The 2026 season introduces a major change to the European League of Legends circuit with the debut of LEC Versus. Replacing the Winter Split, this experimental tournament will feature two top-tier EMEA Regional League “guest” squads, expanding the field to a total of twelve teams. 

Under this format, viewers can watch an intriguing match between Karmine Corp and its academy team, Karmine Corp Blue, heightening the excitement of the region’s opening event.

LEC Versus 2026 Dates & Location

LEC Versus 2026 is set to begin on January 17 and will end on March 1, 2026. The tournament will be held at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Germany.

LEC Versus 2026 Schedule

The following table outlines the entire LEC Versus 2026 schedule, with weekly fixtures and dates. All matches will begin at 17:00 CET (9:00 PST). The Regular Season runs for four weeks, with six games played each day.

The Playoffs begin on February 16, 2026, and conclude with the Finals on March 1, 2026. 

Note: For specific match fixtures, please refer to the LEC account on X. 

LEC Versus 2026 Format

The Regular Season follows a single round-robin format, with each team playing 11 best-of-one matches. This fast-paced format tests teams early on, especially those adjusting to new rosters.

The top eight teams from the Regular Season will advance to the Playoffs, which will be played under a double-elimination format. Rounds 1 and 2 of the Playoffs are best-of-three series, while all remaining matches are best-of-five. 

The Playoffs will feature Fearless Draft, where champions chosen once cannot be reused by either team throughout the series. The winner of LEC Versus 2026 earns a direct qualification to First Stand 2026.

Prize Pool Distribution

LEC Versus does not feature a cash prize. Instead, qualification to First Stand is the primary reward.

Teams Competing In LEC Versus 2026

LEC Versus has transitioned from a traditional 10-team structure to a 12-team format, which includes ten franchised teams and two guest invites from the EMEA ecosystem.  

• FNATIC
• G2 Esports
• GIANTX
• Karmine Corp
• Movistar KOI
• Natus Vincere
• Shifters*
• SK Gaming
• Team Heretics
• Team Vitality
• Los Ratones (Best ERL Performance)
• Karmine Corp Blue (EMEA Masters Summer Winner)

Note: Team BDS rebranded as Shifters ahead of the 2026 season. 

How To Watch LEC Versus 2026

LEC Versus can be watched live online on the LEC’s official Twitch, YouTube, and SOOP platforms. You can follow the tournament in multiple other languages, including French, Spanish, and Hungarian.

Tickets

Tickets to attend LEC Versus 2026 are available via EMEAtickets for €15. Regular Season tickets have sold out, and Playoffs tickets will be released soon. You can keep an eye on LEC’s X account for official announcements. 

FAQs

When and where is the LEC Versus 2026 starting?

LEC Versus will take place from January 17 to March 1, 2026, at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Germany.

What’s the LEC Versus 2026 Format?

LEC Versus adopts a twelve-team structure with two new ERL teams. The tournament starts with best-of-one games in the Regular Season and moves into best-of-three and best-of-five series during the Playoffs. 

Which team won the LEC 2025 Winter Split?

Karmine Corp won the LEC 2025 Winter Split in a dominant 3–0 clean sweep against G2 Esports to secure their first-ever LEC title, taking home a $40,000 cash prize.

How can I watch the LEC Versus 2026?

You can watch LEC Versus online on the official LEC Twitch, YouTube, and SOOP channels. 

Where can I buy the tickets for LEC Versus 2026?

Tickets to attend LEC Versus are sold via EMEATickets at €15 per ticket.  

References

1. LEC (@LEC) on X (X)
2. LEC – Twitch (Twitch)
3. LEC – YouTube (YouTube)
4. LoL_Global – SOOP (SOOP)
5. Veranstaltungen von Riot Games – LEC | vivenu (EmeaTickets.LoLEsports)