EMEA Masters Winter 2026: Esports World Cup Qualification on the Line

Starting March 9, the 2026 EMEA Masters Winter tournament will see some of the brightest rising stars in Tier-2 League of Legends compete to make it to the top.

This time, though, the stakes are higher than ever, with the best performing teams qualifying for the new Esports World Cup Qualifier, earning a chance to play on the biggest stage against some of the best teams from all over the world.

Here's a look at everything you need to know about the EMEA Masters Winter 2026 tournament, including the new format, schedule, and more.

EMEA Masters Winter 2026: A Shot at the World Stage

The 2026 EMEA Masters Winter tournament will feature a total of 36 teams — that's 20 more than last year's edition. To rise to the top, teams will need to make their way through three stages: Champions Bound, Group Stage, and the Playoffs. Here's how each of these will work:

Champions Round (March 9):

Only the Champions of the Top 8 ERLs participate
Single Bo3 matches
Winners qualify directly to Round 2 of the Playoffs
Losers move on to the Group Stage

Group Stage (March 10-15):

Eight groups of four teams each (32 teams)
Double-elimination bracket
All matches are Bo3
Karmine Corp Blue have a direct bye into the Group Stage
Winner of each group qualifies to the Playoffs

Playoffs (March 23-April 21):

Double-elimination bracket
Matches are Bo3, except for the Grand Finals (Bo5)
The two Grand Finalists will qualify to the Esports World Cup Qualifier (EWC)
Note that LEC Academy Teams cannot qualify for the EWC. If an Academy Team finishes top 2, then the EWCQ slot will go to the next best performing team at EMEA Masters Winter 2026 based on standings

Tier 2 Rising!

With a new and expanded format, and the potential for Tier-2 teams from EMEA to compete in the Esports World Cup against some of the best teams in the world, the 2026 EMEA Masters Winter tournament will be like no other.

Despite the departure of Los Ratones, the Tier-2 scene in League of Legends continue to grow and find ways to grant emerging stars newer and bigger opportunities to shine. Make sure to tune in to the start of the 2026 EMEA Masters Winter on March 9!

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: Riot Games

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