LoL Worlds 2026 Lands in Texas and New York for Epic NA Return

Daniel Davis Daniel Davis

Published: Nov 7, 2025

Riot Games lit up the League of Legends calendar with blockbuster reveals for 2026’s international circuit, spotlighting Sao Paulo for First Stand, Daejeon for MSI, and a Texas-New York duo for Worlds. Dropped amid Worlds 2025 hype, the announcements blend fresh formats with fan favorite locales, promising high octane clashes and regional pride.

Mapping the 2026 Key Venues Locked In

Kicking off the year, First Stand returns to Sao Paulo, Brazil, marking the nation’s first Tier 1 LoL event since the electric 2017 MSI. The vibrant crowds that cheered SK Telecom T1’s triumph are set for a sequel vibe.

Mid season heats up in Daejeon, South Korea—Riot’s first MSI there since 2022. LCK faithful might dream of a Gen.G vs. T1 rematch, echoing their epic five game 2024 showdown.

Worlds 2026 heads stateside for its first full U.S. run since 2022, splitting duties between Allen, Texas (Play In, Swiss, Playoffs) and New York City (Grand Final). After NA’s tough 2025 outing, expect home teams to rally with Lone Star grit and Big Apple swagger.

First Stand Bigger, Bolder in Brazil

Kicking off the 2026 international slate, First Stand returns to Sao Paulo, Brazil, from March 16-22. Upping the ante from last year, the tournament swells to eight teams with all matches in best of five format ensuring grueling, high stakes showdowns.

Sao Paulo’s esports legacy shines through; it last hosted MSI in 2017, where SK Telecom T1 lifted the trophy amid fervent crowds.

MSI 2026: Korea’s Daejeon Beckons Again

The Mid Season Invitational circles back to South Korea for the first time since 2022, touching down in Daejeon at a yet to be revealed venue. Dates are pending, but expect the mid year frenzy to follow 2025’s late June early July blueprint, blending innovation with tradition.

As Worlds 2025 unfolds, these reveals signal Riot’s vision for a globe trotting 2026 bigger, bolder, and boundary pushing.

Daniel Davis
Daniel Davis

Since: October 29, 2025

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Hi, I’m Dan, an experienced esports journalist and author passionate about competitive gaming and digital culture. I specialize in titles like Counter Strike, Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Valorant. I’ve documented the rise of professional esports from local tournaments to global stages. With a sharp focus on player strategy, team chemistry, and the evolving industry landscape, I deliver in depth insight into the world’s most popular competitive games.

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