Your guide to LoL First Stand 2026
Are you ready, League of Legends (LoL) esports fans? Well, ready or not, here comes the first big international event of the year: First Stand 2026. After enjoying the fantastic action from the regional Split 1 events, we are looking forward to this massive tournament. Let’s discuss all the most important details.
First Stand 2026 details
Taking place at the Riot Games Arena venue in São Paulo, Brazil, the First Stand 2026 tournament starts this week, on 16 March 2026. The tournament runs until 22 March 2026, when a champion will be crowned.
Eight teams are competing for their share of the $1 million prize pool. That’s a huge pot of R16.3 million at the current Dollar to Rand exchange rate.
Squads will all start their journey in two GSL-style groups of four teams each, from 16 to 20 March 2026. The top two teams from each group advance to the Knockout Stage, while the bottom two teams are eliminated.
Group A teams:
- Bilibili Gaming
- Secret Whales
- FEARX
- G2 Esports
Group B teams:
- Gen.G Esports
- JD Gaming
- LYON
- LOUD
The Knockout Stage takes place this weekend, from 21 to 22 March 2026, featuring a single-elimination bracket. Throughout the Group Stage and the Knockout Stage, all matches are best-of-five, using the Fearless Draft system.
You can catch all the LoL esports action via the official Riot Games Twitch channel and the LoL Esports YouTube channel, so don’t miss out!
Stay tuned to Esports Central, as we’ll bring you the results from First Stand 2026 and more significant LoL esports events in the future.
Header image via Riot Games.
