Demacia Cup goes global in 2026 with 12 teams from all major regions

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 27/08/2026

Riot Games, along with TJ Sports and Huya Inc. have announced the 2026 Demacia Cup Global Invitational is expanding. The new event, now running from 3rd October to the 17th, is growing what was previously an LPL-focused tournament into a six-region event for the first time.

Twelve teams will compete across the LPL, LCK, LEC, LCS, LCP and CBLOL. It should serve as another international event that teams can look forward outside of being reliant on Worlds.

Teams are not yet confirmed, but will be from the following slots:

• LPL: 3 teams (5th to 7th place in Championship Points)
• LCK: 3 teams (5th to 7th place)
• LEC: 2 teams (4th to 5th place)
• LCS: 2 teams (4th to 5th place)
• LCP: 1 team (4th place in Championship Points)
• CBLOL: 1 team (4th place)

Slot allocations were determined by MSI 2026 results, with the top two regions receiving three slots each. Third and fourth place regions get two each, with all remaining regions snagging one apiece. 

The format is hybrid. The tournament begins online from 3rd October before the top eight teams advance to offline finals in Beijing, hosted at the JDG home venue in October. The total prize pool is 1.5 million RMB, approximately €191,000.

For the LEC, this means the fourth and fifth-placed teams who miss Worlds qualification will get international competition. Realistically speaking, that likely means Fnatic, NaVi, Vitality, and GiantX are the teams most likely to fall into that bracket. That is depending on how the remainder of the LEC season plays out, and which teams make it to Worlds. Yes, it means that Fnatic and GiantX, technically being UK, or at least having roots here, have a real shot of advancing.

Further details on broadcast, team rosters and scheduling will be confirmed closer to the 3rd October start date. Worlds is then set to start from 15th October and run to 14th November.

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Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Craig began his career with Esports News UK back in 2015/2016, looking to write about a passion while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. He stayed there for several years before moving on to other websites to begin his career after graduating. Now he's back, covering esports adjacent topics and UK stories.

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