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The EM X account has unveiled the format for the EMEA Masters Spring 2026, and the tournament is returning to a tighter structure after the unusually expanded Winter edition that ultimately crowned Solary. The Spring edition is built around 20 unique teams split across three phases, down from the 36 sides that competed in Winter.
Three phases, one path
The bracket is divided into Play-in, Group Stage and Playoffs.
The Play-in features eight teams playing single-elimination matches in a BO3 (best-of-three) format. Only four make it to the next round.
The Group Stage gathers 16 teams — the 12 directly seeded plus the four Play-in survivors — split into GSL groups played in BO3. The top two from each group reach the Playoffs.
The Playoffs then move to a single-elimination bracket of eight teams, with every match played in a BO5 (best-of-five). There is no double-elimination safety net this time. One loss, and the run is over.
Slot distribution: 13 ERLs, two clear tiers
All thirteen ERLs are represented, but not equally. The LFL, LES, Prime League and TCL each receive two Group Stage spots, reflecting their relative competitive depth. The Arabian League, the Hellenic Legends League (Greece) and the LoL Italian Tournament each get one Group Stage and one Play-in slot. The Rift Legends (Poland) rounds out the directly seeded sides with a single Group Stage entry.
