The 2026 League of Legends EMEA Masters Summer Split playoffs are underway, with reports indicating that the game patch was hastily changed from 26.18 to 26.20 just before the quarterfinals. Players and coaches have complained about the late notice, stating that teams had almost no time to train for the new patch.
Insider Gaming reported that patch 26.20 is also the version used for the World Championship. The outlet suggests that this patch brings significant adjustments to the competitive meta, potentially leading to changes in team compositions and champion picks.
G2 Nord's head coach, Nicolas Perez, stated on social media that the team only learned about the patch change approximately 36 hours before the quarterfinals, leaving them just enough time for one practice match. He also pointed out that Draven and Aphelios, champions favored by their opponents, had both received buffs.
Perez believes that Galions, who had to compete on the same day with no preparation time, were in an even more difficult situation. Specific details regarding the timing of the patch switch and its impact on preparations currently come from media reports and individuals involved in the competition.