LEC to introduce major format changes for 2026 season

After previous rumors hinting the addition of ERL teams in the first tournament of the 2026 season, Riot Games has officially confirmed next year’s format for the LEC with a new tournament, the LEC Versus, and more details about the Spring and Summer Split.

Introducing the LEC Versus – the first competition featuring ERL teams in tier-one

Replacing the former Winter split, the LEC Versus will see two special guest squads from the ERLs compete alongside the 10 LEC partner teams. The two squads joining will be Los Ratones, who were rewarded for their outstanding performance and season during the 2025 season, as well as the EMEA Masters Summer Champions, which will be crowned next weekend at the Paris Games Week.

The format will see 12 teams compete in a single round robin, best-of-one stage, where each team will face each other. The top eight in the standings will then move onto the playoff stage, where there will be a double-elimination bracket to determine the winner. The first two rounds are going to be best-of-threes, while following matches will be best-of-five series.

The winner of the LEC Versus will be the EMEA’s representative at the 2026 First Stand tournament, which is set to take place in São Paulo, Brazil.

ERL teams won’t compete in the following Spring and Summer Splits

Riot Games confirmed that the two squads are not getting LEC spots, but they receive an invitation to test themselves against the tier-one teams. It also gives a great opportunity for fans to witness developing talents from the ERLs.  Academy teams will be able to compete in LEC Versus.

The tournament organizer also added ERL teams will only receive a stipend for their participation and given that they don’t have a franchise slot, revenue shares won’t be distributed. Additionally, three of the five players from the winning roster are expected to remain on the same roster, with possible exceptions based on the League’s discretion.

LEC Spring and Summer 2026 will have the same split format

Following feedback and backlash on the LEC 2025 Summer split, Riot has also confirmed they will bring the format from Spring 2025 for both splits next season.

Teams will first compete in a single round robin of best-of-threes, before moving onto the best-of-five playoffs bracket for the top six teams. The consistent format and shcedule should make it easier for fans to follow the action but also allow more LEC Roadtrips, which Riot has confirmed they plan on bringing in a more “extended way”.

How will Los Ratones and the EMEA Masters champions perform in the LEC?

While it’s expected tp see Los Ratones’ popularity drive higher viewership and engagement for the league, the recent performance from the team and former ERL talents in the LEC this year generate doubts about the squads’ ability to fight with the top spots.

Nonetheless, it will be a great eye test for all viewers to get a clearer idea on the gap between tier-one and tier-two competition while also increasing the overall number of matches played by all participating teams.

For Los Ratones, it will also be crucial to see whether the five members will be staying together in the coming year. Earlier yesterday, top lane player Baus has stated he didn’t want to “give up streaming for pro play,” which might mean we will see changes in the LR lineup before they hit the Rift next year.