The LEC Watch Party is coming to Nice for the 2026 LEC Summer Finals, giving fans a free way to watch the matches outside the arena. The LEC XPO will also return on September 19 and 20 at Jardin Albert 1er.
The Summer Finals will take place at the Palais Nikaia from September 18 to 20, with the XPO and watch party running alongside the final two days of the event. While tickets are required for the arena, fans without one can still be part of the action through the XPO and the new outdoor watch party.
LEC XPO returns to Nice for Summer Finals weekend
The LEC XPO will take over Jardin Albert 1er in Nice on September 19 and 20. It will be free to attend and open to fans of all ages.
Doors open at 11AM on both days. The XPO closes at 7PM on Saturday and 6PM on Sunday.
There will be opportunities for League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics events as well as partner booths and products from Riot Games. G2 Esports and Karmine Corp are confirmed to participate. There will be more teams announced soon.
The XPO is part of a wider effort to make the Summer Finals more than just the matches inside the Palais Nikaia. For two days, Jardin Albert 1er will give fans a place to meet up and take part in the LEC community around the tournament.
LEC Watch Party brings the finals outdoors
The biggest addition to this year's XPO is an open-air LEC Watch Party at the Théâtre de Verdure in Jardin Albert 1er.
The watch party will take place on September 19 and 20 at Théâtre de Verdure in Jardin Albert 1er where spectators will be able to watch the LEC Finals outside the arena without tickets.
Both the above-listed events are open to the public for free. According to Riot Games, it is better to purchase a watch party ticket in advance to ensure your attendance and you can bring a picnic there, if you want to make a bigger day out of it.
| Event | Date | Location | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC Summer Finals | September 18-20 | Palais Nikaia, Nice | Ticketed |
| LEC XPO | September 19-20 | Jardin Albert 1er | Free |
| LEC Watch Party | September 19-20 | Théâtre de Verdure, Jardin Albert 1er | Free, ticket recommended |
What fans can expect at the LEC XPO
There will be plenty to do beyond the LEC matches, including League of Legends activities, Teamfight Tactics experiences, partner booths and Riot Games merchandise.
Confirmed partners include KIA, Kit Kat, Euronics, Red Bull and ExpressVPN. Both G2 Esports and Karmine Corp will be part of the XPO. More teams will be announced at a later stage. Additionally, there will be content from other Riot games such as Teamfight Tactics. Riot will give more information on this as time approaches.
Why the Nice weekend matters for the LEC
The Summer Finals are the final major LEC competition of the season and will help determine the region's representatives for the 2026 World Championship.
Fans heading to Nice will have a few different ways to follow the Finals. Those with tickets can watch the matches inside the Palais Nikaia, while the XPO and watch party at Jardin Albert 1er are open to everyone.
It also fits with the way the LEC has turned its biggest events into more than just a tournament, with the Nice weekend bringing the competition and fan activities together across the city. The XPO gives fans a place to meet, while the watch party brings the main tournament into the city itself.
Riot has also released a video announcing the Summer Finals trip to Nice.
With the XPO and watch party taking place at Jardin Albert 1er, fans without arena tickets will still have a place to follow the decisive matches and spend the weekend with the LEC community.
Photo credit: Riot Games
Frequently asked questions about the LEC Watch Party and LEC XPO
When is the LEC Watch Party in Nice?
The LEC Watch Party will run on September 19 and 20, 2026, during the LEC Summer Finals weekend.
Where is the LEC Watch Party?
The watch party will be held at the Théâtre de Verdure in Jardin Albert 1er in Nice, France.
Is the LEC XPO free?
Yes. The LEC XPO is free to attend and open to all ages.
Do I need a ticket for the LEC Watch Party?
The watch party is free, but Riot recommends getting a ticket in advance to guarantee entry.
When does the LEC XPO open?
The XPO opens at 11AM on both September 19 and September 20. It closes at 7PM on Saturday and 6PM on Sunday.
Which teams are confirmed for the LEC XPO?
G2 Esports and Karmine Corp are confirmed to attend, with additional teams expected to be announced.
Nice is set for a full LEC weekend
The LEC Summer Finals will bring three days of competition to Nice, while the LEC XPO and new LEC Watch Party will give fans a free way to experience the event outside the Palais Nikaia.
More details about the activities, participating teams and watch party are expected as the event gets closer. For more coverage, check out RiftDaily's esports news, LEC coverage and latest news.
