Summary:

The LEC 2026 Versus Playoffs starts on February 16, at the Riot Games Arena in Berlin, Germany.

Eight teams are still in the competition to win the championship and qualify for the First Stand 2026, with the grand final scheduled on March 1.

The playoffs uses a double-elimination format and have best-of-three matches for the first two rounds, while the remaining matches are best-of-five.

The regular season is over, and Europe’s top League of Legends teams are moving on to the next challenge. The LEC 2026 Versus Playoffs kicks off on February 16, featuring eight teams battling it out for the first major trophy of the year. The champions will also earn a place at the international First Stand tournament in Brazil.

Teams That Qualified

After weeks of close matches, eight teams earned their place in the playoffs. The teams moving on are:

Karmine Corp
Natus Vincere (NAVI)
Team Vitality
Team Heretics
GIANTX
Movistar KOI
G2 Esports
Fnatic

For the teams that missed out, the journey ends here. Shifters, Los Ratones, SK Gaming, and Karmine Corp Blue were eliminated during the regular season. Los Ratones had one of the toughest exits. Going into the final day, they had more than a 90% chance of qualifying, but a disappointing finish left them in ninth place, just one position short of making playoffs.

Playoff Format Explained

The LEC 2026 Versus Playoffs will use a double-elimination bracket for its format, meaning teams can lose once. Instead of being eliminated, they get sent to the lower bracket, where they must win to stay in the tournament. If they lose in the lower bracket, that’s when they get eliminated completely.

The first two rounds of the playoffs will be played as best-of-three (Bo3) series. After that, every match becomes a best-of-five (Bo5), raising the stakes and allowing for longer, more intense battles.

The playoffs will also still use the Fearless Draft system. In this format, champions that are picked or banned in one game cannot be used again in the same series. So, more than just playing strong and meta-relevant picks, teams must strategize and be creative in drafting.

Schedule and Matchups

The tournament runs from February 16 until March 1, when the grand final will decide the LEC Versus champion. The playoffs begin with four opening matches spread across two days.

First Round Matchups

Matches are scheduled to start at 4:45 pm CET.

February 16

NAVI vs Fnatic
Team Vitality vs Movistar KOI

February 17

Team Heretics vs G2 Esports
Karmine Corp vs GIANTX

What Teams Are Playing For

Winning the LEC 2026 Versus Playoffs isn’t just about the trophy. The champion will also earn the right to represent the entire EMEA region at First Stand 2026. This is the first global League of Legends tournament of the year, taking place in Brazil in March.

First Stand lets teams play against the best international rivals early in the season. If they perform well, it can build confidence, give them momentum, and show they’re a serious team to watch.

Conclusion

Ready for the LEC 2026 Versus Playoffs? The competition will surely be intense, thanks to a double-elimination format that might set up rematches and upsets. With a spot at First Stand 2026 on the line, teams must stay sharp under pressure. The playoffs start on February 16, kicking off what promises to be an exciting run.

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