Riot Games has released the complete schedule, the latest changes in format and ticketing details for MSI 2026 taking place in Daejeon, Korea.
MSI 2026 location and dates revealed
The 2026 MSI tournament will take place in Daejeon, South Korea from June 28-July 12. This event marks the very first time that Daejeon has hosted an International League of Legends (LoL) event. South Korea has of course been home to multiple major League of Legends tournaments in the past; however, it is exciting for fans that Daejeon will be hosting an event instead of traditional cities such as Seoul or Busan.
| Stage | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Play-In Stage | June 28 – July 1 | 4-team double elimination, 1 team advances |
| Bracket Stage | July 3 – 6, July 8 – 12 | Main double elimination bracket |
| Upper Final | July 9 | Winner goes straight to the Grand Final |
| Lower Final | July 11 | Decides the second finalist |
| Grand Final | July 12 | MSI champion is crowned |
Riot shared the full breakdown in its official LoL Esports update, including how the tournament will be split across Play-Ins and the main bracket.
MSI 2026 format changes explained
The overall format will remain very similar to the format used in MSI 2025. However, adjustments have been made to the Play-in stage format. Which is to encourage early competition.
The MSI 2026 Play-in phase will now only have four teams, who will compete, and just one who will advance for the next round. The other 7 remaining teams, will get automatic entry into the bracket round of the MSI 2026. This is including the better seeds of each of the 4 regions.
The following are the 11 teams participating in the MSI 2026:
- 2 teams each from the LCK, LPL, LEC, LCS, and LCP
- 1 team from CBLOL
The smaller Play-In field should make the early stage move faster, but it also leaves much less room for mistakes. One bad series could end a team’s entire run before the bracket even really begins.
MSI 2026 tickets and sales schedule
MSI 2026 ticket sales will be released in different rounds to accommodate the high level of demand from around the globe.
- Mastercard presale: April 21
- Global general sale: April 23
- South Korea general sale: May 21
Anyone planning to attend should keep checking the Riot Games website. Her will come updates on tickets, pricing, and any regional sale details that get added closer to the date.
Official 2026 location
This video shows fans the first glimpse of what to expect when they visit Daejeon Convention Center II for MSI 2026. It also shows how large of an event it will be.
Frequently asked questions about MSI 2026
When is MSI 2026?
MSI 2026 runs from June 28 to July 12.
Where is MSI 2026 being held?
The event will take place in Daejeon, South Korea, at the Daejeon Convention Center II.
How many teams are at MSI 2026?
Eleven teams will be participating, including representatives from the major regions.
What is the MSI 2026 format?
MSI has a Play-In stage, where teams advance to the double-elimination bracket.
When do MSI 2026 tickets go on sale?
Presales will open on April 21. General sales will be opening globally on April 23.
What is new in MSI 2026 format?
The Play-In stage has been reduced to four teams, and there will only be one advancing to the main bracket.
What MSI 2026 means for the rest of the season
MSI is the halfway point of the competitive year, giving a clear picture of teams’ and regions’ overall standings, and it’s an important event for earning a ticket to Worlds.
Here fans can stay updated on the latest LoL esports news. Riot Games will also share more details, about MSI 2026 before the event.
