League of Legends Worlds 2027 playoffs: KeSPA opens host city bidding process

The Korean e-Sports Association (KeSPA) and Riot Games have officially opened the bidding process for cities interested in hosting the Worlds 2027 playoffs, starting today, March 9. KeSPA is currently accepting bids to determine which cities will host the knockout stage, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the Grand Final which is scheduled for November 14, 2027.

According to the official announcement, the results of the bidding process will be revealed between August 3 and 7, 2026. Meanwhile, the 2026 World Championship will take place in the United States, with matches scheduled in New York City and Allen, Texas. KeSPA also confirmed that the 2027 Worlds format will remain unchanged, featuring 18 teams, a 5 million dollar prize pool, and a one-week break between the semifinals and the Grand Final.

Worlds 2027 playoffs hosting city requirements

Worlds 2027 is expected to take place from mid-October to mid-November 2027. For now, the bidding process is focused on the Knockout Stage, as the dates for those matches have already been confirmed. Host cities will have the option to use two different venues during this stage.

The quarterfinals and semifinals, scheduled between November 2 and November 7, require venues with a minimum capacity of 5,000 seats, although the ideal target is closer to 8,000 spectators. The Grand Final, set for November 14, 2027, requires a much larger venue capable of hosting at least 10,000 fans. This is why Riot Games and KeSPA are allowing cities to use multiple venues to accommodate the different stages of the tournament.

The venue hosting the quarterfinals and semifinals must be available from October 22 to November 9, 2027, due to operational requirements such as stage setup and dismantling. The Grand Final venue must be reserved from October 30 to November 17, 2027 to accommodate similar preparations. In addition, the host city will be required to provide a space near the arena where Riot Games can organize a Fan Fest, with a capacity of around 5,000 spectators.

This will mark the fourth time South Korea hosts the League of Legends World Championship. The first occasion came in 2014, when Busan and Seoul hosted the playoff stages of the tournament. Korea hosted Worlds again in 2018, with matches held in Incheon, Gwangju, and Busan.

The most recent edition took place in 2023, when T1 lifted the trophy, ending a seven-year wait for another world title. Given the country’s history with the event, it would not be surprising to see cities like Seoul or Busan once again hosting the most important tournament in League of Legends esports.