First Stand: All In, the largest tournament Riot has ever produced

FST ALL IN

First Stand will open the 2027 international season with a special edition called First Stand: All In. Riot describes it as "the largest tournament it has ever produced" that "will bring more teams, more players and more of the global community together to kick off the competitive season." This expansion is a one-off, designed to give teams from around the world more chances to compete on the international stage.

The event is also changing location: initially planned for Southeast Asia, First Stand 2027 has been moved to China, although the host city has not been revealed yet.

The format and the qualification process will be detailed in January. Riot also warned that the expanded event will affect Split 1 in every regional league, each of which will share its 2027 schedule and format soon.

MSI heads to Spain for the first time

Feria Valenciaa

MSI 2027 will take place at the Feria Valencia, marking the first time the Mid-Season Invitational is held in Spain. The tournament returns to Europe after London hosted it in 2023. Riot pointed to Valencia's rich sporting culture and passionate League of Legends community. Dates and ticketing details will be shared in the coming months.

Worlds 2027: two nations, one crown

Nagoya and Seoul

The 2027 World Championship will be held across two countries. It will start with the Swiss Stage in Nagoya, the first time Worlds is played in Japan. The tournament will then move to South Korea for the entire Knockout Stage, with the final set for the brand-new Seoul Arena.

Riot had already announced that Worlds would return to South Korea, which last hosted the competition in 2023, and the Japanese leg now expands that plan.

The Demacia Cup could replace the Play-In Stage

DC to Worlds

The path to Worlds could also change: following the reception of this year's Demacia Cup, Riot is evaluating whether the tournament could replace the traditional Play-In Stage in 2027.

According to the publisher, the switch could create more best-of series and give more teams a chance to fight for a place at Worlds. Nothing is set in stone, though. Riot stressed that no decision has been finalised and that more information will follow as plans develop.

First Stand heads to Southeast Asia in 2028

Southeast Asia will not wait long for its international event, as First Stand will eventually visit the region for the first time in 2028, back in its traditional format. The host city, venue and dates will be announced at a later stage.

More to come in January

Riot will return in January with a deeper look at First Stand: All In, and more details on the 2027 international events will follow as the season approaches.