First Stand 2026 is locked in, and if you’re wondering how the first international League of Legends event of the year works, who’s playing, and what you can earn by watching, here’s the full breakdown. The tournament runs from March 16 to March 22 in São Paulo, Brazil, bringing together eight teams from across the global LoL Esports ecosystem for a full week of best-of-five action.

This year’s edition expands on the inaugural 2025 event in South Korea, and Riot is clearly positioning it as the tone-setter for the entire competitive season.

What Is First Stand 2026?

According to Riot, the event is designed to spark regional rivalries early and give teams a chance to shape the global meta while it is still developing. Beyond the trophy, First Stand also influences regional seeding heading into the Mid-Season Invitational, adding real competitive stakes from day one.

The 2026 edition features eight teams in total, up from the previous format.

When And Where First Stand 2026 Is Happening

First Stand 2026 takes place at the Riot Games Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, from March 16 to March 22.

The schedule is as follows:

• Group Stage, March 16 to March 20
  6:00 PDT, 10:00 BRT, 22:00 KST

• Knockout Stage, March 21
  6:00 PDT, 10:00 BRT, 22:00 KST

• Knockout Stage Finals, March 22
  6:00 PDT, 10:00 BRT, 22:00 KST

An official Draw Show will be held following the LPL Finals on March 7, where group placements will be confirmed.

First Stand 2026 Format Explained

Group Stage

The eight teams are split into two groups of four. Each group plays through a double-elimination bracket. That means teams have a second life if they lose once, but two losses and they are out.

The top two teams from each group advance to the Knockout Stage.

Knockout Stage

The remaining four teams enter a single-elimination bracket. From here on, it is straightforward. Win and move forward. Lose and you are done. The final on March 22 crowns the First Stand Champion.

Riot’s official video breakdown also confirmed that Fearless Draft returns. Teams cannot repeat champions within a best-of-five series, forcing deeper champion pools and creative drafting. On top of that, side selection and draft order are now separated. Teams choose either side selection or first or second pick, and the opponent claims the remaining option. It adds another layer of strategy before the match even starts.

Which Teams Are Competing

Here are the confirmed teams and regions for First Stand 2026:

LCK

• Gen.G
• BNK FearX

LPL
Two teams to be confirmed, qualifying on March 4 and March 7

LEC

• G2 Esports

LCS

• LYON

LCP

• Team Secret Whales

CBLOL

• LOUD

The top teams from LCK, LPL, LEC, LCS, LCP and CBLOL are joined by the second seeds from both LCK and LPL, rounding out the eight-team field.

First Stand 2026 Drops And Twitch Rewards

If you are watching from home, Riot has confirmed that Drops will be active throughout the tournament on LoLEsports.com. Viewers must log in with their Riot ID for a chance to receive rewards.

An exclusive Evelynn emote will drop during the Finals, with additional surprise Drops teased from partners including the Esports World Cup and Secretlab during select moments.

Twitch subscribers to participating LoL Esports channels also receive perks including ad-free viewing, subscriber-only chat access, custom emotes, badges, and channel points. Riot confirmed that a portion of subscription revenue during First Stand will go to the Global Revenue Pool, which supports leagues and teams across the ecosystem.

There is also a limited-time in-game reward. Starting March 9, fans who subscribe with a paid or gifted sub on participating channels can claim the “And That’s It.” Yunara in-game emote, provided they connect their Twitch and Riot accounts and redeem it through their Twitch inventory. Prime subscriptions are not eligible.

Warhounds Senna Skin Revenue Share

From March 18 to April 15, Riot will share a portion of proceeds from Warhounds Senna and its related bundles with LoL Esports teams.

The skin can be purchased standalone, as part of a border set bundle, or within a chroma bundle, with individual chromas also available. It gives fans another way to financially support the competitive scene during the event window.

Runeterra Fan Fest On Finals Day

The event promises gameplay stations for Teamfight Tactics, League of Legends, 2XKO, and Wild Rift, alongside cosplay meetups, an Artist’s Gallery featuring local creators, swag distribution, and appearances from members of Riot’s development team. Tickets are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Co-Streaming And Global Coverage

Co-streaming returns for First Stand 2026, including on-site co-streaming with local talent present in São Paulo. All qualifying professional teams are invited to host official team co-streams during the tournament.

Riot is also bringing back the Co-Streamer Hub powered by Opera GX, acting as a central directory where viewers can filter by preferred language and discover official co-streaming channels. The full list of co-streamers will be revealed on March 11.

For third-party creators who are not officially invited to co-stream, Riot’s standard Content Creator Guidelines remain in effect.

With a fresh meta, Fearless Draft in play, and eight regions colliding before MSI even enters the conversation, First Stand 2026 is shaping up to be more than just a warm-up event. It is the first real test of the global pecking order for the year ahead.

The post First Stand 2026: Teams, Format, Schedule, Drops And Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

One of League of Legends’ most respected junglers has officially stepped away from the professional stage. Hung Karsa Hao-Hsuan has announced his retirement after twelve years in the pro scene, bringing an end to a career that spanned the Pacific region and China’s ultra-competitive LPL.

Across more than a decade of play, Karsa built a legacy few can match. He won four LMS titles, three LPL championships, and lifted the Mid-Season Invitational trophy in 2018 with Royal Never Give Up. He also appeared at Worlds seven times, reaching the quarterfinals twice and making a memorable semifinals run with Top Esports in 2020.

In an emotional farewell message and video, Karsa confirmed that while his time as a player is over, his journey in esports is not necessarily finished. He hinted that a new chapter lies ahead, possibly in coaching or content creation.

A Career That Defined an Era

Karsa first rose to prominence with Flash Wolves between 2015 and 2017, forming part of a golden generation alongside SwordArt and Maple. During that stretch, Flash Wolves dominated the LMS, winning four splits and consistently punching above their weight on the international stage.

Their 2015 Worlds run remains one of the most iconic moments in LMS history. Flash Wolves topped their group ahead of the KOO Tigers before falling to Origen in the quarterfinals. The team also reached the MSI semifinals in both 2016 and 2017, cementing Karsa’s reputation as one of the smartest and most reliable junglers in the world.

Those performances earned him a move to Royal Never Give Up, where 2018 became the defining year of his career.

The Legendary RNG Run and the Golden Road Dream

With RNG, Karsa shared jungle duties with Mlxg in a six-man roster that proved remarkably effective. The team won both the Spring and Summer LPL titles and claimed victory at MSI 2018, placing them firmly on track for the coveted Golden Road.

That dream ended in the Worlds quarterfinals after a shock loss to G2 Esports, but Karsa’s standing in the global scene remained sky-high. Even through a tougher 2019 season, RNG still reached an LPL final and qualified for Worlds, though they exited in the group stage.

Top Esports and a Career-Best Worlds Finish

In 2020, Karsa joined Top Esports and once again found success. TES claimed the LPL Summer title and went on to make a deep Worlds run, eventually reaching the semifinals before being eliminated by Suning. It was the best international result of Karsa’s career and a fitting highlight in his later years.

After two seasons with TES, he moved on at the end of 2021, marking the start of the final chapter of his playing career.

The Final Years and a Return Home

Karsa’s post-TES period was more turbulent. A stint with Victory Five showed early promise before collapsing in the Summer Split. In 2023, he joined Weibo Gaming but stayed for just one split.

He then returned to the Pacific region, rejoining CTBC Flying Oyster six years after leaving, before finishing his career with PSG Talon in 2025. That final season saw him compete at Worlds one last time, marking his seventh appearance at the game’s biggest event.

During this period, Karsa openly discussed the mental strain of competition. He admitted to struggling with form at PSG Talon and even sought therapy to cope with the pressure of his perceived decline. He credited former PSG coach Cheng “CorGi” Pin-Lun for helping him regain confidence and improve his play, even as retirement loomed.

An Emotional Goodbye and What Comes Next

In his farewell message, Karsa reflected on both the highs and lows of his journey.

“Over these years, there were peaks and there were lows. There were many painful moments, and also many moments of joy,” he said. “I truly enjoyed every moment on stage, the thrill of competition, the roar of the crowd, and the joy that League of Legends brought me.”

He added that while “Karsa, the player” is saying goodbye, he will continue forward with a new identity. For now, that includes spending more time streaming and connecting with his community, though he has not confirmed any formal coaching or team roles.

The announcement was met with an outpouring of respect from fans and fellow players alike. Many described him as one of the greatest junglers of all time, and a defining figure for both the LMS and LPL eras.

As Karsa steps away from competitive play at 28, he leaves behind a career filled with titles, iconic moments, and a legacy that helped shape League of Legends in both the Pacific and China.

The post Karsa Announces Retirement After Twelve-Year League of Legends Career appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

CTBC Flying Oyster has officially kicked off its rebuild for the 2026 season with a major signing. The organisation has confirmed that Zhao “Shad0w” Zhiqiang will join the team as its new jungler, bringing elite international experience from both Europe and China to the LCP.

Welcome Shad0w

We are pleased to announce CFO’s new Jungler Shad0w. After competing in LEC and LPL he ready to apply his many skillsets to the LCP. With his vast knowledge and flexible playstyle, we hope to show you what we can achieve pic.twitter.com/Hh7OdA3uUU

— CTBC Flying Oyster(CFO) (@CTBC_cfo) December 16, 2025

After a historic year on the global stage, the move signals CFO’s intent to remain competitive while reshaping its roster following a wave of departures.

Shad0w Brings Rare International Pedigree

Shad0w arrives at CTBC Flying Oyster as one of the few players in League of Legends history to have won championships in two major regions. The Italian jungler began his professional career in Europe with MAD Lions, now known as KOI, before making the move to China, where he spent five years competing in the LPL.

During his time in China, Shad0w represented multiple teams and built a strong reputation for intelligent jungle pathing, strong early game control, and the ability to adapt against top tier opposition. His experience across different playstyles and metas has made him a respected figure among international fans and analysts alike.

In 2025, Shad0w reached a career defining milestone with Bilibili Gaming. As part of a six man roster, he won LPL 2025 Split 3, becoming the first European player to ever claim an LPL title.

CTBC Flying Oyster welcomed Shad0w by highlighting his vast knowledge and flexible playstyle, expressing confidence that he can help the team take its next step in the LCP.

CFO’s Historic 2025 Campaign

The signing comes after a landmark year for CTBC Flying Oyster. In 2025, the team recorded a historic run by nearly every metric, becoming the only organisation to compete in every League of Legends international tournament throughout the year.

That consistency translated into standout performances at Worlds 2025. CFO secured Swiss stage victories over T1, Fnatic, and FlyQuest, firmly establishing itself as a team no opponent could afford to underestimate.

Most notably, CTBC Flying Oyster qualified for the Worlds 2025 Playoffs, becoming the first team from the Pacific region in over a decade to reach the knockout stage. The achievement marked a defining moment for both the organisation and the LCP, bringing unprecedented international attention to the region.

Roster Changes After Worlds 2025

While the success of 2025 elevated CFO’s profile, it also triggered significant roster changes. Strong performances at Worlds drew interest from overseas organisations, and the lineup began to break apart in the months that followed.

Mid laner Tsai “HongQ” Ming Hong and jungler Yu “JunJia” Chun Chia both departed for JD Gaming. Top laner Shen “Driver” Tsung Hua also moved on after serving as CFO’s primary top laner throughout the 2025 season. Support Ling “Kaiwing” Kai Wing left as well, bringing an end to one of the most impactful rosters in the organisation’s history.

In total, four members of CTBC Flying Oyster’s 2025 roster exited following Worlds, each seeking new challenges and higher competitive peaks in other regions.

Eyes on the 2026 LCP Season

Reproducing the results of 2025 will be a daunting task, but the signing of Shad0w underlines CFO’s ambition to stay among the world’s elite. By investing in proven international experience, the organisation is clearly aiming to balance rebuilding with continued global competitiveness.

As preparations for the 2026 LCP season continue, all eyes will be on how Shad0w integrates into the lineup and whether CTBC Flying Oyster can once again defy expectations on the international stage.

The post CTBC Flying Oyster Locks In Shad0w for 2026 LCP Push appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games confirms the popular format will stay as fans debate its impact on competitive play.

Riot Games brings back Fearless Draft

Riot Games has officially announced that the Fearless Draft format will return for the League of Legends 2026 competitive season, continuing its role in shaping how teams approach champion selection.
The news broke during Worlds 2025, right before the Grand Finals between T1 and KT Rolster, where Global Head of League of Legends Esports Chris Greeley confirmed the format’s continuation during a press conference.

First introduced in China’s League of Legends Pro League (LPL) in 2024, the Fearless Draft prevents players from using the same champions twice in a series. The idea is to encourage creativity and variety, ensuring viewers see more of League’s massive champion roster instead of repeated picks every game.

What exactly is Fearless Draft?

In a typical best-of-three or best-of-five match, teams already have ten bans during the standard pick-and-ban phase. Fearless Draft adds ten additional bans after each game, meaning that any champion played before can no longer be selected again.

The format has gained popularity for making drafts more unpredictable and forcing teams to prepare a wider pool of champions. However, not everyone is convinced it’s the best direction for the game.

A split community reaction

The League community remains divided on the Fearless Draft’s long-term impact.
On social media, many fans praised the format for keeping matches fresh and avoiding repetitive metas. “I can’t see myself watching normal draft again,” wrote one fan on Reddit, while another commented that Fearless made each series feel like “a new level of League drafting.”

Others, though, argue that it sometimes lowers the quality of later games in a series, as players are pushed onto off-meta picks. One commenter joked that by Game 5, “we’d legit be seeing Teemos and Katas,” while another imagined wild team compositions like “Garen and Yuumi bot lane.”

Despite the debates, most agree that Fearless Draft has added excitement to the pro scene, even if it occasionally leads to chaos on the Rift.

Riot’s plans for 2026

Alongside the Fearless Draft announcement, Riot also teased plans for next year’s events, including First Stand, the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), and Worlds 2026. The company has yet to confirm if any adjustments will be made to the Fearless ruleset, but its continuation shows Riot’s commitment to keeping the format alive for at least another year.

Eyes on Worlds 2025 Grand Finals

As the League of Legends 2025 season wraps up, all eyes are on the World Championship Grand Finals, where T1 and KT Rolster clash for the $1 million USD grand prize.
T1 enters as the defending champion, while KT Rolster has impressed throughout the tournament, topping the Swiss Stage and defeating heavyweights like Gen.G Esports and CTBC Flying Oysters.

The Fearless Draft’s influence has been a recurring theme throughout Worlds 2025, shaping how teams adapt their strategies from one game to the next. Whether it continues to enhance competition or create more unpredictability, it’s clear that Fearless Draft has already left a lasting mark on League esports.

The post Fearless Draft Returns for League of Legends 2026 Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Week-Long Celebration for Fans Before Worlds 2025

As the 2025 League of Legends World Championship heads to China, Riot Games is bringing the hype straight to the streets of Chengdu. From November 4 to 9, the League of Legends Carnival will take over Chunxi Road’s Yinshi & Yingjia Plaza and IFS, transforming the city into a vibrant playground of esports, music, food, and fandom.

The League of Legends Carnival lands in Chengdu!

Everything you need to know about the multi-day festival celebrating #Worlds2025: https://t.co/Z3KBH3EBqY pic.twitter.com/kBIC03XqST

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) November 4, 2025

Running from 2–9 pm CST each day, the Carnival is more than a fan event—it’s a full-blown festival that celebrates the connection, competition, and community that make League of Legends a global phenomenon.

A Universe of Experiences for Every Summoner

The League of Legends Universe Experience will host more than 100 pro players and streamers from LoL, TFT, Wild Rift, and Fight for the Golden Spatula, all gathering to deliver live entertainment and interactive fun throughout the week.

Image Credit: Riot Games

Eight themed zones will be scattered across downtown Chengdu, each packed with unique attractions for fans:

• Legends Avenue: Meet international and LPL pros face-to-face.
• We Are the League Zone: Take on fan challenges and show off your Summoner skills.
• IFS Rooftop Pandas: Connect with fellow fans who share a love for Chengdu’s most famous residents.
• TFT Teahouse and Choncc’s Lucky Park: Enjoy strategy games or make wishes in a cosy, themed setting.

Visitors can also pick up their League Identity Card, check in at various interactive machines, and collect stamps across four event locations to redeem a commemorative LoL Carnival ticket—a perfect keepsake from Worlds 2025.

Watch the Worlds 2025 Finals Live Across Chengdu

The excitement doesn’t stop at fan booths. On November 9, several Carnival locations will broadcast the Worlds 2025 Finals live, so fans can witness the crowning of a new champion together.

Will T1 once again lift the Summoner’s Cup, or can KT Rolster rise to defend Korea’s dominance? Chengdu will be watching it unfold, side by side.

Meet the Makers of League of Legends

Ever wanted to chat with the people behind your favourite champions or game modes? The Meet & Greet Booth will feature Riot Games developers ready to answer fan questions, share behind-the-scenes stories, and talk all things League, from the earliest seasons to the latest updates.

And for ARAM lovers, the ARAM Balance Booth offers a dream opportunity: pitch your own balance changes to Riot’s devs and see them implemented in a custom match for players to try out.

Massive Partner Activations and Giveaways

From November 7–9, twelve major partners of LoL Esports will host special activations across the Carnival. Expect photo ops, challenges, livestreams, and exclusive merchandise drops—all celebrating the Worlds spirit.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): Discover Kiro, AWS’ new AI development tool, and grab exclusive merch plus up to $200 in credits for new users.
• Esports World Cup: Experience the Riyadh stage highlights, snap exclusive Polaroids, and see the crushed LoL Club Keys from EWC 2025 up close.
• Mastercard: Meet LPL stars, take photos with cosplayers, and get limited-edition Worlds ‘25 merch. Plus, check out the new League of Legends Passion Card from Mastercard and China Merchants Bank.
• Mercedes-Benz: Admire the CLA Art Piece inspired by the Summoner’s Cup, see the official Championship Ring, and earn collectible T-shirts and items.
• OMEN: Try the OMEN 16 LoL Limited Edition Laptop and OMEN 25 Monitor, play live, and capture the moment in their graffiti photo zone.
• OperaGX: Test your reflexes at the Hand SpaWN challenge and claim custom hand art themed around your rank.
• OPPO: Visit the Find X9 series showcase on Chunxi Road for a chance to win Finals tickets and limited-edition LoL merchandise.
• SecretLab: Sit like the pros in the TITAN Evo Worlds 2025 Edition chair, and earn an exclusive lanyard when you post a photo at the booth.
• Durex: Join fun games like the high jump challenge to win Finals tickets and unique collectibles.
• JD.com: Join live booth streams via the JD app and win prizes through interactive challenges.
• Li-Ning: Purchase the official LPL jerseys and personalise them with on-site printing.
• Momchilovtsi Yogurt by Bright Dairy: Try themed “Esports Battle” mini-games and cheer for your favourite Worlds teams.

A Celebration of Esports and Chengdu’s Spirit

Riot Games describes the event as “where esports passion, local street flavours, and Chengdu’s creative spirit collide.” It’s a fitting tribute to how far the global League community has come, transforming from an online game into a living, breathing culture that connects millions worldwide.

With interactive zones, major brand showcases, and live Finals watch parties, the LoL Carnival in Chengdu is set to be the perfect lead-up to the Worlds 2025 Grand Finals, and an unforgettable week for every Summoner lucky enough to attend.

The post League of Legends Carnival Brings Worlds 2025 to Life in Chengdu appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Reign Continues

The 2025 League of Legends World Championship semifinals came to a dramatic close in Shanghai, where back-to-back world champions T1 dismantled Top Esports (TES) in a commanding 3-0 sweep. The victory marks T1’s fourth consecutive Worlds Grand Final appearance and their eighth overall, as the South Korean powerhouse continues to prove why they’re the undisputed kings of international League of Legends.

T1 RETURN TO THE WORLDS FINAL! pic.twitter.com/VSu6Ft4Lli

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) November 2, 2025

Once again, the saying rings true: “T1 doesn’t lose to the LPL.”
This latest triumph extends their incredible record to 13 consecutive best-of-five wins against Chinese teams on the Worlds stage, a streak spanning over a decade.

A Rough Start Turned Ruthless Momentum

T1’s journey to this point wasn’t without turbulence. Their Swiss Stage campaign started confidently with a win over FlyQuest but quickly faltered with losses to CTBC Flying Oyster and Gen.G. Still, the reigning champs bounced back with dominant 2-0 victories over 100 Thieves and Movistar KOI, securing a spot in the Knockout Stage.

From there, T1 flipped the switch. They edged out Anyone’s Legend in a nail-biting 3-2 quarterfinal series before unleashing their full potential against Top Esports.

TES, entering as the LPL’s third seed, had been riding high after defeating G2 Esports and 100 Thieves in the Swiss Stage and taking revenge against Bilibili Gaming to secure their playoff berth. But once they met T1, their run came to a screeching halt.

Game 1 – The Slow Burn

The opening match began cautiously, both sides feeling each other out with tight laning and even gold trades. Yet beneath the calm surface, T1 quietly took control of neutral objectives and rotations, forcing TES onto the back foot.

A pivotal teamfight around Atakhan broke the stalemate, with T1 coming out on top and turning their map pressure into a Baron buff. TES scrambled to hold their ground, but Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok’s leadership and Ryu “Keria” Min-seok’s crisp engages ensured that T1 never lost control. After 30 minutes, the defending champions closed out Game 1 with clinical precision.

T1 extend their lead! #Worlds2025 pic.twitter.com/kET4eYdmcs

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) November 2, 2025

Game 2 – Gumayusi Unleashed

TES tried to shake things up in Game 2, pushing the tempo early with more aggressive plays. However, Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong had other plans. His Kai’Sa performance was nothing short of spectacular, dodging every gank and tearing through TES’s fragile backline.

T1’s coordination was spotless, Keria’s setups, Faker’s follow-ups, and Oner’s map control kept TES pinned down. By the 28-minute mark, T1 had built an insurmountable gold lead and demolished TES’s Nexus in a 25–8 kill stomp.

HUGE NEEKO ULT by Keria to win the fight! #Worlds2025 pic.twitter.com/oypQSjcuWn

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) November 2, 2025

Game 3 – Kanavi’s Effort, But T1 Too Strong

Desperate to stay alive, Top Esports came out swinging in Game 3. Jungler Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok tried to set the pace with early picks, and top laner Bai “369” Jiahao continued to impress with creative plays on K’Sante and Ambessa.

But T1’s teamfighting once again proved superior. Every skirmish swung their way, their macro decisions immaculate. TES’s aggression backfired as T1 punished every mistake. With a 34–15 kill lead and total map dominance, T1 stormed into TES’s base for one final Nexus takedown, securing a clean sweep and their place in yet another Worlds Grand Final.

Absolute domination! 💥
T1 topple Top Esports, the LPL’s last hope, to make it to their fourth Worlds Grand Finals. 🏆🔥#T1Win #Worlds2025@T1LoL @lolesports pic.twitter.com/iKQqRuR2BD

— GosuGamers LoL (@GosuGamersLoL) November 2, 2025

Faker and Keria Shine Once Again

While Gumayusi dazzled on damage duty, the heart of T1’s success was still Faker and Keria. The veteran midlaner played a flawless series, always where he needed to be, while Keria’s Rakan, Renata Glasc, and Neeko once again showcased his versatility and game sense.

Their synergy, backed by Zeus’s stable top-lane presence and Oner’s calculated jungle control, left TES with no openings.

The Telecom War Awaits

With this win, T1 set up one of the most anticipated finals in League of Legends history, an all-Korean showdown against KT Rolster. It’s the first all-LCK Worlds Final since 2022, when T1 fell to DRX in one of the most memorable championship runs ever.

This time, though, the stakes are even higher. Dubbed the “Telecom War”, the clash between T1 (representing SK Telecom) and KT (representing KT Corporation) brings decades of rivalry from Korea’s telecommunications industry straight into the Summoner’s Rift.

History is calling once again, and with both teams at their peak, Worlds 2025’s Grand Final could go down as one of the greatest ever.

TES Bow Out with Pride

Despite the loss, Top Esports can hold their heads high. Their semifinals finish marks their best international result in years, and their third-to-fourth place standing earns them US$400,000. With young stars and renewed confidence, the LPL squad will be looking to return stronger next year.

The post T1 Crush Top Esports in 3-0 Sweep to Reach Fourth Straight Worlds Final appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games is giving fans of professional League of Legends more ways to show support, with the release of over 60 new in-game emotes based on teams across all major regions.

The new set covers every tier-one League of Legends esports league, including Europe’s LEC, North and South America’s LTA, South Korea’s LCK, China’s LPL, and Asia-Pacific’s LCP. Each emote has been designed in collaboration with the teams themselves, meaning fans can rep their favourite rosters in-game with unique and often cheeky designs.

Each emote costs 350 RP (about $2.54 USD or £2.73), with 30% of revenue going directly to the teams. It’s one of the few ways League players can financially support their favourite organisations while adding a little personality to their own matches.

All New 2025 Team Emotes coming on October 8 ‼️

They will be available in the store for 350 RP each, and a portion of the revenue from every purchase will be shared with the teams. pic.twitter.com/nVQSmydxfH

— League of Legends Leaks & News (@LeagueOfLeaks) September 24, 2025

LEC Team Emotes

All 12 LEC squads now have emotes in the game, ranging from G2 Esports’ McDonald’s-style Urf flipping burgers, to Vitality’s “stop typing” message, and Karmine Corp’s sad streak emote. Giantx’s yellow card Pengu and SK Gaming’s chill-guy-inspired design also stand out among the community favourites.

Looking to update your emote wheel?
The new #LEC team emotes are coming out soon! pic.twitter.com/Hp2NJZPdRe

— LEC (@LEC) September 22, 2025

LTA North Team Emotes

On the North American side, Cloud9 and Lyon Esports went with Beemo-inspired emotes, while Shopify Rebellion and Disguised leaned into Yuumi memes. Team Liquid turned their mascot “Blue” into a giant thumbs-up, and 100 Thieves added one final emote before leaving League of Legends esports entirely.

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) September 23, 2025

LTA South Team Emotes

South America brought plenty of humour. Isurus Gaming introduced a Yasuo surrender vote button that solo queue players will surely spam, while Leviathan poked fun at themselves with a Wood 5 ranked symbol. FURIA went cute with a black cat emote that fans are already predicting will be popular.

Vêm aí os Emotes da #LTASul 😍

Em breve à disposição no @LoLegendsBR 👀 pic.twitter.com/eHp1MTy73c

— LTA Sul (@LTASul) September 23, 2025

LCK Team Emotes

Korea’s LCK features 10 new designs, including T1’s emote with Pingu wearing Faker’s iconic glasses and giving a thumbs-up. Gen.G’s entry sees a poro donning their signature hat, while Hanwha Life Esports’ mascot-inspired tank fires oranges, nodding to the team’s colours.

#LCK Teams have announced their in-game emotes! pic.twitter.com/eyXoOOICch

— Sheep Esports (@Sheep_Esports) September 24, 2025

LPL Team Emotes

The LPL’s 16 teams add the largest wave of new emotes. Anyone’s Legend has a panda based on their logo, Top Esports pokes fun at JackeyLove with a fed-up Ezreal, and LGD references the infamous GodV Varus play from Worlds 2015.

LPL Teams have announced their new in-game emotes! 🇨🇳

Anyone’s Legend have chosen to remain in the panda thematic! pic.twitter.com/qtGNyybK2M

— Sheep Esports (@Sheep_Esports) September 24, 2025

LCP Team Emotes

Finally, the LCP rounds things out with eight emotes. PSG Talon continues its Star Guardian Kai’Sa theme, while champions CTBC Flying Oysters have gone surreal with a humanoid oyster. GAM Esports’ crying poro carrying a suitcase is a tongue-in-cheek nod to their early tournament exits.

Represent your favorite teams from the #LCK, #LCP or #LPL on the rift:

A portion of the revenue of every purchase will be shared with the teams! pic.twitter.com/DKU4e16fWX

— LoL Esports (@lolesports) September 23, 2025

Supporting Teams Ahead of Worlds 2025

These emotes arrive at a critical time in the League of Legends competitive calendar. Worlds 2025 kicks off in China on October 14 and runs until November 9, with a massive $5 million prize pool. Before that, the Asia Invitational will take place from October 6–12, featuring LPL, LCK, and LCP teams that missed Worlds.

With regional pride on the line and emotes now available in-game, Riot has given fans another way to get behind their teams as the biggest tournaments of the year draw near.

The post League of Legends Rolls Out New Team Emotes for LEC, LCK, LPL, LTA and LCP appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

FunPlus Phoenix jungler Cai “Milkyway” Zi-Jun has been benched indefinitely after serious match-fixing allegations surfaced, throwing his competitive future into question.

The suspension, announced on Wednesday, stems from claims that Milkyway leaked confidential draft information during the 2024 Demacia Cup, back when he was still playing for Royal Never Give Up. According to screenshots making the rounds on Chinese social media site Weibo, the alleged leaks were passed to outsiders who then placed bets on champion picks.

Translated FPX official statement | Image via FPX Weibo Account

If proven true, the offence would be considered both a draft leak and betting manipulation, two of the most severe rule breaches in Chinese League of Legends history, often punished with lifetime bans.

The 2024 Demacia Cup Connection

The 2024 Demacia Cup ran from December 16–29 in Shanghai, featuring LPL, LDL, and invited teams. RNG, with Milkyway in the roster at the time, didn’t make much of a splash, finishing without a win in their group.

The tournament itself was won by Anyone’s Legend, a breakthrough moment that set them up as one of the league’s top dogs. But now, months later, the event risks being remembered for an entirely different reason.

FPX’s Response

In their translated statement on Weibo, FPX stressed they were committed to a clean competitive scene.

Translated FPX Statement | Image via FPX Weibo Account

The org also made it clear that unrelated rumours of match-fixing within FPX were “completely baseless” and promised to take legal action against what they called “malicious slander.”

Waiting on Riot and the LPL

As it stands, Riot China and the LPL have yet to hand down an official ruling. Milkyway has been removed from all matches and training while the investigation unfolds.

If the allegations are confirmed, he could be staring down one of the harshest penalties possible: a lifetime ban. That would see him join a long list of LPL and LDL players permanently banned for betting-related offences, a trend that saw 35 individuals suspended or banned in a 2021 crackdown alone.

For now, all eyes are on the league’s investigation. Until then, Milkyway’s career hangs in the balance.

The post FunPlus Phoenix FPX Jungler Milkyway Indefinitely Suspended Over Match-Fixing Allegations appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Australasia’s esports media and tournament provider LetsPlay.Live have partnered with MotorSport New Zealand and the New Zealand Esports Federation to help find the nation’s first sim-racing motorsport Olympian.

Announced earlier this year by the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Virtual Series invites budding esports athletes to represent their country in medaled events for several different games, including motor-sim title GT Sport. New Zealanders will have the opportunity to qualify for the Oceanic spot in the Olympic Virtual Series Motor Sport Event both in-person at SkyCity or online from Thursday 13th May.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see motorsport and sim-racing being recognised as a medalled sport by the Olympic Committee,” says MotorSport New Zealand’s CEO Elton Goonan. “MotorSport New Zealand have always been advocates for esports as part of the motorsport ecosystem and are looking forward to being able to give Kiwis the opportunity to represent New Zealand and Oceania on a global stage.”

Ben Lenihan, President of the New Zealand Esports Federation, agrees with this sentiment. “For years esports at the Olympics has been a hot topic, and it’s fantastic to see this now come to life as an official Olympic event. This decision by the IOC further solidifies esports’ competitive legitimacy and the NZESF are ecstatic to be able to offer such a high-stakes global pathway for Kiwi motor-sim athletes.”

“LetsPlay.Live are honoured to once again be partnering with the NZESF and MotorSport New Zealand, especially for an incredible opportunity such as the Olympic Virtual Series,” says Duane Mutu, Managing DIrector of LetsPlay.Live. “Kiwi’s hold fond memories of the Olympics so it is exciting to see the evolution into virtual sports, allowing a new generation of athletes.”

From 7 – 10am on Friday 21st May 2021, Kiwi esports athletes can race on the qualifying track and car at SkyCity Atrium, Auckland. One racing sim will be open for free-play, with the other open to anyone who wants to take a shot at matching or beating the current fastest qualified time for an Oceania racer.

Alternatively, racers outside of Auckland are able to submit a qualifying time using the Toyota GR Supra Racing Concept and racing on the Tokyo Expressway – South Inner Loop. The Global Online Qualifiers will be available in the Gran Turismo Sport game from Thursday 13 May 2021 at 7:00pm until Monday 24 May 2021 2:59am, with the Time Trial able to be entered from within the ‘Sport’ mode of GT Sport.

The post Be NZ’s first esports Olympian appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Oceanic esports broadcaster LetsPlay.Live (LPL) is returning to Seven Network’s 7mate channel to offer Australians more esports content than ever before.

Beginning in April  2021, 7mate will be broadcasting premiere LPL esports content two nights per week, offering fans double the action and excitement this year. Esports fans will be able to watch the best professional leagues in the Oceanic region across all of the top game titles.

LPL and Seven Network have had a longstanding relationship, broadcasting to Australian screens since 2019 and this further strengthens their three-year-long partnership with double the content in 2021. This provides further evidence of the strong growth of esports content across linear markets and solidifies LPL and Seven Network as the leaders in this space.

Duane Mutu, Managing Director of LPL, is excited to continue the partnership and offer more visibility on linear television for the casual esports fan. “It’s a fantastic win for the esports industry to see the growth in demand for this content across the Australsian region. Not only will fans get to see the best teams and players in our region, but it offers a chance to see the best in esports broadcasting through the hosts, shout-casters and LPL capabilities.”

Seven Network adds: “After a successful partnership of broadcasting LPL esports content in 2019 and 2020, we look forward to offering more esports content to our audience in 2021.”

LPL’s new season of content begins airing from Wednesday 17th March, 2021.

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The post LPL Doubles Down with 7mate appeared first on Shane the Gamer.