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League’s Biggest Stage Returns to North America

The League of Legends World Championship is officially heading back to North America. Riot Games has announced that the 2026 edition of Worlds will take place across two major U.S. cities, Allen, Texas, and New York City.

This marks the tournament’s first appearance in North America since 2022, and the first time in three years that it will span multiple cities, excluding the COVID-19-affected years. The reveal came during media day ahead of the Worlds 2025 Grand Final between T1 and KT Rolster.

According to Chris Greeley, Global Head of League of Legends Esports, the move to two host cities is designed to “prioritise larger venues capable of hosting more stages of the event,” allowing for a more cohesive experience for fans and teams alike.

Allen and New York City to Share Hosting Duties

Allen, Texas, will host the early and mid stages of the competition, including the Play-In, Swiss Stage, and Playoffs. Then, all eyes will shift to New York City for the Grand Final, where the next World Champion will be crowned.

While specific venues have yet to be confirmed, this structure mirrors successful formats from previous years, with the tournament gradually building toward its high-profile final in one of the world’s most iconic cities.

The 2026 Worlds will continue the trend of alternating between regions, following the 2025 edition in South Korea. Riot has previously taken the tournament to major global esports hubs including Busan, Seoul, and San Francisco.

First Stand 2026 Heads to Brazil

Alongside the Worlds announcement, Riot also unveiled details about next year’s First Stand, the first international event of the 2026 competitive season.

From March 16 to 22, First Stand 2026 will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, expanding from six to eight participating teams. All matches will be played as best-of-five series, giving fans more high-stakes, competitive action.

This marks a return to familiar ground for Brazilian fans. São Paulo previously hosted the Mid-Season Invitational 2017, where SK Telecom T1 took home the trophy.

MSI 2026 Returns to South Korea

Rounding out Riot’s global roadmap, the Mid-Season Invitational 2026 will bring international League of Legends competition back to South Korea for the first time since 2022. The event will be held in Daejeon, though Riot has not yet announced the exact venue or dates.

Traditionally taking place between late June and early July, MSI acts as the mid-year highlight before Worlds, offering fans a preview of how regional champions stack up against one another.

Looking Ahead

With First Stand in Brazil, MSI in Korea, and Worlds split between Texas and New York, 2026 is shaping up to be a massive year for League of Legends esports.

Fans can expect a packed calendar filled with international storylines, regional rivalries, and unforgettable live events as Riot continues to expand its global esports presence.