LoL Esports Reveals 2027 Hosts in China, Spain, Japan and South Korea

LoL Esports revealed host locations for its three international tournaments in 2027 on 13. November 2026, including a World Championship split between Japan and South Korea, MSI in Valencia, Spain, and an expanded First Stand event in China. The plans follow a first look presented during the League of Legends Showcase.

Worlds and MSI Venue Plans

Nagoya, Japan, will host the Swiss Stage at Worlds 2027, while South Korea will host the entire Knockout Stage. LoL Esports said Nagoya’s assignment marks the World Championship’s first appearance in Japan. Adding Japan expands the previously announced plan for Worlds to return to South Korea rather than replacing that return.

The quarterfinals and semifinals will be held at Suwon Convention Center in Suwon, South Korea. The Worlds Final is assigned to the brand-new Seoul Arena in Seoul, where the Knockout Stage will conclude with the Summoner’s Cup at stake.

MSI 2027 will take place at Feria de Valencia in Valencia, Spain. LoL Esports said it will be MSI’s first event in Spain and that dates and ticket information will be released later. The competition brings together top teams from the regional leagues.

First Stand Expansion Alters Split 1

First Stand: All In will open the 2027 international calendar as a one-time special edition with more teams and players. LoL Esports said it will be the largest tournament the organization has produced, creating more opportunities for teams to compete internationally.

The expanded event moves First Stand 2027 from its previously announced Southeast Asian location to China. Its expansion will also affect Split 1 across the regional leagues, connecting the larger international opener to changes in the opening portion of regional competition. Riot plans a January update covering the tournament’s format, qualification process and other event details, while regional leagues will separately provide their 2027 competitive formats and schedules.

Southeast Asia remains part of the longer-term roadmap. LoL Esports said First Stand will head there in 2028, returning to its traditional format for its first appearance in the region. The host city, venue and event dates for that edition will be announced later.

Worlds Qualification Remains Under Review

Riot Games is also evaluating whether the Demacia Cup could replace the traditional Worlds Play-In Stage in 2027. LoL Esports said the review follows the reception of the 2026 Demacia Cup and that the change could create more best-of series and more opportunities for teams to compete for a Worlds place. No decision has been finalized, and Riot will share more information as the plans develop.

The January briefing will cover First Stand’s structure, while regional announcements will show how Split 1 accommodates it. The confirmed venues establish the Worlds locations, while the Demacia Cup review leaves its qualification path unresolved.