Published: January 15, 2026
Riot Games has officially pulled back the curtain on the exciting plans for the 2026 League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) season, confirming the return of the highly anticipated LEC Roadtrips. These special events, designed to bring the electrifying atmosphere of professional League of Legends directly to the most passionate fanbases, are set to make significant stops across Europe, specifically focusing on key regions in Spain and France.
The Return of LEC Roadtrips: Bridging the Gap Between Pros and Fans
The LEC Roadtrips concept has proven instrumental in fostering deeper connections between the league, its participating teams, and the vibrant European community. By moving the action out of the traditional studio setting and into dedicated venues within major cities, Riot aims to enhance fan engagement and celebrate the grassroots enthusiasm that fuels professional esports.
For the 2026 season, Riot has solidified partnerships with two powerhouse organizations known for their dedicated followings: Spain's Movistar KOI and France's Karmine Corp. These collaborations are central to the upcoming schedule, promising massive local turnouts and an unparalleled competitive atmosphere.
According to the interim schedule released by Riot Games, fans can expect a total of five major Roadtrip events throughout the year, each spanning three full days of high-stakes League of Legends action. This expansion highlights the continued growth and investment in the LEC ecosystem as it solidifies its standing among the world's premier esports leagues.
2026 LEC Roadtrip Destinations and Dates Revealed
The schedule offers a clear roadmap for the year, kicking off the competitive calendar with a major event even before the first official Roadtrip segment begins. Here is a breakdown of the confirmed dates and locations:
Early Season Kickoff: LEC Versus Finals
The competitive year will officially launch with the LEC Versus Finals, scheduled to take place from February 27th to March 1st in Barcelona, Spain. This event sets the tone for the entire season and serves as an early opportunity for teams to compete in front of a live, energized Spanish audience, perfectly setting the stage for the Movistar KOI-hosted events later in the year.
Spain Takes Center Stage with Movistar KOI
Movistar KOI, one of the most recognizable brands in Spanish esports, will host two significant Roadtrip weekends in Madrid. The first event, the LEC Spring Roadtrip by Movistar KOI, is slated for May 8th through May 10th, 2026. Following the conclusion of the Spring Split, the action will return to the Spanish capital in the autumn for the LEC Summer Roadtrip by Movistar KOI, running from September 4th to September 6th.
These Madrid stops are expected to draw massive crowds, leveraging KOI's deep local roots and strong fan mobilization capabilities. The commitment from Movistar KOI underscores the strategic importance of the Iberian market to the overall health and viewership of the LEC.
France Rallies Behind Karmine Corp
On the French side, Karmine Corp (KC), known for arguably the largest and most passionate fanbase in European League of Legends, will host a major event. The LEC Spring Roadtrip by Karmine Corp is scheduled for April 24th to April 26th in Évry-Courcouronnes, France. This location, closely associated with KC's operations, is anticipated to be a monumental gathering of the 'KCorp' faithful.
Riot has confirmed that a LEC Summer Roadtrip by Karmine Corp is also planned, though specific dates and location details are currently forthcoming. Given the success of previous French activations, this second KC event is expected to be one of the highlights of the latter half of the season.
What's Next for the LEC in 2026?
While the Roadtrip schedule provides major anchor points, Riot also provided an update on the season finale. The official location for the highly coveted LEC Summer Finals 2026 remains unannounced, suggesting that Riot is finalizing plans for what promises to be the biggest concluding event of the year, potentially outside of the traditional Roadtrip structure.
Furthermore, the preliminary competition for the very first event of the 2026 season, the aforementioned LEC Versus event, officially began on January 17th. Fans eager for immediate action can find more granular details regarding the initial competitive structure on the official LEC blog, ensuring that the excitement starts building immediately following this major schedule announcement.
The 2026 schedule demonstrates Riot’s continued commitment to decentralizing the LEC experience, ensuring that the league remains accessible and engaging across key European territories. With major activations planned in Spain and France, the stage is set for a highly competitive and fan-centric year of League of Legends esports.
