Everything You Need to Know About The LPL Split 1 2026

Summary:

LPL Split 1 2026 features a new format and increased Championship Points, making it a refreshing and exciting tournament for players and viewers.

The tournament will be held starting January 14, 2025 until early March, held in different arenas across the country..

14 LPL teams are competing for the top two spots in the event, which will grant them qualification to First Stand 2025.

LPL Split 1 2026 is the first part of China’s League of Legends season, and it has some big updates. The tournament now uses a new format and gives out more Championship Points, which makes it more important than before. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the LPL, this explains what you need to know.

When Does LPL Split 1 2026 Start?

LPL Split 1 2026 starts on January 14, 2026, and ends in early March. The season begins with the Regular Season, then moves to the Knights Rivals stage, and finishes with the Knockout Stage.

This split is very important because the top two teams will represent China at First Stand 2026, the first international tournament of the year. Because of that, every match is more important than usual.

Competing Teams

Instead of 16 teams, LPL Split 1 this year features only 14. FunPlus Phoenix and Royal Never Give Up are no longer part of the league, so Riot Games changed the format to fit the smaller number of teams. Still, the competition is very strong, with the top teams battling hard for spots in international tournaments. Here are all 14 teams participating in the tournament:

Anyone’s Legend
Bilibili Gaming
EDward Gaming
Invictus Gaming
JD Gaming
LGD Gaming
LNG Esports
Ninjas in Pyjamas
Oh My God
Team WE
ThunderTalk Gaming
Top Esports
Ultra Prime
Weibo Gaming

New Group Stage Format Explained

The biggest change in LPL Split 1 2026 is that the Group Stage is back and easier to understand. There are three groups in the new format, and teams are placed based on how well they did in 2025:

Group Ascend (6 teams): The strongest teams
Group Perseverance (4 teams): Middle-ranked teams
Group Nirvana (4 teams): Lower-ranked teams

Teams play best-of-three matches, and they are not eliminated right away because each group uses a double-elimination format.

After the Group Stage:

The top four teams in Group Ascend go straight to the Knockout Stage
The bottom two Ascend teams, all Perseverance teams, and the top two Nirvana teams move on to Knights Rivals
The bottom two Nirvana teams are knocked out of the tournament

Knights Rivals and Knockout Stage

After the LPL Split 1 2026 Group Stage, eight teams will go to the Knights Rivals stage. This stage serves like a last-chance qualifier, with best-of-five matches over several rounds. The teams that win move on to the Knockout Stage, where the final eight teams compete in a double-elimination bracket.

At the Knockout Stage, teams from Group Ascend can choose who they play first. In the end, the top two teams qualify for First Stand 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil, which makes these matches very intense and important.

Championship Points and Fearless Draft

Another major update in LPL Split 1 2026 is the increased Championship Points. Teams now earn more Championship Points, which help them qualify for future events. The better a team finishes, the more points they get:

Here’s how points are awarded:

1st place: 80 points
2nd place: 50 points
3rd place: 40 points
4th place: 20 points

This is much more than last year, so doing well in Split 1 matters a lot more.

Fearless Draft is also back, meaning a team cannot pick the same champion again in the same series. This change forces teams to use even uncomfortable champs for more variety and adaptability. When watching the event, fans should expect more unconventional picks, classic champions, and creative drafts.

Conclusion

Overall, LPL Split 1 2026 is more important, more competitive, and more rewarding than ever. With a new format, higher stakes, and international qualification on the line, this split sets the tone for the entire 2026 season.

Writer’s Recommendation:

Liked this article? If you did, you may be interested in related news and guides I’ve written about League of Legends and esports news. Check them out!

LCK 2026 Grand Finals Officially Set for the KSPO Dome | Fragster

League of Legends Icon Faker Honored With Cheongyeong Medal | Fragster

League of Legends Future Plans Revealed: New Client, Visuals & Game Modes | Fragster

Consider Watching

Stalingrad Dollosa

Stalingrad Dollosa is an award-winning esports journalist with over 5 years of experience covering the global competitive scene. Specializing in titles like Dota 2, CS2, and Mobile Legends, he combines deep game knowledge with a talent for storytelling and analysis. His work has earned industry recognition for its clarity, accuracy, and engaging style. Known for breaking key stories and delivering sharp tournament coverage, Stalingrad brings a professional, data-driven edge to every article. At Fragster, he continues to set the standard in esports reporting, offering fans expert insights and high-quality content that captures the pulse of the game.