League of Legends esports rolls out First Stand 2026 format changes and First Selection draft system

League of Legends Esports is set to introduce a series of competitive format updates in 2026, headlined by major changes to First Stand and the debut of a new draft system designed to reshape how pro matches are played.

The first global League event of the year, First Stand, will run from March 16 to 22 in São Paulo, Brazil, at the Riot Games Arena. With the LCS and CBLOL once again operating as independent leagues away from last year’s LTA rebrand, First Stand 2026 will now feature eight teams, including two representatives each from the LCK and LPL, and one team from the LEC, LCS, CBLOL, and LCP. This is a shift from the 2025 edition, where every region only had one representative in the tournament.