The LEC will look different in 2026. The rumors that the Winter Split for 2026 in EMEA would change are true. It is becoming the LEC Versus, which will include two teams from EMEA ERLs. One of those teams is confirmed to be Los Ratones, who have won 2 EMEA Masters titles and all three NLC splits. LEC 2026 will also see more roadshows and improvements to the Summer Split format.
LEC 2026: LEC Versus Replaces Winter Split
LEC 2026 is opening its doors for two EMEA teams to participate in the LEC Versus, which will replace the Winter Split. The two teams will join the current ten LEC teams for a total of 12. Los Ratones will be joined by either Karmine Corp Blue or Los Heretics. KCB and LH face off in the EMEA Masters Summer Final on November 2nd to determine who gets the spot in LEC Versus.
The academy teams have been given the green light to participate in the LEC Versus despite concerns. The teams will need to keep a minimum of three players from their current roster and will face their sister teams early on in the competition.
The format for LEC Versus will be a single Round Robin. From there, the top eight qualify for a double-elimination bracket. The winner of the Grand Final will earn a spot at the First Stand in Brazil.
LEC 2026 Roadshows And Format Changes
The LEC went back to Roadshows for 2025. Movistar KOI and Karmine Corp hosted Roadshows during the Spring Split. The LEC wants to host more Roadshows in 2026. The feedback they received on the events was overwhelmingly positive, and they want to continue that trend.
The Spring and Summer Splits for 2025 had widely different formats. The Spring Format received positive reviews. On the other hand, everyone hated the Summer Format. In 2026, the Spring and Summer Splits will have the same formats. The ten LEC teams will be grouped into a Single Round Robin group. Every series in that stage is a Bo3, with all the top six teams advancing to the Playoffs. The Spring Champion and Runner-Up earn a spot at the Mid-Season Invitational. For the Summer Split, the same positions and the third place will qualify for the World Championship.
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