Worlds 2027 heads to Japan and South Korea as Riot expands First Stand

Worlds 2027 heads to Japan and South Korea as Riot expands First Stand

Riot Games has confirmed that Japan and South Korea will jointly host Worlds 2027, while Valencia will stage MSI and China will host an expanded edition of First Stand.

The announcements establish the locations of all three major international events for the next Competitive season.

Worlds visits Japan for the first Time

Nagoya will host the Swiss Stage, marking Japan ’s first involvement as a World Championship host.

The tournament will then move to South Korea . The Suwon Convention Center will stage the quarterfinals and semifinals, while Seoul Arena will host the final.

Riot is also evaluating whether the Demacia Cup Global Invitational could replace the traditional Worlds Play-In. That proposal remains under consideration.

Valencia receives Spain’s first MSI

MSI 2027 will take place at Feria de Valencia. Riot has not yet announced event dates or ticket information.

First Stand expands in China

The one-off First Stand: All iN will feature more teams than previous editions, with Riot describing it as its largest tournament to date.

The expansion moves the 2027 event from Southeast Asia to China and will affect regional Split 1 schedules and formats. Further details, including qualification, are expected in January.

Southeast Asia will instead host First Stand 2028, when the event returns to its traditional format.