with a third inductee set to be revealed later in the year.
On the financial side, regional split prize pools in Global Revenue Pool regions will be removed starting 2026. These funds will be redirected toward broader ecosystem support. International prize pools for First Stand, MSI, and Worlds will remain unchanged.
What This Means for Teams
With First Selection changing draft incentives and First Stand emphasizing BO5 endurance, Season 2026 opens with more strategic pressure than ever. Teams can no longer rely on side advantage alone. Depth, flexibility, and adaptation will be tested from the very first match.
