2026 LEC Versus Playoffs: Bracket, Schedule, Format, and More

2026 LEC Versus Playoffs: Bracket, Schedule, Format, and More

After a heartbreaking final week of the Regular Season for Los Ratones, the top 8 teams in Europe will now move on to the 2026 LEC Versus Playoffs. There, teams will fight not just for the first LEC trophy of the year, but also for a chance to represent the region at First Stand 2026 in Brazil.

Let's go ahead and take a look at everything there is to know about the 2026 LEC Versus Playoffs.

LEC Versus Playoffs Teams and Format

It was a hectic Regular Season to kick off the year, but now that it's all said and done, the 8 teams to qualify for the 2026 LEC Versus Playoffs are:

TeamRosterHead Coach
Karmine CorpCanna, Yike, kyeahoo, Caliste, BusioReapered
Natus VincereMaynter, Rhilech, Poby, SamD, ParusTheRock7
Team VitalityNaak Nako, Lyncas, Humanoid, Carzzy, FleshyPad
Team HereticsTracyn, Sheo, Serin, Ice, StendHidon
GIANTXLot, Isma, Jackies, Noah, JunGuilhoto
Movistar KOIMyrwn, Elyoya, Jojopyun, Supa, AlvaroMelzhet
G2 EsportsBrokenBlade, SkewMond, Caps, Hans Sama, LabrovDylan Falco
FnaticEmpyros, Razork, Vladi, Upset, LospaGrabbZ

These teams will compete through a playoffs bracket using the following format:

  • Double-elimination bracket
  • Round 1 & 2 matches are Bo3, remaining matches are Bo5
  • Winners qualify for First Stand 2026

LEC Versus Playoffs Schedule

The battle for the first LEC trophy of the year starts when the 2026 LEC Versus Playoffs kick off on Monday, February 16. All match days will start at 4:45 pm CET. Make sure to check out our match calendar to stay up to follow your favorite teams across the playoffs.

Opening Matchups

To kick things off, our four opening matches will decide which four squads move on to the Upper Bracket Semifinals. The 2026 LEC Versus Playoffs opening matches are:

Where to Watch

The race to First Stand is on, and you won't want to miss a second of the action. To watch the 2026 LEC Versus Playoffs, make sure to tune in to the official Twitch or YouTube channels for the event starting Monday, February 16, at 4:45 pm CET.

Alternatively, you can also follow the action along with your favorite co-streamers, such as Caedrel, Kameto, and many more!

Follow Strafe Esports for the latest League of Legends news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's channel on YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image credit: Wojciech Wandzel/Riot Games


Read more:

LoL Patch 26.04 Preview: Graves Buffs, Naafiri Nerfs, and More

LCS 2026 Lock-In Playoffs: Bracket, Schedule, Format, and More

LCK Cup Playoffs 2026: Bracket, Schedule, Format, and More

Latest news

The Real Pay Gap: Why a Mid-Tier Streamer Often Out-Earns a Pro Player

The Real Pay Gap: Why a Mid-Tier Streamer Often Out-Earns a Pro Player

Compare esports player salary vs streamer income - real numbers, verified data. CS2, Dota 2, LoL pros vs xQc, Ninja, Faker, Full breakdown
26 Mar
Foo Zen-Wen

Great Britain to be represented at Esports Nations Cup 2026 By UK-Based Collective

Yesterday, the Esports Foundation (EF) awarded National Team Partner status to organizations and individuals across more than 100 countries and territories. The concerted effort was all in preparation for the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) in November, a global nation-based esports competition. UK now joins the growing assembly of countries set to compete later this year in Riyadh.
26 Mar
Foo Zen-Wen

LEC Spring 2026: Schedule, Format, Tickets, Rosters, and More

After a remarkable performance by the region at First Stand, LEC action resumes as teams look for the second trophy of the year and a coveted spot at MSI. The LEC Spring 2026 kicks off this Saturday, March 28, where some stellar matchups await right off the bat! Here's a look at everything you need to know about the 2026 LEC Spring, including a look at the new format, schedule, rosters, tickets, and more.
25 Mar
Martin Arévalo-Östberg

League of Legends Patch 26.07 Preview: Kalista Buffs, Nami Nerfs, and More

A new League of Legends patch is on the horizon. LoL Patch 26.07 won't be a particularly big one, but it will still deliver buffs to a few forgotten champions, and nerfs picks that been taking over the game recently. Let's have a look at some of the biggest changes coming our way once LoL Patch 26.07 goes live on Wednesday, April 1.
25 Mar
Martin Arévalo-Östberg

LEC Spring Roadtrips 2026 Head to France and Spain: Dates, Locations, and Tickets

With First Stand done and dusted, the start of the 2026 LEC Spring is right around the corner. And just like they did for the first split of the year, LEC Spring Roadtrips will be returning to France and Spain for some hype live action. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 LEC Spring Roadtrips in France and Spain, including exact dates, matches, locations, and where to buy tickets.
24 Mar
Martin Arévalo-Östberg

Meta Takeaways from First Stand 2026: Yunara Dominates as Azir Falls Off

And just like that, First Stand 2026 has come and gone. With the first international tournament of the season now done, it's time to take a look back at the champions that defined the event, and the champions that teams consistently relied on as they chased glory.
24 Mar
Martin Arévalo-Östberg

Best Champions to Climb League of Legends Ranked in Patch 26.06

League of Legends Patch 26.06 continues the early-season trend of small but meaningful balance tweaks. With First Stand out of the way, the new patch was able to leave pro play aside and focus on Solo Queue, introducing targeted champion adjustments and ongoing meta refinement rather than sweeping changes. If you’re looking to gain LP efficiently, these are the best champions to climb ranked in League of Legends Patch 26.06.
24 Mar
Martin Arévalo-Östberg

Comments (0)

Log in to comment on this match