New LEC 2026 Format Revealed: The EMEA Invitational Arrives!
We're in for an entirely new-look LEC in 2026. The top-tier EMEA league will revolutionize its format in the coming year, welcoming a new winter tournament, bringing Tier-2 teams into the mix, and standardizing the design of the Spring and Summer Splits.
Let's take a look at all of the changes coming to the LEC 2026 format.
Goodbye Winter Split, Hello Los Ratones
Without a doubt, the biggest change coming with the new format will be the departure of the Winter Split. In its stead, a brand new tournament arrives to take its place: LEC Versus - The EMEA Invitational.
The LEC Versus tournament will feature all 10 LEC teams, plus two teams from the ERLs (EMEA's Tier-2 scene). The two ERL teams invited to the tournament will be the 2025 EMEA Masters Champions and the best performing team throughout the previous year (2025). For LEC Versus 2026, this means that the tournament will feature the additions of Los Ratones + the winnners of Karmine Corp Blue vs Los Heretics (the EMEA Masters Summer Grand Finals).
The addition of Los Ratones will prove particularly exciting, as it will mean the return of two former LEC stars like Nemesis and Rekkles to the fold. What's more, the two invited ERL teams will have the chance to qualify for First Stand 2026, where we could see them compete against some of the best League of Legends teams in the world.
Once the LEC Versus draws to a close, though, the LEC Spring and Summer splits will return to their usual 10-team lineups, with the two invited ERL teams returning to their respective leagues in Tier-2.
LEC Versus 2026 Format
New tournament, new format. Here's exactly how the LEC Versus 2026 tournament will work:
- 12 teams: 10 LEC teams + 2 ERL teams
- Regular Season:
- Single round robin
- Bo1 matches
- Top 8 teams move on to the playoffs
- Playoffs:
- Double-elimination bracket
- Rounds 1 & 2 will be Bo3 matches, then Bo5s
- LEC Versus Champions will qualify to First Stand
Credit: Riot GamesLEC Spring and Summer Split Changes for 2026
The new year will not only bring changes to the start of the season, though. The Spring and Summer Splits in the LEC will also receive updates in 2026. What this means is that both splits will now feature the same format, keeping things a little more consistent moving forward. And the best part? No more Bo1's!
Here's what the LEC 2026 Spring & Summer Split format will look like:
- Regular Season:
- Single round robin
- All matches are Bo3
- Top 6 teams qualify to playoffs
- Playoffs:
- Double-elimination bracket
- All matches are Bo5
Credit: Riot GamesTo add to the excitement, the immensely successful LEC Roadtrips will return next year in an expanded way! While no information has been released yet regarding the dates and locations for the 2026 LEC Roadtrip shows, expect these to push passion to the limit in the coming season.
With so much to look forward to, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for LEC fans everywhere!
Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest League news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured image credit: Michal Konkol/Riot Games
Read more:
G2 Esports Reportedly Forming New Academy Team for League of Legends