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The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) is back with big plans for 2026, and BLAST has just revealed the full roadmap for the new season. Fans can look forward to fresh tournaments, tighter roster rules, and the addition of 2v2s alongside the classic 3v3 format.

RLCS 2026 format stays familiar, with new twists

The core 3v3 competition remains at the heart of RLCS, but 2026 is bringing more variety to the circuit. Each region will once again battle through three online Opens per split, followed by a Major LAN at the end of each split. That’s six Opens and two Majors before the season heads towards the World Championship.

On top of that, 1v1s are returning, and for the first time ever, RLCS will feature a full 2v2 circuit with its own Opens and LAN appearances. It’s a move that’s set to shake up the competitive landscape and bring new strategies to the forefront.

Kick-Off LAN debuts in Copenhagen

The season will get underway with a brand-new event, the Kick-Off LAN. Running from December 5–7, 2025 at BLAST’s Copenhagen studio, the tournament will showcase 12 teams in a close-proximity setting. Not only will it serve as the finale for the first Open, but the winner will also secure a guaranteed spot at Major 1 and earn their region an extra slot at Major 2.

RLCS 2026 roadmap

Image Credit: Rocket League Esports

This will be the first true test of international strength before the Majors, making it a must-watch for Rocket League fans.

Roster eligibility tightened

One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the new roster lock rules. From now on, teams must field a majority of players who are residents or citizens of the region they’re competing in.

That means two out of three players on a standard roster must qualify under these rules, and for four-man rosters with a substitute, three of the four must meet the eligibility requirements.

According to BLAST, this adjustment is designed to keep regional play competitive and fair while still allowing international talent to shine.

Key dates for RLCS 2026

Here’s the season schedule as it stands:

  • Season start: November 14, 2025 (NA & EU), November 15 (SAM & APAC), November 21 (MENA), November 22 (OCE & SSA)
  • Kick-Off LAN: December 5–7, 2025 (Copenhagen)
  • Major 1: February 2026 (North America)
  • Major 2: May 24–26, 2026 (Paris, La Défense Arena)
  • 1v1 & 2v2 Opens: June–July 2026
  • Last Chance Qualifiers: July–August 2026
  • World Championship: September 2026 (six-day event)

The World Championship will again feature the 16 teams with the most RLCS points, joined by four squads from the Last Chance Qualifiers and winners from the 1v1 and 2v2 Opens.

A bigger and bolder season ahead

With the addition of 2v2 competition, the introduction of the Kick-Off LAN, and a World Championship stretched to six days, RLCS 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet. Fans won’t have long to wait, as the action officially kicks off this November.