LCK Cup Finals moves to Hong Kong, its first non-South Korean location

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 27/01/2026

From February 28th to March 1st, the League of Legends LCK Cup Finals will take place in Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Arena in the Kai Tak Sports Park. 

This location marks the first time the Cup Finals have been held outside South Korea.

LCK Cup Finals set to arrive in Hong Kong with government recognition

Hong Kong is certainly not underestimating the weight of hosting the first non-South Korean LCK Cup Finals tournament. 

Ahead of the event beginning February 28th, the Hong Kong government has awarded the LCK Cup Finals with the prestigious “M” Mark of recognition. 

This “M” Mark status is issued to events that the Hong Kong government believes enhance the region’s international image and status as a destination for high-profile sporting and entertainment events. 

In 2025, the November BLAST Premier Rivals Hong Kong Counter-Strike tournament became the first esports event to receive the “M” Mark designation. 

The LCK now follows suit for League of Legends. 

Does the regional move betray the LCK’s Korean fans?

Responses to the Cup Finals location have been mixed, with some fans worried that the LCK is increasingly being forced to prioritise its international audience over its regional supporters. 

The expansion to Hong Kong has certainly received some positive responses. Overall, the city has gained a reputation as a fantastic host. 

Furthermore, the LCK’s first steps outside South Korea indicate the potential for the tournament to reach new Asian audiences. This could continue building the region’s reputation for training the best League of Legends talent on the global stage. 

However, there are also concerns that the LCK is being stripped of its South Korean origins and identity. 

The LCK Cup Finals are, first and foremost, a domestic League of Legends circuit. It is not an international tournament. Therefore, it is controversial to rip a domestic circuit from its region for the sake of entertainment value elsewhere. 

This is also not the first time adjustments have been made that prioritise the international audience over domestic fans. 

At the beginning of 2026, all weekend match start times for both the LCK Cup and Regular Season were shifted from 3 pm to 5 pm. This move is viewed as being made with ease of viewing for international audiences in mind. 

The LCK Cup Finals’ move to Hong Kong may be an impressive leap for the regional tournament. Nevertheless, it does raise questions about prioritisation.

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

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