The KeSPA Cup 2026, an annual League of Legends tournament organized by the Korea Esports Association, is set to begin on July 20 and will run until August 18. This year marks the tenth iteration of the tournament, which has moved from its traditional late-year schedule to the summer, spanning nearly a month of intense competition.

This year's tournament will feature all ten teams from the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK), including renowned names like T1, Gen.G, and HLE. The competition format includes a preliminary round followed by two final stages, allowing teams to showcase their skills and potentially test new strategies.

Schedule Overview

The preliminary rounds will take place on July 20, 21, and 27, with matches scheduled to be held online. The final stages will begin on July 28 and conclude with the championship match on August 18 at the Daejeon Esports Arena in Daejeon, South Korea.

During the preliminary rounds, teams are divided into two groups of five, competing in a Best of One format. The top four teams from each group will advance to the first final stage, which will adopt a Swiss format, ensuring that teams with similar rankings face off against each other.

Participating Teams

• Group A: Gen.G, DK, NS, DNS, KRX
• Group B: HLE, T1, BRO, BFX, KT

This format allows for greater flexibility, enabling teams to experiment with their lineups while minimizing the risk of early elimination from the tournament.

Where to Watch

Fans can catch all the action of the KeSPA Cup 2026 exclusively on Disney+. This marks the second consecutive year that Disney+ has secured broadcasting rights for the tournament, although viewers should be aware that broadcast schedules and availability may vary by region.

The KeSPA Cup 2026 is not just a competition; it serves as a crucial opportunity for teams to prepare for the upcoming season, evaluate their roster depth, and provide young players with valuable experience in high-stakes matches.