Martin Arévalo-Östberg

As hype for First Stand 2026 continues to grow, it's time to quickly look back at the first split of the season across several regions to compare metas, champion diversity, and preferred styles before we head to the international stage. For this analysis, we'll be taking a look at the LCS Lock-In 2026, LEC Versus 2026, and LCK Cup 2026 tournaments.

Things looked shaky for a minute there, but Bilibili Gaming (BLG) ultimately became the first Chinese team to qualify for First Stand 2026 after taking down JD Gaming (JDG) in the Upper Bracket Finals of the LPL Split 1 Playoffs. Now, they will await to find out who their rivals will be in the Grand Finals, where they will compete for the trophy as well as the LPL's first seed at First Stand.

G2 Esports rise to the top of the LEC once more. After a thrilling, back-and-forth Grand Finals against Karmine Corp, G2 not only managed to come away with the LEC Versus trophy in the end, but also secure their spot at First Stand 2026 in Brazil.

Though Gen.G had already qualified for First Stand 2026, they've now secured the LCK's first seed for themselves heading into Brazil; and what a way to do it. Gen.G put on a clinic the Grand Finals of the LCK Cup 2026, sweeping BNK FEARX to make it clear they are still the best team in the world.

The LCK has seen its first Cinderella story of the year. Against all odds, BNK FEARX (BFX) have become the second South Korean team to qualify for First Stand after putting on a magical run through the 2026 LCK Cup Playoffs.

The 2026 LEC Versus has delivered some exciting League of Legends action so far, but it's only going to get better. With only two matches left on the split, the trophy as well as a spot at First Stand remain up for grabs. To decide who will take on G2 Esports in the Grand Finals, we get one of the most fiery matchups in the LEC up first in the Lower Bracket Finals: Movistar KOI vs Karmine Corp.