LEC Versus 2026 marks the start of the competitive League of Legends EMEA calendar, bringing together LEC and ERL teams in a fast-paced tournament for the year ahead.
The tournament is a high-intensity event before the First Stand, which blends packed match days, fresh cross-tier matchups, and a format that rewards adaptability from the very first game. With international qualification on the line, LEC Versus 2026 offers fans an early look at new rosters at Europe’s best teams, along with the invited ERL squads. HyperX has also joined the tournament as the official peripherals partner for the event.
LEC Versus 2026 format and schedule, explained
LEC Versus 2026 begins on January 17, 2026, with a single round robin stage of best-of-ones, where every team faces each other once to set the tone for the competition. The format also brings two ERL teams to compete against every LEC roster, giving fans a full showcase of matchups in a tight window ahead of First Stand. The best-of-ones allow the event to deliver maximum variety while keeping the pace high from day one.
Each game day during this opening phase will feature six matches, the highest daily match count ever seen in the LEC. The schedule is designed to be fast, intense, and packed with action, putting immediate pressure on teams, especially those debuting new rosters. Teams will need to adapt quickly, and the format leaves plenty of room for surprising upsets.
After four action-packed weeks, the top eight teams will advance to the playoffs. The playoffs will use a double-elimination bracket, raising the stakes even further. Rounds one and two will be played as best-of-threes, before the remaining matches shift to best-of-fives. With only one EMEA spot at First Stand 2026 on the line, teams will need to bring their absolute best to secure their place on the international stage.
All confirmed teams for LEC Versus 2026
Apart from the regular ten LEC teams, there are new ERL teams also joining the event to make the event more interesting and give more chances for tier-2 to match up against the very best in Europe. Here is a look at all the teams participating in the tournament:
LEC teams
- G2 Esports
- Fnatic
- Movistar KOI
- Shifters
- Team Heretics
- SK Gaming
- Team Vitality
- Natus Vincere
- Karmine Corp
- GIANTX
ERL teams
- Los Ratones
- Karmine Corp Blue
When and where to purchase tickets for LEC Versus?
Fans can attend LEC Versus 2026 live at the Riot Games Arena, with every match day, including best-of-ones and playoffs, beginning at 5pm CET.
Tickets for Weeks 1 to 4 of the single-round robin stage go on sale on Dec.17 at 6pm CET, priced at €15 each and available through the official ticketing link. Playoff tickets will be released in stages throughout the first month of the year, starting with upper bracket round one on Jan. 5, followed by an additional batch on Jan.12.
