Riot Games has officially announced the locations for its international League of Legends esports events in 2026 and 2027. The news was revealed during the first developer blog of 2025, with Chris Greeley, Global Head of League of Legends Esports, and Whalen Rozelle, COO of Esports, leading the announcement. Fans can expect high-profile tournaments across multiple continents over the next two years.
League of Legends World Championship Returns to North America in 2026
North America will once again play host to the League of Legends World Championship in 2026. This marks the region’s return to the prestigious tournament after last hosting it in 2022. That year, the event was held across several major cities, including San Francisco, Atlanta, New York, and Mexico City. While specific venues and dates for 2026 have yet to be disclosed, North American fans can look forward to another thrilling competition on home soil.
Canada Gears Up for MSI 2025
Before the World Championship in 2026, North American fans will get another taste of international League of Legends action. It was previously confirmed that the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2025 will be hosted in Canada. The tournament will bring together the top teams from across the globe to compete in one of the most important events of the season.
Canada for MSI 2025 (image via Getty)First Stand 2026 Heads to Brazil
Another significant announcement was the arrival of the First Stand event in Brazil in 2026. This will be the first time since MSI 2017 that Brazil will host an international League of Legends tournament. Riot Games highlighted the passion and energy of the Brazilian esports community, with Rozelle emphasizing how the region’s fans create an incredible atmosphere for live events. The First Stand event is expected to generate immense excitement in the region.
MSI 2026 to Take Place in South Korea
The Mid-Season Invitational will return to familiar territory in 2026, as South Korea has been chosen as the host country. Known for its deep esports culture and strong competitive scene, South Korea has been a key location for League of Legends events over the years. With a long history of successful tournaments, MSI 2026 in South Korea is anticipated to be another landmark event.
MSI 2026, 2027, South Korea (image via Getty)2027 Events to Span Multiple Regions
Looking ahead to 2027, Riot Games has mapped out an ambitious international schedule. The First Stand event will head to Southeast Asia, bringing top-tier League of Legends action to one of the fastest-growing esports markets. Meanwhile, MSI will make its way back to Europe, ensuring another year of thrilling matchups in a region with a dedicated fan base. The biggest event of the year, the League of Legends World Championship, will be hosted in South Korea, reinforcing the country’s status as a global esports powerhouse.
New Format Changes for 2025
Beyond location announcements, Riot Games used the dev blog to discuss significant updates to League of Legends esports in 2025. A major structural shift will see all major leagues adopt a three-split format for the season, with each split featuring an international event. This means more global competitions and opportunities for teams to showcase their talent on the world stage.
The Introduction of First Stand and Two New Leagues
As part of these format changes, Riot Games is introducing the First Stand event, which will be featured in the new competitive calendar. Additionally, two new leagues are being created to further develop the game’s global reach. The LCP (Pacific) and LTA (Americas) will expand competitive opportunities in their respective regions, ensuring that League of Legends esports continues to grow at an unprecedented pace.
First Stand to Debut in South Korea in 2025
Along with the previously announced MSI 2025 in Canada, Riot Games confirmed that the inaugural First Stand event will take place in Seoul, South Korea. This marks the beginning of a new era for international League of Legends competitions, giving fans more high-stakes action to look forward to each season.
With a packed schedule of global tournaments and a revamped format, Riot Games is set to uplift League of Legends esports to new heights in the coming years. Fans around the world can anticipate more intense rivalries, exciting matchups, and unforgettable moments as the competitive terrain continues to evolve.
