The road to the LCS just got more intense. Riot Games has unveiled the full details for the 2026 LCS Promotion Tournament, where the best Tier-2 teams from North America will clash for a coveted spot in the LCS for the 2027 season. With the defending Guest Team, Disguised, looking to retain their place, the competition promises high stakes and thrilling action across seven days of Best-of-Five showdowns.

Tournament Format and Participants

This year, the top two teams from the NACL (North American Challengers League) and the top two from LRN (Latin America North) will advance to the tournament. They will join Disguised, who earned the Guest Slot in 2026 by defeating all challengers. The five teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket, with every series played as a Full Fearless, First Selection Best-of-Five. This format forces teams to adapt and strategize, as no champion can be picked twice in a series.

Disguised will enter with a bracket advantage, but they must still win their matches to secure their spot—there is no automatic requalification. All matches are scheduled to begin at 1pm PDT, ensuring consistent viewing times for fans.

Remote Stage and LAN Final in Mexico City

The first six days of the tournament will be played remotely, similar to last year's setup. However, the grand finale will be a live audience LAN event, produced in partnership with LYON, at the Arena Esports Stadium at CINEMEX Artz Pedregal in Mexico City. This marks an exciting step forward for Tier-2 esports, bringing the action directly to fans.

To ensure fair competition during the remote stage, Riot will provide LRN teams with flights, hotels, and practice rooms in Mexico City for the duration of the tournament. This support levels the playing field and emphasizes Riot's commitment to fostering competitive integrity.

The LCS Guest Slot: More Than a Trophy

The winner of the LCS Promotion Tournament will earn the LCS Guest Slot, granting them the right to compete in the LCS and qualify for major global events, including First Stand, MSI, and Worlds. Beyond the competitive opportunities, the Guest Slot comes with substantial financial backing:

  • An operating stipend to support team operations
  • Access to the Global Revenue Pool from LoL Esports in-game content sales
  • The same business model benefits as Tier-1 teams

This package ensures that the promoted team can compete on a level playing field from day one.

New International Tier-2 Tournament: World Star Challengers Invitational

In addition to the LCS Promotion Tournament, Riot has announced a brand new international Tier-2 event called the World Star Challengers Invitational (WSCI). This tournament will bring together Tier-2 representatives from North America, Latin America, and Brazil, with each region earning one qualification spot. The NACL Summer Split Champion will represent North America, while similar champions from LRN and Brazil's Tier-2 scene will join.

Riot will cover all logistical costs for the qualifying teams, including practice rooms, flights, and hotels. Broadcast coverage will be provided through local co-streamers, allowing fans to support their regional teams as they compete on the international stage. The WSCI is set to begin on September 20, with the LCS Promotion Tournament following on October 5.

How to Watch and What's Next

Fans can catch all the action of the LCS Promotion Tournament live on Twitch.tv/LCS and YouTube.com/@LCS starting October 5. With the introduction of the WSCI, Riot is clearly investing in the growth of Tier-2 esports, providing more opportunities for emerging talent and creating a more connected global ecosystem.

Source: This article is based on information from Riot Games' official announcement, available at https://lolesports.com/en-us/news/lcs-promotion-tournament-wsci.