The LCS 2026 season is officially back, and Riot Games is making it clear: this is a reset year built around clarity, competition, and fans. Kicking off on January 24, 2026, the League Championship Series returns as a standalone league following the sunset of the LTA, ushering in a leaner structure, a refreshed team lineup, and expanded ways for fans across North America to engage with the action.
With a new three-split format, more roadshows, cross-regional competition, and a revamped LCS Fantasy experience, 2026 is shaping up to be the most ambitious LCS year in recent memory.
The LCS Returns as a Standalone League in 2026
After a year of experimentation under the LTA banner, Riot Games is bringing the LCS back to its roots—while keeping what worked. The result is a streamlined league that prioritizes competitive integrity, international relevance, and fan connection.
Key highlights for the LCS 2026 season include:
- A new three-split competitive format
- More live events outside Los Angeles
- Stronger ties with CBLOL through cross-regional tournaments
- An expanded, all-in-one LCS Fantasy app
Meet the Eight Teams Competing in LCS 2026
The league features eight organizations, blending legacy powerhouses with fresh challengers ready to shake up the standings.
Cloud9 (C9)
One of the LCS’s most iconic teams returns with a veteran core and renewed focus. With Thanatos, Blaber, APA, Zven, and Vulcan under the guidance of Inero and IWD, Cloud9 enters 2026 aiming to reclaim long-term dominance.
Dignitas (DIG)
Dignitas comes into 2026 re-energized, emphasizing culture and redemption. Led by Photon, eXyu, Palafox, FBI, and Ignar, DIG is determined to prove it belongs among the LCS elite.
Disguised (DSG)
Holding onto its guest slot, Disguised brings a bold mix of veterans and rising stars. Castle, KryRa, Callme, Sajed, and Lyonz form a roster designed to disrupt expectations and challenge established teams.
FlyQuest (FLY)
The reigning LTA champions begin a new chapter with the youngest roster in Tier 1 history. With All-Pros Massu and Quad anchoring a squad of emerging talent, FlyQuest is betting on the future.
LYON (LYON)
Built around aggressive play and star power, LYON enters 2026 hunting its first LCS title. With Inspired, Saint, Berserker, and Isles alongside Zamudo, this roster promises nonstop action.
Sentinels (SEN)
One of esports’ biggest brands finally enters the LCS. Sentinels bring massive fan engagement and a roster featuring Impact, HamBak, DARKWINGS, Rahel, and huhi, aiming to make SEN City a weekly fixture in the league.
Shopify Rebellion (SR)
Community-first and fiercely competitive, Shopify Rebellion fields a lineup of Fudge, Contractz, Zinie, Bvoy, and Ceos. SR is positioning itself as North America’s next fan-favorite underdog.
Team Liquid Alienware (TL)
Team Liquid enters 2026 with a new naming partner and a star-studded roster. Morgan, Josedeodo, Quid, Yeon, and CoreJJ headline a team built for both competitive success and standout content.
Three-Split Structure Defines the LCS 2026 Season
For the first time since 2022, the LCS and LEC formats closely align, making the season easier to follow for global fans.
Split 1: LCS Lock-In Tournament
January 24 – March 1, 2026
The season opens with the LCS Lock-In Tournament. Teams compete in best-of-three Swiss play before advancing to a top-six, double-elimination bracket. The winner qualifies for the First Stand Tournament in São Paulo. The Lock-In Finals take place on March 1 at the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles.
Split 2: Spring Split
April 4 – June 14, 2026
Spring Split features a best-of-three round-robin followed by playoffs. The top two teams qualify for MSI 2026 in Daejeon, South Korea, representing the LCS internationally.
Split 3: Summer Split
July 25 – October 2026
Summer Split determines North America’s representatives at the World Championship. The top three teams qualify for Worlds, with the LCS Championship crowning the best team in the region.
More Roadshows and Stronger Fan Connection
One of the biggest goals for the LCS 2026 season is bringing the league closer to fans. Riot plans to host more events outside Los Angeles while maintaining live audiences for Opening Weekends and Playoffs.
By shifting some show days to the FaceOff studio, the league can reinvest resources into regional roadshows—bringing the LCS to more cities, more often.
Cross-Regional Competition and Americas Cup
Despite the end of the LTA, international development remains a priority. Enter the Americas Cup, a new tournament featuring the second- and third-place teams from the LCS and CBLOL. Held in São Paulo before First Stand, the event fuels early-season rivalries and awards Korea bootcamps as prizes.
Up to four LCS teams may train in Korea during MSI 2026, reinforcing international competitiveness.
LCS Fantasy App Gets a Major Upgrade
The former LTA Fantasy app has been rebuilt as the official LCS Fantasy app, launching January 19, 2026. The app now serves as a central hub for:
- Schedules and standings
- Fantasy leagues
- Exclusive content
- Achievements and fan engagement features
Tier 2 Updates: NACL Evolves in 2026
North America’s Tier 2 ecosystem also receives updates. The NACL Summer Split introduces a Group Stage for the first time, along with policy changes such as a restructured Global Contract Database and a lower age requirement.
The Vision for LCS 2026: More for Fans
The LCS 2026 season is built on one clear promise: more. More international representation, more live events, more cross-regional competition, and more ways for fans to stay connected to the league they love.
With Opening Week set for January 24, the LCS is officially back—and ready to level up.
