The 2026 Mid-Season Invitational arrives in Daejeon, South Korea, from June 28 to July 12. Eleven teams from six regions will fight for the year's first international title in this city's debut as a major Riot Games host, under the theme "Call Your Shot".
Format breakdown
MSI 2026 opens with a Play-In stage (June 28 – July 1) in a double-elimination bracket. Four teams — T1, Team Liquid, Karmine Corp, and Deep Cross Gaming — battle for the final Main Event slot. The Bracket Stage (July 3 – 12) then features eight teams competing in a double-elimination BO5 format with fearless draft rules, where one strategic misstep can end a team's title run.
Teams to watch
Hanwha Life Esports make their first-ever MSI appearance as LCK's first seed, after beating T1 3-1 in the Road to MSI finals — a historic debut for the organization. Bilibili Gaming remain the only team capable of completing the Golden Road in 2026, still undefeated internationally this year. G2 Esports enter as First Stand 2026 champions, hungry to add MSI gold to their growing trophy cabinet. T1 must first survive the Play-In against Team Liquid before they can challenge for the title on home soil in South Korea.
One major storyline heading into Daejeon: Gen.G, the defending World Champions, failed to qualify for MSI 2026 — a notable absence that opens the door for new champions. HLE, TES, BLG, G2, LYON, and FURIA advance directly to the Bracket Stage.
Venue and theme
The tournament takes place at Daejeon Convention Center II — the first time this city has hosted a major Riot Games international event. The "Call Your Shot" theme centers on regional rivalries and personal grudge matches, with Fan Festa experiences inspired by new champion Locke.
With fearless draft raising the strategic stakes and inter-regional rivalries at a boiling point, MSI 2026 promises to be the most exciting international event of the first half of the year. The Play-In stage begins June 28 — it's time to call your shot.