LPL 2026 Split 1: Schedule, Format, Teams & How To Watch
With hype building around the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), Riot Games has introduced a new three-tiered format with a streamlined lineup. To reflect this prestige, the LPL 2026 Split 1 opening event now offers 80 Championship Points and two qualification spots to First Stand in Brazil.
Here’s everything you need to know about LPL 2026 Split 1, including the tournament’s schedule, format, participating teams, ticketing, and viewing options.
LPL 2026 Split 1 Dates & Location
LPL 2026 Split 1 will run from January 14 to March 1, 2026. The tournament will take place at multiple locations in China. While not yet confirmed, the Grand Final is likely to be held at the Shanghai League Arena (also known as the Home Arena) in Shanghai, China.
LPL 2026 Split 1 Schedule
The inaugural Split of the LPL’s 13th season will span one and a half months across three stages: the Rumble Stage (January 14 to February 6, 2026), the Knights Rivals Stage (February 9–11, 2026), and the Knockout Stage (February 13 to March 1, 2026).
This table outlines the LPL 2026 Split 1 schedule, including weekly fixtures, match dates, and their respective start times.
| Week | Match Date | Match | Start Time (GMT+8) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | January 14 | WBG vs. IG | 17:00 |
| TES vs. JDG | 19:00 | ||
| January 15 | LGD vs. UP | 15:00 | |
| IG vs. AL | 17:00 | ||
| WBG vs. BLG | 19:00 | ||
| January 16 | LNG vs. OMG | 17:00 | |
| WE vs. EDG | 19:00 | ||
| January 17 | BLG vs. AL | 17:00 | |
| JDG vs. IG | 19:00 | ||
| January 18 | TES vs. BLG | 17:00 | |
| AL vs. JDG | 19:00 | ||
| Week 2 | January 19 | TT vs. WE | 15:00 |
| TES vs. WBG | 17:00 | ||
| EDG vs. NIP | 19:00 | ||
| January 20 | AL vs. WBG | 17:00 | |
| IG vs. BLG | 19:00 | ||
| January 21 | LNG vs. LGD | 17:00 | |
| IG vs. TES | 19:00 | ||
| January 22 | OMG vs. UP | 15:00 | |
| TT vs. EDG | 17:00 | ||
| WE vs. NIP | 19:00 | ||
| January 23 | OMG vs. LGD | 15:00 | |
| EDG vs. TT | 17:00 | ||
| JDG vs. BLG | 19:00 | ||
| January 24 | TES vs. AL | 17:00 | |
| WBG vs. JDG | 19:00 | ||
| January 25 | NIP vs. WE | 17:00 | |
| TES vs. IG | 19:00 | ||
| Week 3 | January 26 | WE vs. TT | 17:00 |
| BLG vs. JDG | 19:00 | ||
| January 27 | UP vs. LNG | 15:00 | |
| WBG vs. TES | 17:00 | ||
| AL vs. IG | 19:00 | ||
| January 28 | UP vs. LGD | 15:00 | |
| OMG vs. LNG | 17:00 | ||
| NIP vs. EDG | 19:00 | ||
| January 29 | TT vs. NIP | 17:00 | |
| JDG vs. WBG | 19:00 | ||
| January 30 | UP vs. OMG | 17:00 | |
| BLG vs. TES | 19:00 | ||
| January 31 | JDG vs. AL | 17:00 | |
| BLG vs. IG | 19:00 | ||
| February 1 | LGD vs. LNG | 17:00 | |
| AL vs. TES | 19:00 | ||
| Week 4 | February 2 | LGD vs. OMG | 17:00 |
| BLG vs. WBG | 19:00 | ||
| February 3 | LNG vs. UP | 17:00 | |
| IG vs. JDG | 19:00 | ||
| February 4 | EDG vs. WE | 17:00 | |
| WBG vs. AL | 19:00 | ||
| February 5 | NIP vs. TT | 17:00 | |
| JDG vs. TES | 19:00 | ||
| February 6 | IG vs. WBG | 15:00 | |
| AL vs. BLG | 17:00 |
Note: For specific match fixtures, please refer to the LoL Esports account on Weibo.
LPL 2026 Split 1 Format
LPL 2026 Split 1 has undergone a few format changes compared to the previous season. For starters, the number of teams in Split 1 has been reduced from 16 to 14, following the departures of FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) and Royal Never Give Up (RNG).
Rumble Stage (Regular Season)
Instead of the traditional Group Stage and Playoffs, Split 1 follows a three-stage format this year.
The Regular Season (January 14 to February 6) divides all participating teams into three performance-based groups: the top six teams form “Ascend,” the middle four form “Perseverance,” and the remaining four form “Nirvana.”
All matches will be played in a best-of-three series under a double round-robin format, where each team will play every other team in that group twice. Based on the results, the top four teams from Ascend will advance directly to the Knockout Stage.
The bottom two from Ascend and the top two performers from Perseverance will move to Round 1 of Knights Rivals. Similarly, the bottom two of Perseverance and the top two of Nirvana will start in Round 2 of Knights Rivals.
The remaining two teams from Nirvana will be eliminated after the Regular Season.
Knights Rivals (Play-Ins)
The Knights Rivals Stage (February 9–11) will follow a hybrid elimination format and will be played as a best-of-five series.
In Round 1, the fifth team of Ascend will compete with the second team of Perseverance. Similarly, the sixth team from Ascend will face the first team from Perseverance. The winners will qualify for the Knockout Stage, while the losers move to Round 3.
Round 2 starts with the third team from Perseverance facing the second team of Nirvana. It is followed by a match between the fourth team of Perseverance and the first team of Nirvana. The top two teams advance to Round 3, while the bottom two are eliminated from the tournament.
The final round will be between the two losers of Round 1 and the two winners of Round 2, with the higher-seeded team playing the lower-seeded team. Round 3 winners will qualify for the Knockout Stage, while the remaining teams will be eliminated.
Knockout Stage (Playoffs)
Eight teams will compete in the Knockout Stage (February 13 to March 1), played as best-of-five series, under a double-elimination format. The four top qualifiers from Ascend will choose their opponents for the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals.
The winner and runner-up of the Knockout Stage will qualify for a place in First Stand 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil. All matches of Split 1 will use Fearless Draft, where teams cannot use the same champions again throughout the series after they draft them.
Prize Pool Distribution
There is no cash prize pool for LPL 2026 Split 1. Despite this, Riot has significantly increased the Championship Points this year from 20 points to 80 points for the victors. Additionally, the top two teams will qualify for First Stand 2026.
The split for the Championship Points for top-performing teams is as follows:
| # | Championship Points | Qualifies To |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 80 | First Stand 2026 |
| 2nd | 50 | First Stand 2026 |
| 3rd | 30 | — |
| 4th | 20 | — |
| 5th–6th | 10 | — |
| 7th–8th | 5 | — |
Teams Competing At LPL 2026 Split 1
Fourteen teams will compete in the LPL 2026 Split 1 for two spots at First Stand and Championship Points. Based on their LPL 2025 Split 3 performance, teams have been divided into three categories:
Ascend (Top 6):
- Anyone’s Legend
- Bilibili Gaming
- Invictus Gaming
- JD Gaming
- Top Esports
- Weibo Gaming
Perseverance (Middle 4):
- EDward Gaming
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Team WE
- ThunderTalk Gaming
Nirvana (Bottom 4):
- LGD Gaming
- LNG Esports
- Oh My God
- Ultra Prime
How To Watch The LPL 2026 Split 1
LPL 2026 Split 1 matches will be broadcast on Chinese platforms Bilibili, Huya, and Tencent. For English coverage, you can watch on LPLEnglish’s Twitch and YouTube channels, as well as Nymaera’s Twitch stream.
Tickets
If you want to catch the action live, you can attend LAN events at LPL home venues across China. Tickets went on sale on January 7, 2026, and are available via Ticket Planet, Maoyan, and LPL’s official website, app, and WeChat channels.
The ticket price ranges from RMB 88 (~$13) to RMB 358 (~$51), depending on the day and seat type.
| Day | Matches | Class | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 1 Game | Third-Class | RMB 88 | $13 |
| Second-Class | RMB 108 | $15 | ||
| First-Class | RMB 158 | $23 | ||
| 2-3 Games | Third-Class | RMB 108 | $15 | |
| Second-Class | RMB 178 | $25 | ||
| First-Class | RMB 258 | $37 | ||
| Friday–Sunday | 1 Game | Third-Class | RMB 128 | $18 |
| Second-Class | RMB 208 | $30 | ||
| First-Class | RMB 258 | $37 | ||
| 2-3 Games | Third-Class | RMB 198 | $28 | |
| Second-Class | RMB 288 | $41 | ||
| First-Class | RMB 358 | $51 |
FAQs
When and where is the LPL 2026 Split 1 starting?
LPL 2026 Split 1 kicks off on January 14 and runs until March 1, 2026, at multiple locations in China.
What’s the LPL 2026 Split 1 Format?
LPL 2026 Split 1 is played across three stages: the Rumble Stage, Knights Rivals Stage, and Knockout Stage. The split begins with a best-of-three double round-robin format, followed by best-of-five hybrid elimination, and finally a best-of-five double-elimination Playoff to decide the champion.
Which team won the LPL 2025 Split 1?
Top Esports won the LPL 2025 Split 1 against Anyone’s Legend (AL), with a 3–1 score. The Chinese juggernauts took home ¥300,000 (~$41,000) and secured a direct invite to First Stand 2025.
How can I watch the LPL 2026 Split 1?
You can follow the matches online on Chinese platforms Bilibili, Tencent, and Huya. For English-language viewers, you can follow LPLEnglish Twitch and YouTube channels.
How can I buy tickets for LPL 2026 Split 1?
Tickets for LPL 2026 Split 1 will be sold through the Ticket Planet App and Maoyan. It is also available on the official LPL website and mobile app. Ticket sales went live on January 7, 2026.
References
- 2026LPL第一赛段常规赛组内赛赛程公布 (Weibo)
- plenglish (Twitch)
- LPL_English (YouTube)
- nymaera_ (Twitch)
- League of Legends Esports Official Website – Tencent Games (LPL)
