Riot Games is exploring adjustments to the opening stage of the 2027 League of Legends World Championship. The current Play-In Stage may be canceled and replaced by a format incorporating the Demacia Cup Global Invitational. Chris Greeley, Head of Global Esports, stated that this plan has not yet been finalized, and further details will be announced once decisions are made.
The inaugural Demacia Cup Global Invitational was held in China in 2026, scheduled between the summer splits of various regions and the World Championship. The tournament featured 16 teams, with rosters drawn from the LCK, LPL, LEC, LCS, LCP, and CBLOL, primarily consisting of teams that placed fourth to seventh in their respective regional playoffs. In the finals, BNK FEARX defeated Team WE 3-1 to claim the title.
In contrast, the 2026 World Championship Play-In Stage will feature only four teams. If the Demacia Cup Global Invitational becomes a pathway to the World Championship Swiss Stage in the future, both the scale of participation and the duration of the event could expand significantly.
Riot has confirmed that the 2027 World Championship Swiss Stage will be held in Japan, while the Knockout Stage will move to South Korea. The location for the opening stage has not yet been announced. Greeley also mentioned that Riot hopes to introduce more third-party tournaments similar to the World Star Challengers Invitational.