Worlds 2027 will start in Nagoya, Japan, before moving to South Korea for the Knockout Stage in Suwon and Seoul. Suwon and Seoul have been named as host cities, giving the next edition of Worlds an international setting across three major Asian destinations.
The announcement is particularly significant for Japan, which will host a stage of the League of Legends World Championship for the first time. Meanwhile, South Korea will welcome the tournament back for another major international event, with Seoul expected to host the grand final.
Worlds 2027 cities and locations revealed
Worlds 2027 will be split between three cities across two countries. Nagoya will host the Swiss Stage, while Suwon and Seoul will welcome the Knockout Stage as the tournament moves to South Korea for its decisive matches.
| Stage | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Stage | Nagoya | Japan |
| Knockout Stage | Suwon and Seoul | South Korea |
The tournament's geographical split means teams will begin their Worlds journey in Japan before travelling to South Korea for the matches that will determine the finalists and eventual world champion.
Nagoya makes history as Japan hosts Worlds for the first time
Nagoya's selection is one of the biggest talking points surrounding Worlds 2027. The Japanese city will become the first in the country to host a stage of the League of Legends World Championship, bringing the international competition to a new location.
Nagoya is one of Japan's largest cities, located between Tokyo and Osaka. It will host the Swiss Stage, marking the first time a stage of the League of Legends World Championship has been held in Japan. For local fans, it means they will finally get to see Worlds played in their own country.
South Korea welcomes the Worlds 2027 Knockout Stage
Once the Swiss Stage wraps up in Nagoya, the tournament will head to South Korea. Suwon and Seoul have both been named as host cities for the Knockout Stage.
South Korea is no stranger to Worlds. The country has hosted the tournament three times, in 2014, 2018 and 2023. The 2027 edition will be its fourth, with the competition returning to a region that has produced several of League's most successful teams.
Seoul is expected to host the grand final, although Riot has yet to confirm this. The Seoul Arena, due to open in June 2027, has been suggested as a possible venue. For now, neither the arena nor the exact split of matches between Suwon and Seoul has been officially announced.
Worlds 2026 heads towards its grand final
While attention is already turning to the 2027 host cities, the current World Championship is not over just yet. Worlds 2026 is heading towards its grand final, and Riot has released a teaser ahead of the big match.
You can watch the Worlds 2026 finals teaser below while looking ahead to what's next for the competition in Japan and South Korea.
Could Worlds 2027 introduce changes to the tournament format?
The host cities aren't the only thing to watch ahead of Worlds 2027. Riot is also reportedly looking at changes to the way teams qualify for the tournament.
One possibility being discussed is giving the Demacia Cup a role in qualification, potentially replacing the traditional Play-In Stage. The idea would offer another route into Worlds, but details remain unclear.
Nothing has been confirmed yet. Riot has not announced the qualification rules for 2027 or said whether the Play-In Stage will be removed. Until an official format announcement is made, the Demacia Cup proposal should be treated as a possibility rather than a decision.
Frequently asked questions about Worlds 2027
Where will Worlds 2027 take place?
The 2027 League of Legends World Championship will take place in Japan and South Korea. Nagoya will host the Swiss Stage, while Suwon and Seoul will host the Knockout Stage.
Which city will host the Worlds 2027 Swiss Stage?
Nagoya, Japan, has been selected to host the Swiss Stage. This will be the first time Japan hosts a stage of the League of Legends World Championship.
Where will the Worlds 2027 Knockout Stage take place?
The Knockout Stage will take place in South Korea, with Suwon and Seoul selected as host cities.
Will Seoul host the Worlds 2027 final?
Seoul is expected to host the grand final. The Seoul Arena has been mentioned as a possible venue, but the final venue still requires official confirmation.
Has Japan hosted League of Legends Worlds before?
No. Worlds 2027 will mark the first time Japan hosts a stage of the League of Legends World Championship, with Nagoya selected for the Swiss Stage.
Will Worlds 2027 have a different format?
Riot Games is exploring possible changes to the qualification process, including the potential use of the Demacia Cup instead of the traditional Play-In. No final format changes have been confirmed.
Worlds 2027 promises a memorable return to Asia
With Nagoya, Suwon and Seoul involved, Worlds 2027 is already shaping up to be an exciting edition of the League of Legends World Championship. Japan will make its debut as a host country for the competition, while South Korea will once again welcome the world's best teams for the decisive matches.
There are still details to come regarding venues, tickets, match dates and the final tournament format. For now, the prospect of a Worlds journey across Japan and South Korea gives fans plenty to look forward to.
Stay tuned to RiftDaily's Worlds coverage for further announcements, tournament developments and everything surrounding the 2027 League of Legends World Championship. You can also find more stories in our esports section and latest gaming news.
