Riot’s Big Plans for the Future of LEC

The League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) could soon see one of its biggest transformations yet. According to reports by Sheep Esports, Riot Games is preparing to scrap the traditional Winter Split in 2026 in favor of a 12-team Kickoff Tournament. This new event would not only include all ten franchised LEC teams but also introduce two high-performing European Regional League (ERL) squads into the mix.

The selected ERL teams will reportedly be the year’s top performers — one from the EMEA Masters overall rankings and the other being the upcoming EMEA Masters Summer champions. Los Ratones, known for their stellar run this season, have already secured one of the slots. The winning team from this new Kickoff format could then advance directly to The First Stand 2026, Riot’s first international tournament of the year, opening the door for ERL squads to make their global debut.

However, the absence of an official confirmation from Riot has left fans and analysts speculating. For now, the only element that seems certain is that the Spring and Summer Splits will continue to feature the ten core LEC franchises.

Teams Raise Concerns Over Fairness and Investment

The rumored inclusion of ERL rosters in a premier LEC event has stirred debate across the community and within the professional circuit. Each LEC franchise reportedly invested over €30 million to secure its slot, including newcomers like Karmine Corp and NAVI. Meanwhile, ERL teams are not bound by similar financial commitments but could now compete on the same stage for international qualification.

This dynamic has raised questions about fairness and the value of LEC franchising. Karmine Corp’s CEO, Kamel “Kameto” Kebir, claimed during a recent stream that all LEC organizations opposed the proposed format and that Riot’s initial plan was “much worse” than the current iteration.

Critics argue that such changes could devalue the long-term investments made by established organizations, while others see it as a refreshing opportunity for rising regional teams to showcase their talent against top-tier competition.

Riot’s Commissioner Promises “Something Very Exciting” for 2026

While Sheep Esports’ report fueled widespread speculation, Riot’s public leadership struck a more optimistic tone. Speaking at the 2025 LEC Finals in Madrid, Commissioner Artem Bykov hinted at significant structural updates while emphasizing that the company had carefully listened to fan and team feedback.

“We are looking to increase the number of matches,” Bykov said. “We listened very closely to what the fans and the teams had to say, and I think we have something very exciting planned for next year.”

Addressing the controversy around format fatigue, Bykov admitted that the 2025 season’s constant shifts frustrated both players and viewers. He reassured that Riot is working toward greater stability and transparency in 2026. “Format is a very complex topic and it takes a village to work on this,” he noted. “We are consulting very closely with the teams to make sure the next steps are meaningful. I just want to keep the moment special for when we release the news so we can celebrate it together.”

Community Reactions Divided

The community’s response has been split between skepticism and excitement. Some see the rumored changes as an unnecessary disruption to the LEC’s structure, while others view it as a bold experiment that could bring more competition and storylines to the league.

Former LEC champion Luka “Perkz” Perković criticized Riot’s business motives, claiming the company prioritizes short-term marketing goals over long-term esports sustainability. “Riot doesn’t care about esports’ long-term profitability — they care about selling skins,” he remarked.

On the other hand, creators like Georgia “Troubleinc” Paras expressed enthusiasm about the potential crossover. “Fans have always wanted to see top ERL teams face off against LEC squads,” she said. “This could finally answer the question of whether some ERL teams could actually hold their own at the highest level.”

What Lies Ahead for the LEC

Despite the controversy, the 2026 season could mark a defining moment for the LEC and European League of Legends as a whole. If the Kickoff Tournament comes to fruition, it could inject new energy into the scene and create fresh pathways for emerging talent, while also challenging Riot to balance innovation with the expectations of its long-standing franchised partners.

For now, the league’s community awaits Riot’s official announcement, which promises to set the tone for one of the most anticipated seasons in LEC history. Whether this new direction ushers in a golden era or a divisive chapter remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — change is coming, and Riot is betting big on 2026.


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