Riot Games Unveils Americas Cup for League of Legends Esports

Key Takeaways

• Riot Games launches the Americas Cup, a new cross-regional League of Legends tournament connecting LCS and CBLOL teams.
• The event takes place in São Paulo between LCS Lock-In and First Stand 2026.
• Competing teams include the second and third-place finishers from both the LCS and the CBLOL.
• The America's Cup uses a double-elimination format with Bo3 and Bo5 matches.
• No prize pool is awarded; teams compete for MSI boot camp support instead.
• Riot reintroduces LCS and CBLOL branding while rolling out the new First Selection draft system.

Riot Games has announced the Americas Cup, a new competitive League of Legends event designed to strengthen inter-regional play across the Americas. Positioned as a bridge between domestic leagues and global competition, the tournament will be held live at the Riot Games Arena in São Paulo.

Scheduled after the LCS Lock-In and ahead of First Stand 2026, the Americas Cup brings together top performers from the LCS and CBLOL, offering high-stakes matches without direct financial incentives. Instead, teams compete for boot camp placements ahead of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI), reinforcing Riot’s shift toward performance-driven competitive rewards.

Alongside the event, Riot confirmed the return of established regional league identities and introduced First Selection, a new drafting mechanic designed to increase strategic depth across professional play. The Americas Cup signals Riot’s broader strategy to tighten competitive ecosystems while maintaining regional relevance within the global League of Legends calendar.

Source: Esports Insider