Riot Games has selected South Korea and Japan to cohost the 2027 League of Legends World Championship. The tournament splits competition across both nations, beginning with the Swiss stage in Nagoya before shifting to Suwon and Seoul for the knockout rounds and grand final. This marks the first time Japan welcomes Worlds matches and returns the final to South Korean soil after 4 years.
Riot Games Global Head of LoL Esports Chris Greeley detailed the host cities during the LoL Showcase in New York. The 2027 tournament brings together 19 teams representing 6 regional circuits. Competition starts in Nagoya for the Swiss stage, marking the competitive debut of Worlds in the Japanese market. Surviving teams then travel to South Korea to play the quarterfinals and semifinals at the Suwon Convention Center across 6 days of matches. The grand final takes place in Seoul inside the Seoul Arena project located in Changdong.
Suwon municipal officials project 8000 daily attendees, adding up to 48000 total spectators across the quarterfinal and semifinal stages. Economic data released by the city shows the 2023 tournament generated an estimated 740 billion won in direct and indirect economic activity. Greeley pointed out that South Korea continues to occupy an indispensable position in esports history, making the return for the decisive trophy stages a natural progression for the circuit.
Riot Games also updated host plans for the remaining international stops on the circuit. The opening tournament of the year adopts the title First Stand All In for 2027, reflecting an expanded field of teams and players compared to the original format introduced in 2025. The tournament moves to China to manage the expanded competitive schedule, while Southeast Asia will now host the event in 2028. Full format details will arrive early in the competitive year.
The Mid Season Invitational heads to Valencia, Spain. Riot Games had previously committed to an event inside the EMEA territory and finalized the Spanish city during the New York showcase. Valencia represents the home market for LEC team Movistar KOI, anchoring the midyear international trophy battle in one of the strongest regional fan bases in Europe.
