League of Legends Worlds 2026 - Favourites, contenders, dark horses, and underdogs

Here's how the odds are shaping up for each team heading into Worlds 2026.

The 2026 League of Legends World Championship is almost here, with 19 teams from six regions competing for the Summoner's Cup. This season has already delivered plenty of surprises, including Western teams taking down LCK powerhouses, an unexpected Esports World Cup champion, and rising squads challenging established opponents.

With so many talented teams competing at Worlds 2026, picking a potential champion is no easy task. So, who has the best chance of lifting the trophy, and which teams could surprise everyone? GosuGamers takes a closer look at all 19 qualified teams, dividing them into four categories: favourites, contenders, dark horses, and underdogs.

Who are the tournament favourites at Worlds 2026?

Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, T1

It should come as no surprise that the LCK's three strongest representatives are among the favourites to win Worlds 2026. Between them, they boast exceptional individual talent, considerable international experience, and the ability to defeat practically anyone at their best.

Leading the pack are Gen.G, whose formidable form throughout the season has made them one of the most intimidating teams heading into Worlds. Their disciplined macro play, exceptional laning, and ability to dictate the pace of matches make them incredibly difficult to overcome. With both the LCK Cup and Season championship under their belt, Gen.G have established themselves as the team to beat, although their elimination by Dplus KIA at the Esports World Cup proved they aren't invincible.

Hanwha Life Esports (HLE) have been equally impressive, boasting a roster packed with individual firepower and an aggressive playstyle that can overwhelm even the strongest opponents. Their ability to turn unfavourable fights around has been particularly impressive. Having already claimed the MSI 2026 championship and finished second in the LCK, HLE possess both the talent and resilience needed to challenge for another international title.

Of course, no list of Worlds favourites would be complete without T1. The reigning World champions are chasing an unprecedented fourth consecutive title, although their 2026 season has been far from straightforward. Losses at MSI and the LoL Esports World Cup, followed by a third-place LCK finish, have raised concerns about their consistency.

Nevertheless, T1 have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to perform when it matters most. With legendary mid laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok still leading the charge, writing off the defending champions at Worlds would be a mistake.

Who are the contenders at Worlds 2026?

Bilibili Gaming, Anyone's Legend, G2 Esports, Dplus KIA

The contenders aren't necessarily far behind the favourites in terms of talent or potential. All four have challenged the world's best, although questions surrounding their consistency keep them just outside our top picks.

Bilibili Gaming (BLG) arguably have the strongest claim to joining the favourites. The LPL powerhouse began the year by winning First Stand 2026 and reaching the MSI Grand Final. With exceptional individual talent and an aggressive playstyle, BLG can overwhelm opponents when everything clicks. However, inconsistent performances, occasional coordination problems, and unexpected losses have raised concerns about whether they can sustain their best form throughout Worlds.

Meanwhile, Anyone's Legend (AL) arrive as the LPL's first seed after defeating BLG in the Split 3 Grand Final. AL have established themselves as one of China's strongest teams through excellent teamfighting and their ability to adapt to different opponents. Although they have yet to claim a major international championship, their continued improvement makes them a legitimate threat.

Europe's strongest representative, G2 Esports, have also enjoyed impressive international performances, including sweeping Gen.G at First Stand and eliminating T1 at MSI. Their willingness to experiment with unconventional champion picks and creative strategies makes them particularly difficult to prepare for. Their challenge will be maintaining that level of play throughout Worlds.

Dplus KIA have made a strong case for themselves as championship contenders following their remarkable resurgence in the latter half of the season. Led by veteran mid laner Heo “ShowMaker” Su, Dplus claimed the Esports World Cup title, defeating BLG and Gen.G before sweeping Karmine Corp 3–0 in the Grand Final.

The victory appears to have reignited the team's confidence, with ShowMaker and his younger teammates playing with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Their growing synergy translated into stronger LCK performances, culminating in a 3–1 victory over Worlds 2025 runners-up KT Rolster to secure their Worlds berth.

Their resurgence is even more impressive considering the organisation's financial difficulties, including delayed player salaries and an ongoing sale process. With ShowMaker looking rejuvenated and the roster continuing to improve, Dplus have good reason to believe they can challenge for another international title.

Which teams are Dark Horses at Worlds 2026?

Karmine Corp, Team Secret Whales, Movistar KOI, Shanghai Invictus Gaming, Team Liquid, LYON

This year's dark horses have already given their opponents reasons to be wary, with some delivering major international upsets and others finding their form towards the end of the season.

Karmine Corp (KC) arrive with one particularly interesting question: was their incredible LoL Esports World Cup run a glimpse of their true potential, or a one-off performance? The French organisation stunned Anyone's Legend and T1 before reaching the Grand Final, where Dplus KIA swept them 3–0. However, KC couldn't replicate that success domestically, dominating the LEC Summer regular season before finishing third in the playoffs. With a Play-In appearance awaiting them, KC will have to show that their EWC performance was no fluke.

Movistar KOI (MKOI), meanwhile, recovered from an uneven summer to sweep Karmine Corp 3–0 and reach the LEC Grand Final. Although G2 denied them the championship, MKOI's late-season improvement suggests they are finding their footing at the right time.

Team Secret Whales (TSW) have been a force to be reckoned with in the LCP, sweeping all three regional championships in 2026. The Vietnamese squad are full of fire and aren't afraid to make aggressive plays, even against more established opponents. While their macro play still has room for improvement, they've progressed throughout the season and already pulled off an impressive international upset by eliminating Top Esports 3–1 at MSI. Their fearless approach could give even the tournament favourites a difficult time.

China's Shanghai Invictus Gaming (IG) have taken a different route to Worlds. Following a difficult Split 2 campaign and several roster changes, they improved during Split 3 before defeating JD Gaming 3–1 in the Regional Finals. With veterans such as TheShy, Rookie, and Meiko alongside newer talent, IG have the individual quality to trouble almost anyone. Their challenge lies in maintaining the coordination they developed towards the end of the season.

North America's Team Liquid Alienware and LYON also deserve attention, although their circumstances differ. Team Liquid overturned LYON's domestic dominance by defeating them 3–1 in the LCS Summer Grand Final to secure the region's first seed. Their victory reflected the roster's growing coordination and confidence, particularly during the playoffs.

LYON, meanwhile, have already experienced success against international opposition. Their MSI campaign included a 3–0 sweep over G2 Esports and a closely contested five-game series against eventual champions HLE. Although they narrowly missed the Grand Final, LYON demonstrated that North America's strongest teams can hold their own against the LCK and LPL.

All six teams have shown what they're capable of against tough competition, and Worlds 2026 gives them another opportunity to build on those performances. It wouldn't be surprising to see some of them among the last teams standing.

Who are the tournament underdogs at Worlds 2026?

Top Esports, LOS, FURIA, Cloud9, CTBC Flying Oyster, MVK Esports

The underdogs have plenty of challenges to overcome, from unexpected roster disruptions to relatively inexperienced lineups. Nevertheless, all six have earned their places at Worlds, and none should be counted out before the competition begins.

Perhaps the biggest surprise in this category is Top Esports (TES). Despite being the LPL's third seed, their preparations have been disrupted by visa problems involving rookie toplaner Cheng “ZUIAN” Zi-Hao.

ZUIAN has been instrumental to TES's success, helping the team reach the LPL Split 2 Grand Final and earning a place on the Split 3 First All-Pro Team. However, after two unsuccessful US visa interviews, his Worlds debut is in jeopardy, prompting TES to prepare veteran Bai “369” Jia-Hao as his replacement. Although 369 has considerable international experience, he has spent months away from regular competitive League of Legends, reportedly spending much of that time streaming VALORANT instead. His sudden return raises concerns about his current form, familiarity with the meta, and coordination with teammates accustomed to playing alongside ZUIAN. Despite their individual talent, TES could struggle with such a significant last-minute change.

Brazil's representatives, LOS and FURIA, also face considerable challenges, although their circumstances are different. LOS secured the CBLOL championship after defeating FURIA 3–2, earning direct entry into the Swiss Stage. However, four members of their roster are making their Worlds debut. Their Esports World Cup appearance provided valuable international experience, but the World Championship will be another demanding assignment.

FURIA, meanwhile, must survive Play-Ins after narrowly missing the domestic title. Having already competed at MSI and the Esports World Cup, the Brazilian squad have experience facing international opposition. Their opening series against MVK Esports offers an opportunity to put that experience to use.

North America's third seed, Cloud9 KIA, face a similarly difficult assignment. With experienced players such as Robert “Blaber” Huang and Philippe “Vulcan” Laflamme, Cloud9 aren't lacking in talent, but their defeats against Team Liquid and LYON during the LCS playoffs exposed areas needing improvement. Their opening Play-In match against Karmine Corp will be an immediate test.

The LCP's remaining representatives, CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO) and MVK Esports, round out the underdogs. CFO have endured an uneven season despite fielding experienced players such as Chiu "Doggo" Tzu-chuan and Shih-Chieh “Rest” Hsu. Roster changes and inconsistent performances have prevented them from matching Team Secret Whales' dominance, although their second-place LCP finish secured direct entry into Swiss.

MVK arrive as the LCP's third seed with four players making their Worlds debut. The Vietnamese squad have promising talents, including toplaner Ngô “Kratos” Đức Khánh and mid laner Võ "Chika" Lê Nhâ, who earned individual honours during LCP Split 3. Having qualified through Championship Points, MVK will now face FURIA in Play-Ins.

With several players experiencing their first World Championship and others returning under very different circumstances, the underdogs have their own stories to tell.

What is the League of Legends World Championship?

The 2026 League of Legends World Championship is the sixteenth edition of Riot Games' annual world championship, taking place from 15 October to 14 November in the United States. The tournament features 19 teams from six regional leagues competing for the Summoner's Cup.

Worlds 2026 will take place across three locations:

• Play-In Stage (15–18 October): Riot Games Arena, Los Angeles, California.
• Swiss Stage (23–31 October): Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen, Texas.
• Quarterfinals and Semifinals (3–8 November): Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen, Texas.
• Finals (14 November): Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York.

The tournament begins with four teams competing in a best-of-five double-elimination Play-In bracket, with only one advancing to the 16-team Swiss Stage. Eight teams will then qualify for the Knockout Stage, where every series will be played as a best-of-five.

Worlds 2026 carries the theme "THIS IS OUR MOMENT", and will conclude on 14 November when the two remaining teams compete for the title of World champions.