Riot Games has unveiled the host locations for its international League of Legends esports events in 2026 and 2027, marking a global celebration of the game’s competitive scene. The announcement was made during League of Legends’ first developer blog of 2025, with Chris Greeley, Global Head of League of Legends Esports, and Whalen Rozelle, COO of Esports, sharing the exciting news.
In 2026, the League of Legends World Championship will return to North America, a region that last hosted the event in 2022 across San Francisco, Atlanta, New York, and Mexico City. Fans won’t have to wait until 2026 for international action in the region, as Canada will host the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) in 2025, highlighting Riot’s commitment to bringing esports events to new and established audiences.
Brazil will also shine in 2026 as the host of the First Stand event, the season-opening international tournament. This marks the first time since MSI 2017 that Brazil will welcome a major League of Legends competition. Whalen Rozelle praised the region’s passion for esports, stating, “Brazilian fans bring amazing energy to live events, and we’re excited to kick off the season in such a vibrant esports community.” Meanwhile, MSI 2026 will take place in South Korea, a country synonymous with League of Legends esports excellence.
The 2027 competitive calendar further underscores Riot Games’ global vision. First Stand will head to Southeast Asia, a region with a storied history in competitive gaming, while MSI will return to Europe. To round off the year, the World Championship will be held in South Korea, one of the most celebrated esports destinations.
While exact dates, venues, and formats for these events remain under wraps, the announcements have already sparked excitement among fans worldwide. Riot also teased additional esports updates for 2025, including the introduction of a three-split structure for all major leagues, each culminating in an international event. This restructured competitive format aims to heighten the stakes throughout the year and bring more global action to fans.
Riot is also debuting two new regional leagues: the LCP (Pacific) and the LTA (Americas), further expanding the League of Legends esports ecosystem. First Stand will make its debut in Seoul, South Korea, in 2025, alongside MSI in Canada and the World Championship in China.
As League of Legends continues to expand its international presence, these event locations promise to deliver unforgettable moments for the esports community. From the roaring passion of Brazilian fans to the legacy of South Korea’s dominance, Riot’s global roadmap reflects its commitment to fostering a worldwide celebration of competitive gaming.
