Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems are here, and the first predictions could make a big difference to your tournament score. With 19 teams competing for the Summoner’s Cup, the Play-In Stage offers the first opportunity to pick the teams most likely to survive, while the bigger question is which contenders can go all the way in November.
For the Play-In Stage, Karmine Corp are our early pick to advance, with Cloud9 as their strongest challenger and MVK Esports as the dark horse. The overall Worlds picture is more competitive, but Gen.G have a particularly strong case after winning the LCK Summer Playoffs. Hanwha Life Esports and Anyone’s Legend also deserve serious consideration after their major 2026 achievements.
This guide focuses on the Play-In predictions first, then looks at the strongest overall contenders, teams that could improve, and the factors that matter most for Pick’Ems. Separate Swiss Stage and Knockout Stage guides will follow, allowing predictions to be updated as the tournament develops.
Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems: Key dates and tournament format
Worlds 2026 runs from October 15 to November 14, with Play-Ins in Los Angeles, the Swiss Stage in Allen, Texas, and the final in Brooklyn, New York. The competition uses three stages, and each presents a different challenge for Pick’Ems predictions.
| Stage | Dates | Format | Pick’Ems deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play-Ins | October 15-18 | Four teams, double elimination, best of five | October 15, before the first match |
| Swiss Stage | October 23-31 | 16 teams, up to five rounds | October 23, before the first match |
| Knockout Stage | November 3-14 | Eight teams, single elimination, best of five | November 3, before the first match |
| Worlds final | November 14 | Best of five | Final Pick’Ems scoring follows Worlds |
The Play-In bracket features Karmine Corp from the LEC, Cloud9 from the LCS, MVK Esports from the LCP, and the CBLOL second seed. LOS and FURIA have both qualified for Worlds, but their October 10 final will determine which team takes the second seed and enters Play-Ins. The official Play-In draw will follow the final, so the opening matchups should not be assumed in advance.
All best-of series at Worlds use Full Fearless Draft. Once a champion has been picked by either team during a series, neither side can select that champion again in the same series. This makes champion depth, preparation and the ability to adapt between games particularly important in best-of-five matches.
Crystal Ball and Play-In predictions open on October 10 at 4 p.m. PDT. Swiss predictions open on October 18, followed by Knockout predictions on October 31. Make sure to submit each set of predictions before its individual lock time.
Our Worlds 2026 Play-In Pick’Ems predictions
The Play-In Stage is short, and there's no room for teams to take it easy. Four teams will compete for the final Swiss Stage spot, with the double-elimination format giving them a little breathing room if things go wrong early. The draw will determine the opening matchups, though, so picking the team most likely to qualify is a safer bet than trying to predict every result in advance.
| Pick | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karmine Corp | Strong international ceiling and experience in high-pressure series |
| 2 | Cloud9 | Competitive LCS playoff run and a credible challenge to KC |
| 3 | CBLOL second seed (LOS or FURIA) | Final performance and the draw will help determine their chances |
| Dark horse | MVK Esports | Upset potential, although results against the LCP's strongest teams raise questions |
1. Karmine Corp: Our safest early pick
Karmine Corp are our preferred choice to advance from Play-Ins, although they are not a lock. Their 2026 season has included some impressive highs, most notably finishing second in the LEC Spring competition and reaching the Esports World Cup final, where they lost to Dplus KIA.
The concern is their late-season consistency. KC finished third in the LEC Summer Playoffs after losing to G2 Esports and then Fnatic in the lower bracket. Those defeats make it difficult to argue that KC are clearly superior to every other Play-In team, but their earlier results demonstrate that they have the potential to win important best-of-five series.
The argument for KC is their ceiling. They have already shown that they can compete deep into major tournaments, and their international experience could help them handle the pressure of a short elimination bracket. The main question is whether they can find enough reliable strategies under Full Fearless Draft. If they rely too heavily on a narrow set of comfort picks, opponents could exploit that over a full series.
Pick’Ems verdict: KC are the most defensible first choice, but their recent losses mean that Cloud9 should remain a serious alternative.
2. Cloud9: The strongest alternative
Cloud9 are definitely worth keeping an eye on. They swept Shopify Rebellion 3-0 and took down LYON 3-1 in the LCS playoffs before falling 1-3 to Team Liquid Alienware. While they couldn't make it past Liquid, their earlier wins showed they have what it takes to compete with strong teams.
That loss is something to keep in mind, but it doesn't mean Cloud9 should be counted out at Worlds. A lot will depend on how well they adapt their drafts from game to game and whether they can stay consistent throughout a series. If they find their rhythm, they could give the other Play-In teams a real challenge.
Cloud9's case becomes stronger if the draw gives them a favorable opening matchup. However, that is not something Pick’Ems entries should assume before the official draw. KC remain our first choice, with Cloud9 close enough to make this a competitive prediction rather than a one-sided call.
Pick’Ems verdict: Pick Cloud9 if you want an alternative to KC, especially if their opening matchup looks favorable after the draw.
3. The CBLOL representative: A pick to finalize after October 10
The CBLOL second seed is the last part of the Play-In prediction to be settled. LOS and FURIA are competing for the seed, and their regional final should offer a clearer picture of their current form than reputation alone.
LOS beat FURIA 3-1 in their September 12 meeting, but that result doesn't guarantee another win in the final. FURIA have also shown they can compete throughout the season, and a best-of-five gives both teams a chance to prove themselves.
The Brazilian representative shouldn't be underestimated before the Play-In draw is confirmed. Strong recent form and a favorable matchup could make either team a more serious threat to KC and Cloud9 than an initial ranking might suggest.
Pick’Ems verdict: Keep this prediction provisional until the October 10 CBLOL final determines whether LOS or FURIA takes the second seed. The official Play-In draw will then reveal the opening matchups.
Dark horse: MVK Esports
MVK Esports are our dark horse, but it is important to distinguish an upset candidate from a proven favorite. MVK reached third place in the LCP Split 3 Playoffs, winning a close 3-2 series against GAM Esports before losing to Team Secret Whales and CTBC Flying Oyster.
The 3-2 win over GAM is a useful example of MVK's potential. They showed that they could survive a close series under pressure, which is valuable in a short tournament. However, their losses to the stronger LCP teams also reveal a gap they must close if they want to advance.
MVK's best route to an upset is likely to involve smart preparation, flexible champion pools and opponents who underestimate them. Full Fearless Draft can create opportunities for a team that prepares more thoroughly than expected, but it can also expose a lack of depth over multiple games.
Pick’Ems verdict: MVK are worth considering if you want to take a chance on an upset, but KC and Cloud9 are the safer picks to advance to the Swiss Stage.
The draw will determine the opening matchups, but team form, draft flexibility and performance under pressure will all matter as the Play-In teams fight for the final Swiss Stage spot.
All 19 teams competing at Worlds 2026
A total of 19 teams from six regions will compete at Worlds 2026. Korea and China each have four representatives, while Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region have three apiece. Brazil rounds out the lineup with two teams. Although all 19 teams have qualified, the CBLOL final will decide which Brazilian team starts in Play-Ins and which goes straight to the Swiss Stage.
Here is the full list of teams competing for the Summoner’s Cup, grouped by region.
| Region | Qualified teams |
|---|---|
| LCK (Korea) | Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, T1, Dplus KIA |
| LPL (China) | Anyone’s Legend, Bilibili Gaming, Top Esports, Invictus Gaming |
| LEC (Europe) | G2 Esports, Movistar KOI, Karmine Corp |
| LCS (North America) | Team Liquid Alienware, LYON, Cloud9 |
| LCP (Asia-Pacific) | Team Secret Whales, CTBC Flying Oyster, MVK Esports |
| CBLOL (Brazil) | LOS, FURIA |
Which teams start in Play-Ins?
Four teams will compete in the Play-In Stage from October 15 to 18 for the final Swiss Stage spot. Karmine Corp, Cloud9 and MVK Esports are confirmed participants, while the fourth place goes to the CBLOL second seed.
LOS and FURIA have both qualified for Worlds, but their October 10 regional final will determine which team takes the second seed. The official Play-In draw follows the final, so the opening matchups will only become clear afterward.
The other 15 teams begin directly in the Swiss Stage on October 23. From there, teams must win three matches to advance to the Knockout Stage, while three losses end their tournament.
Now that all 19 teams have secured their places, the focus turns to who can make the biggest impact at Worlds. Regional results offer a good starting point for Pick’Ems, but a lot can change on the international stage. The Worlds patch, tough matchups and how well teams adapt under pressure could all play a major role in deciding who comes out on top.
Worlds 2026 power rankings: Three favorites to win it all
Picking a Worlds champion is a lot harder than predicting who makes it out of Play-Ins. The top teams still need to survive Swiss before reaching the knockouts, where one defeat ends their tournament. Recent titles and international results give us a good idea of who's in form, but consistency throughout the year matters just as much. Even the favorites will need to step up when the pressure is on.
Our early top three are Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports and Anyone's Legend. Bilibili Gaming are right behind them and could easily challenge for the title. This ranking reflects both recent results and the strength each team has shown throughout 2026.
1. Gen.G: The strongest all-round pick
Gen.G have made a strong case for themselves as Worlds 2026 favorites. They beat Hanwha Life Esports 3-1 in the LCK Summer final on September 13 to take the title. Beating one of their biggest rivals in a series like that shows why they're such a reliable pick heading into the tournament.
Their wider record strengthens the argument. Riot's September 27 Global Power Rankings listed Gen.G at 33 wins and nine losses, a 78.6% match win rate. That is an excellent record for a team competing against the strongest opposition in Korea, and it supports the view that Gen.G have been one of the most consistent teams of the year.
Gen.G's greatest strength is the combination of consistency and proven ability to win important matches. Their summer title is not just a reputation-based reason to select them. They beat HLE when it mattered most, and their broader results suggest that the final was not an isolated good performance.
The main risk is that domestic form does not always transfer directly to Worlds. International opponents bring different styles, and Full Fearless Draft can make a long series more demanding. The Worlds patch may also change which champions and strategies are strongest.
Pick’Ems verdict: Gen.G are our first choice for the overall champion. They have the strongest combination of recent domestic success and season-long consistency among our three leading picks.
2. Hanwha Life Esports: International champions with a point to prove
HLE have already made their mark internationally this year by winning MSI. They edged out Bilibili Gaming 3-2 in the final, showing they can keep their composure in a close series against top-tier opposition. If they can bring that same level of play to Worlds, they'll be a tough team to beat.
HLE also reached the LCK Summer Playoffs final, where they lost 1-3 to Gen.G. That defeat is important context. It gives Gen.G the stronger immediate domestic argument, but it does not erase HLE's international championship or their ability to compete with the best teams.
HLE's case for Worlds rests on their proven international ceiling. They have already won a major international title in 2026, and their roster has shown that it can perform in high-pressure series. If they adapt well to the Worlds patch and maintain their champion depth, they have a realistic route to the final.
Pick’Ems verdict: HLE are a strong second choice, and selecting them over Gen.G would not be a surprising prediction. Their MSI title gives them a different kind of evidence in their favor, even though Gen.G won the latest LCK final.
3. Anyone's Legend: China's champions and a genuine title contender
Anyone's Legend deserve to be treated as a genuine Worlds favorite after winning the LPL Split 3 championship. They defeated Bilibili Gaming 3-1 in the September 13 final, securing the title and demonstrating that they could beat one of the strongest teams in China in a best-of-five series.
AL haven't been as consistent as Gen.G throughout the year, finishing fourth in both LPL Split 1 and Split 2. However, they really stepped things up in Split 3. They took a 0-3 loss to BLG in the upper-bracket final but bounced back with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Invictus Gaming to reach the final.
What makes AL's run impressive is how they responded to that setback. They regrouped after the loss to BLG, fought their way back through the lower bracket, and then got their revenge by beating BLG 3-1 in the final. That wasn't just a lucky win. AL showed they could learn from an earlier defeat and come back stronger when it mattered most.
The remaining question is consistency. AL have shown that they can reach a very high level, but their earlier splits and losses to BLG show that they have not dominated the entire season in the way Gen.G have. Their Split 3 championship nevertheless makes them a serious candidate for a deep Worlds run, and their late-season momentum could carry into the tournament.
Pick’Ems verdict: AL belong in the top three. They are a more adventurous champion pick than Gen.G, but their LPL title and late-season improvement give them a strong case to win Worlds.
Just outside the top three: Bilibili Gaming
Bilibili Gaming are too strong to leave out of the main title conversation. They reached the MSI final, losing 2-3 to HLE, and then finished second in the LPL Split 3 championship after losing 1-3 to AL. Their results across the year show that they can consistently compete at the highest level.
BLG's two major final defeats are a reason to put them just behind our top three, not a reason to dismiss them. They have already shown they can reach the final of major tournaments, and the MSI series against HLE was particularly close. If their drafting and execution come together at Worlds, they could outperform this ranking.
Pick’Ems verdict: BLG are an excellent alternative if you want to back a team with a strong year-long record and proven international results. They should be considered alongside AL rather than treated as a clear step below them.
Worlds 2026 teams that could rise above expectations
Good Pick’Ems predictions require more than choosing the teams that won their last regional final. Some teams have the experience and talent to improve on their recent results, particularly if they adapt quickly to the Worlds patch or find stronger drafts in the Full Fearless format.
T1: A dangerous team to underestimate
T1 are a team worth watching if they can find their best form again. They beat Dplus KIA 3-1 in the LCK playoffs before falling 1-3 to Hanwha Life Esports. While that loss kept them out of the final, their win over Dplus KIA showed they could still get the job done against tough regional opponents.
T1’s experience on the international stage makes them an intriguing Worlds pick, but past success only goes so far. To challenge teams like Gen.G and HLE, they’ll need to show that their drafts and in-game execution can hold up against the strongest competition in 2026.
What to watch: T1’s opening Swiss matches should offer a better idea of where they stand. Their performance will reveal whether they’ve adapted well to the Worlds patch and can build momentum beyond a single series win.
Invictus Gaming: A potential late-season riser
Invictus Gaming are worth monitoring after their late-season run in the LPL. They reached the lower-bracket final of the Split 3 playoffs, where they lost 2-3 to Anyone's Legend. That close series showed that IG could challenge a team that would go on to win the LPL title.
However, IG did not win that series, and their qualification for Worlds came through the regional qualification process. Their results make them an interesting team to watch, but they still need to prove that they can reproduce their best form against international opposition.
What to watch: IG's ability to keep close games under control. A team that can challenge the leading LPL sides can be dangerous, but it must also show that it can close out series when the pressure rises.
G2 Esports: Europe's strongest challenger
G2 should also feature in the wider title discussion. They won the LEC Summer Playoffs and enter Worlds as Europe's first seed. Their domestic result gives them a stronger starting point than teams that qualified from lower positions in their regional playoffs.
The real test for G2 will be whether they can carry their success in Europe over to the international stage. They have the potential to reach the Knockout Stage and make a strong run, but facing the top teams from Korea and China will be a different challenge. Their chances at Worlds will depend on how they perform against those teams, not just on winning the regional title.
What to watch: G2's early Swiss results and their ability to adapt their drafts against opponents with different styles. A strong opening would make them a more convincing candidate for the top eight.
How to approach Crystal Ball and the later Pick’Ems stages
Crystal Ball picks are all about looking at the bigger picture at Worlds. Instead of predicting individual series, you’re trying to anticipate tournament-wide trends, from champion picks and player stats to which teams will make it furthest.
Before locking in your choices, think about which champions could dominate the draft, which players are likely to put up big kill and assist numbers, and which teams have the depth to make a deep run. Recent regional results are useful, but they’re only part of the picture. The Worlds patch can change champion priorities, while international matchups may expose weaknesses that weren’t as obvious at home.
Play-In Pick’Ems: Prioritize qualification
With four teams competing for one Swiss Stage place, the main question is which team can survive the entire bracket. KC are our early choice to advance, Cloud9 are the strongest alternative, and MVK are the dark horse. Revisit the prediction after the October 10 CBLOL final confirms the Play-In representative and the subsequent draw reveals the matchups.
Swiss Stage Pick’Ems: Balance consistency and upside
In the Swiss Stage, teams must win three matches to advance, while three losses mean they're out of the tournament. Recent regional performances and the opening matchups can help guide your predictions, but consistency across the stage matters just as much. Teams also need to be prepared for best-of-three matches, where adapting to an opponent can make all the difference. Gen.G, HLE, Anyone’s Legend and BLG are all worth considering when deciding who could reach the Knockout Stage.
Knockout Stage Pick’Ems: Focus on best-of-five strength
The Knockout Stage is where the margin for error disappears. With eight teams remaining, every matchup is a best-of-five, putting a premium on draft flexibility, preparation and the ability to adjust during a series. Once the Swiss Stage wraps up, take another look at the title contenders. The results will give you a much clearer picture of which teams are playing well and which pre-tournament favorites may be vulnerable.
Submit your predictions through the official Worlds Pick’Ems page and check the Worlds 2026 tournament overview for the schedule, confirmed teams and results.
For more competitive League of Legends coverage, visit RiftDaily's latest news, explore our esports coverage, or follow our dedicated Worlds 2026 hub for further predictions and stage-by-stage analysis.
Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems rewards: What can you win?
Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems offers more than bragging rights, with Riot Games confirming a new set of rewards for this year’s predictions. Both the main Pick’Ems competition and Crystal Ball are returning, giving fans different ways to test their knowledge of the tournament.
When will Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems rewards be distributed?
Riot plans to finalize Pick’Ems scores after the Worlds final on November 14, with rewards targeted for distribution within 48 hours. Performance-based rewards are also scheduled to be delivered on or around November 14.
You’ll need a valid Riot account and Summoner Name to participate and receive rewards. Eligibility may vary by region because of local regulations.
Have the Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems prizes been revealed?
Riot has confirmed that this year’s Pick’Ems will feature all-new rewards, but the official Worlds 2026 primer does not provide a complete list of prizes or the performance tiers attached to them. Specific skins, emotes, icons and other potential rewards should not be assumed until Riot confirms the details.
The safest way to keep track of announcements is to check the official Worlds Pick’Ems page. It’s also where you can make your predictions when the relevant stages open.
How to earn Drops during Worlds 2026
Pick’Ems rewards and Drops are two separate ways to engage with Worlds. Pick’Ems rewards are tied to your predictions, while Drops have traditionally given fans a chance to receive in-game items or other rewards by watching live esports broadcasts.
Have Worlds 2026 Drops been confirmed?
Riot has confirmed new rewards for Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems, but a separate Drops campaign and its specific rewards have not yet been confirmed in the official announcements reviewed for this guide. Fans should wait for Riot to publish the Worlds-specific details before assuming that particular items or viewing rewards will be available.
Where should you watch for Drops announcements?
Riot's official LoL Esports website is the best place to look for updates on Worlds Drops. In previous years, viewers could receive Drops by watching live matches on LoLEsports.com while logged in to their Riot account. Whether the same system will be available at Worlds 2026 remains unconfirmed, so check Riot's announcements for details on eligible streams and any restrictions.
Image credit: Riot Games.
Frequently asked questions about Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems
When do Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems open?
Crystal Ball and Play-In predictions open on October 10 at 4 p.m. PDT. Play-In picks lock before the first match on October 15.
Who is the best Play-In pick for Worlds 2026?
Karmine Corp are our early choice to advance, with Cloud9 as the strongest alternative. MVK Esports are our dark horse. The fourth Play-In spot will go to the CBLOL second seed, which will be decided when LOS and FURIA meet in the October 10 regional final.
Did Gen.G win the LCK Summer Playoffs?
Yes. Gen.G defeated Hanwha Life Esports 3-1 in the September 13 final. Their domestic title and strong 2026 record make them our first choice for the overall Worlds champion prediction.
Are Anyone's Legend favorites to win Worlds 2026?
Yes, AL deserve to be considered genuine contenders after winning the LPL Split 3 championship with a 3-1 victory over Bilibili Gaming. Their earlier splits were less consistent, but their late-season form makes them a strong top-three pick.
Who are the overall favorites to win Worlds 2026?
Our early top three are Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports and Anyone's Legend, with Bilibili Gaming close behind. Gen.G have the strongest combination of domestic success and season-long consistency, while HLE and AL have major international and regional titles to support their cases.
What is Full Fearless Draft?
Full Fearless Draft prevents either team from selecting a champion that has already been picked by either side earlier in the same series. It rewards teams with deep champion pools and the ability to prepare multiple strategies.
When do Swiss and Knockout Pick’Ems open?
Swiss predictions open on October 18 and lock before the first Swiss match on October 23. Knockout predictions open on October 31 and lock before the first Knockout match on November 3.
Make your Worlds 2026 Pick’Ems predictions count
Our Play-In pick is Karmine Corp, with Cloud9 as the main challenger and MVK Esports as the dark horse. That prediction remains provisional until the CBLOL final and official draw confirm the final team and opening matchups.
For the overall championship, Gen.G are our first choice after winning the LCK Summer Playoffs. Hanwha Life Esports remain a major threat after their MSI victory, while Anyone's Legend deserve a place among the favorites after winning the LPL Split 3 title. Bilibili Gaming are close enough that a deep run would come as no surprise.
The key is to treat these predictions as a starting point, not a fixed ranking for the entire tournament. The Worlds patch, Fearless Draft, the official draw and early Swiss results will all provide new information. Submit your Play-In picks before the deadline, then return to RiftDaily for our Swiss Stage and Knockout Stage guides as Worlds 2026 unfolds.
