League of Legends First Stand 2026: teams, format, schedule and more

The 2026 worldwide League of Legends esports season is kicking off with First Stand subsequent week.

For a lot of groups, the match affords an early probability to make an announcement on the worldwide stage whereas securing essential benefits for his or her area forward of MSI 2026 later this 12 months. However for followers, maintaining with each main area forward of worldwide occasions may be hectic.

From the certified groups and match format to schedules and the way followers can watch the motion stay, right here is all the things to learn about League of Legends First Stand 2026.

First Stand, now in its second year, will run from March sixteenth to March twenty second 2026, in São Paulo, Brazil. 

Matches will happen on the Riot Video games Area São Paulo, a venue frequently used for League of Legends’ regional competitions. As such, the situation has lately been topic to criticism from followers as a consequence of its capability.

The Group Stage will run for 4 days, adopted by the Knockout Stage beginning on March twenty first. All sport days will begin at 2 pm GMT. The match will conclude with the Grand Remaining on March twenty second, additionally kicking off at 2 pm GMT.

Alongside the championship match, Riot Video games can be internet hosting a Runeterra Fan Fest in São Paulo, the place followers can watch the final together and take part in group actions associated to Riot’s titles.

A complete of eight groups will compete at First Stand 2026, with representatives from all main areas within the League of Legends esports ecosystem. Most groups certified via profitable regional winter competitions, sending early-season contenders to the 12 months’s first worldwide occasion. Because of the areas’ energy, China’s LPL and South Korea’s LCK have been given two seeds every. 

The ultimate participant from China’s LPL is the one group but to be revealed. Whereas Bilibili Gaming has already secured a spot on the match, the conclusion of the LPL will decide the remaining group and seeding. 

After the LPL Remaining concludes, Riot Video games will host the official draw present to determine the First Stand Group Stage matchups.

 Europe, North America, Brazil and the APAC area are represented by one group every. 

Listed below are all of the groups collaborating in First Stand 2026:

Among the many contenders, Gen.G enters the occasion as one of many favourites. The group completed its LCK Cup common season undefeated and dropped solely two video games throughout its playoff run earlier than defeating BNK FearX 3–0 within the remaining. That dominant type, and previous worldwide success, make Gen.G the group to beat heading into the match.

Bilibili Gaming may even be a group to look at. The organisation has constructed a popularity for sturdy worldwide performances in recent times, however has but to safe a serious international trophy. With one other look at a world occasion confirmed, First Stand might current a chance for BLG to lastly break that streak — however on the similar time, not one of the remaining groups ought to be missed. 

G2 Esports recovered from an inconsistent begin to the season with a strong playoff run within the LEC.  Within the LCS, LYON has reignited hope amongst NA followers wishing for a deeper worldwide run than final 12 months.

Additionally, don’t depend out the so-called wildcard areas. Each CBLOL and the APAC league have proven main enchancment in latest worldwide competitions, pushing prime groups a lot nearer than many anticipated and occasionally pulling off major upsets.

First Stand 2026 is split into two phases, starting with a Group Section adopted by a Knockout Bracket. Each collection all through the match shall be performed as a best-of-five, creating longer matches that take a look at groups’ adaptability and technique.

The Group Stage takes place from March sixteenth to March twentieth. Throughout this part, all eight groups compete to safe a spot within the elimination bracket. Consistency and draft adaptation throughout a number of video games shall be key as groups purpose to advance.

Following the group matches, the Knockout Stage begins on March twenty first. The remaining groups will face off in a single elimination format, the place each match carries excessive stakes. The match concludes with the grand remaining on March twenty second.

This part shall be up to date as teams are decided after the LPL Remaining on March seventh.

Followers can watch First Stand 2026 via Riot’s official broadcast channels in a number of languages.

Viewers who watch via the official LoL Esports website whereas logged in with their Riot account can have an opportunity to receive in-game Drops in the course of the match. Rewards embrace cosmetics and particular emotes tied to First Stand, together with an unique Evelynn emote which is able to drop in the course of the Remaining.

Riot Video games has additionally confirmed that some co-streaming is enabled for the occasion. Chosen creators and collaborating groups will be capable of broadcast matches for his or her audiences, providing different commentary to official channels.

Though Riot has not detailed the complete monetary breakdown publicly, the match nonetheless carries significant aggressive rewards. Along with lifting the First Stand trophy, groups will earn benefits for his or her areas heading into the Mid-Season Invitational later within the 12 months.

Riot Video games can be introducing additional revenue opportunities in the course of the occasion. A portion of gross sales from the Warhounds Senna pores and skin and associated beauty bundles shall be shared with groups, contributing to the broader income Pool that helps Tier1 groups in LoL Esports.