Riot Confirms LCS and CBLOL’s Return as Independent Leagues in 2026

Riot Games has officially announced that starting in 2026, both the LCS and CBLOL will return as fully independent regional competitions. This move marks the end of the experimental LTA structure, which only lasted for one season. The decision comes after strong criticism from fans and teams, who felt the regional identity of these leagues had been lost. Riot promises to keep the best elements from 2025 while restoring the unique local flavor of each league.

Why Riot Dropped the LTA Format ❌

Back in 2025, Riot merged LCS, CBLOL, and LLA into the LTA. The goal was to increase competition, introduce new systems, and establish a shared revenue pool. However, the format quickly drew backlash:

• Regional identity disappeared
• Schedules became overloaded and confusing
• Fans still identified with the original leagues

Riot admitted that the community wanted its traditional leagues back, leading to the 2026 shift.

What’s Changing in 2026 🔄

Starting next season:

• LCS and CBLOL will run independently, each with its own schedule and championship
• Cross-regional stages are removed, giving more time for internal matchups
• Splits will be longer, offering more stage time for teams
• Formats and schedules will be simplified for clarity

Both leagues will keep the three-split structure, with separate finals at year’s end.

International Tournament Qualification 🌍

The qualification system will return to the 2024 model:

• First Stand: 1 team each from LCS and CBLOL
• MSI: 2 teams from LCS, 1 from CBLOL
• Worlds: 3 teams from LCS, 1 from CBLOL

This setup aims to deliver greater transparency and consistency for international play.

What Stays from the LTA Era 🏗️

• LLA won’t return as a separate league, but LATAM teams will remain in the ecosystem
• LCS will represent North + Central America; CBLOL will cover Brazil + LATAM South
• Partner teams Leviatán and LYON keep their spots
• Guest slots remain:LCS will invite teams from NACL or LRN
• CBLOL will invite from CD or LRS

Riot also stressed its commitment to Tier-2 scenes, ensuring a path for new talent to reach pro play.

Looking Ahead ⏳

Riot will reveal the final formats and schedules by the end of 2025. The company emphasizes that this return to regional leagues is not a step backward, but rather a sustainable evolution that blends past lessons with fresh approaches to grow esports in the Americas.