The LCS Returns: LCS Lock-In 2026 Format, Teams, and Schedule Explained
- Miguel Méndez
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
After a year-long experiment with the League of the Americas (LTA), Riot Games has officially reinstated the League Championship Series (LCS) and CBLoL for the 2026 competitive season. In North America, the return of the LCS comes with a restructured league, new teams, and the introduction of a brand-new opening tournament — LCS Lock-In 2026.
The tournament will serve as the first major event of the NA season and offer teams a direct path to First Stand 2026, Riot’s first international tournament of the year. Here’s everything you need to know about the LCS Lock-In 2026 format and schedule, including participating teams and broadcast details.
What Is LCS Lock-In 2026?
LCS Lock-In 2026 is the official season-opening tournament for North American League of Legends. The event will kick off on January 24 at the Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles and run through March 1, with international qualification on the line.
The tournament replaces traditional split openers and is designed to deliver immediate high-stakes competition, allowing teams to showcase new rosters while fighting for an early-season advantage.
LCS Lock-In 2026 Format Explained
The LCS Lock-In 2026 format is divided into two competitive phases:
Phase 1: Swiss Stage
All teams compete in a Swiss-style format
Matches are played as best-of-three (Bo3) series
Teams that reach a 3–0 record advance and gain the right to select their playoff opponent
Teams that reach three losses are eliminated from the tournament
Phase 2: Playoffs
The top six teams from the Swiss stage advance
Playoffs follow a double-elimination bracket
The winner is crowned LCS Lock-In 2026 Champion and secures qualification to First Stand 2026
This structure rewards consistency while allowing room for recovery, making early drafting and adaptability critical.
LCS Lock-In 2026 Participating Teams
The tournament will feature eight teams, including seven partnered LCS organizations and one team that qualified through Promotion and Relegation.
Confirmed Teams
Cloud9
Dignitas
FlyQuest
LYON (Latin American organization remaining in NA post-LTA)
Sentinels (newly acquired slot, formerly held by 100 Thieves)
Shopify Rebellion
Team Liquid
Disguised (Promotion & Relegation qualifier)
The inclusion of Sentinels and Disguised adds fresh storylines to the league, signaling a new era for North American competition.
LCS Lock-In 2026 Schedule and Where to Watch
The LCS Lock-In 2026 schedule begins on January 24, featuring marquee matchups right out of the gate:
Opening Weekend Matches
Cloud9 vs Team Liquid
Sentinels vs Disguised
Sunday, January 25
FlyQuest vs Shopify Rebellion
LYON vs Dignitas
Fans can find the full tournament schedule on the official LoL Esports website.
Why LCS Lock-In 2026 Matters
The return of the LCS marks a reset for North American League of Legends. With:
A new tournament format
International qualification at stake
Multiple new rosters and organizations
LCS Lock-In 2026 sets the tone for the entire competitive year. Early success could define momentum heading into the rest of the season, while poor performances may force teams to rethink their approach before regular league play begins.
A New Era for the LCS
With its revamped structure and high-stakes opening event, LCS Lock-In 2026 represents Riot’s renewed commitment to rebuilding the North American ecosystem. As teams debut new lineups and fight for international relevance, the tournament promises a compelling start to the 2026 season.
