Riot Games Introduces First Selection Rule for LoL Esports in 2026

A recent update to the 2026 competitive ruleset introduces **First Selection**, a structural change affecting how teams choose between side selection and draft order in professional League of Legends.[1] Under the new system, the team that previously earned side selection now gains first selection instead, allowing it to choose either blue or red side or whether to pick first or second in the draft.[1] Once that decision is made, the opposing team receives the remaining option: if the first team picks blue side, the opponent chooses first or second pick; if the first team chooses first pick, the opponent chooses side.[1] This rule applies across all Riot-sanctioned regions, influencing best-of-series dynamics in leagues like the LCS and LEC and ultimately at international events where those leagues’ representatives compete.[1]

Riot’s stated goal is to reduce the inherent advantage tied to a particular side while giving teams more flexibility to align picks and bans with their preparation and scouting.[1] The rule will be in effect from the start of regional play, beginning with the LCK and LPL mid-January and rolling out to other circuits, including the LCS later in the month.[1] The publisher plans to monitor competitive data throughout the 2026 season to determine whether the First Selection system successfully narrows side win-rate gaps and enriches strategic diversity in top-level matches.[1]