LEC Versus 2026: Tickets, Schedule, Format, and More

Martin Arévalo-Östberg

The top-flight EMEA League of Legends league will be debuting a brand new format in the new year, beginning with the LEC Versus 2026. Starting January 17, a total of 12 teams will compete to come away with the first LEC trophy of the year, as well as a spot at First Stand 2026 in Brazil.

Let's go ahead and take a look at everything you need to know about the new tournament, including how you can get 2026 LEC Versus tickets to watch the action live.

LEC Versus 2026 Format and Schedule

Traditionally, the LEC is composed of 10 partnered teams. This time around, though, Los Ratones and Karmine Corp Blue are being invited to participate in the tournament after being the top two performers from EMEA's Tier-2 scene in 2025.

With Team BDS' rebrand into Shifters, the complete lineup of 2026 LEC Versus teams includes: G2 Esports, Fnatic, Karmine Corp, Movistar KOI, GIANTX, Team Heretics, SK Gaming, NAVI, Team Vitality, Shifters, Los Ratones, and Karmine Corp Blue.

The 2026 LEC Versus will feature a fresh lineup of teams competing for the trophy. (Credit: Riot Games)

Make sure to visit our 2026 LEC Rostermania to keep up to date with all the latest roster moves ahead of the LEC Versus.

Format and Key Dates

The 2026 LEC Versus format will be split into two stage: the Group Stage and the Playoffs. Each of these will work as follows:

Group Stage:
- Single round-robin
- Bo1 matches
- Six matches a day
- Top 8 teams qualify for the Playoffs
- Runs January 17-February 8
- Match days start at 5 pm CET
Playoffs:
- Double-elimination bracket
- Rounds 1-2 are Bo3
- Remaining matches are Bo5
- Champions qualify to First Stand 2026
- Runs February 16-March 1
- Match days start at 5 pm CET

A look at the complete LEC Versus 2026 schedule. (Credit: Riot Games)

Opening Matchups

The first week of the Group Stage will feature the following matchups to kick things off on Saturday, January 17:

Los Ratones vs Fnatic (5 pm CET)
Shifters vs GIANTX (5:45 pm CET)
Team Heretics vs NAVI (6:30 pm CET)
Team Vitality vs SK Gaming (7:15 pm CET)
Karmine Corp vs Karmine Corp Blue (8 pm CET)
G2 Esports vs Movistar KOI (8:45 pm CET)

2026 LEC Versus Tickets

As always, the LEC Versus 2026 will take place at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin. If you'd like to catch the action live along likeminded fans, then set your alarms, as 2026 LEC Versus tickets for Weeks 1-4 (Group Stage) go on sale Wednesday, December 17, at 6 pm CET.

All Group Stage tickets will cost €15 and can purchased through the official LEC ticket shop.

As for the Playoffs, tickets will be released in waves. The first batch of LEC Versus Playoffs tickets will go on sale on January 5, and can be purchased using the link above.

Get your tickets to watch the LEC Versus 2026 games live at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin. (Credit: Riot Games)

Where to Watch

Whether you'll be in Berlin or not, you won't want to miss the start of a new LEC season, featuring a brand new format and lineup of teams to boot! To watch the 2026 LEC Versus, make sure to tune in to the official Twitch or YouTube channels for the event, starting January 17.

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

Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest League news and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image credit: LEC/Riot Games

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