Riot Games has announced the locations for the League of Legends World Championship 2026 and other major international events next year. The championship will be held in both Texas and New York City, marking the first time since 2022 that the event returns to North America.
The Play-In, Swiss stage, and Playoffs will be hosted in Allen, Texas. New York City will serve as the venue for the Grand Final. Specific venues for each tournament phase are yet to be confirmed.
Except during the COVID-19 pandemic years, 2026 will be the first time in three years the Worlds tournament spans two cities. Previously in 2023, Busan and Seoul in South Korea co-hosted the event phases.
Riot also revealed plans for First Stand 2026, the first international tournament of the season, scheduled for March 16–22. This edition will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, and will feature an expanded lineup of eight teams competing in best-of-five matches throughout the event.
"League of Legends esports is no stranger to the Brazilian city."
The 2026 League of Legends World Championship will return to North America, splitting the event between Texas and New York, while also expanding international tournaments early in the season.