Riot Games has revealed the first details for Pick’Ems at this year’s League of Legends World Championships (LoL Worlds).
Both Pick’Ems and Crystal Ball will return for 2026, with fans predicting tournament results, the most played champions etc.
Some new rewards have already been revealed, including an icon and emote based on the new True Damage skins.
Here is everything we know about LoL Worlds Pick’Ems 2026.
When Does LoL Worlds Pick’Ems 2026 Start?
The League of Legends World Championships will begin with the Play-Ins on Thursday, October 15 with the LoL Worlds Play-In draw taking place first on October 10.
Play-Ins picks and Crystal Ball picks will then open on October 10 from 4 pm PDT (7 pm EDT).
Players will then have to lock in their Play-Ins predictions before the first match starts on October 15 at 11 AM PDT (2 PM EDT).
Then, the Swiss Stage picks will open from October 18 and will need to be locked in before the first Swiss match on October 23.
And finally, players will be able to predict the Knockout Stages from October 31 and will need to lock those picks before the first match on November 3.
Riot has also confirmed that after the Worlds final concludes on November 14, Pick’Ems rewards will be distributed within 48 hours.
LoL Worlds Pick’Ems Tips
Getting a perfect Pick’Ems score is nearly impossible and will require a lot of luck and some strange decisions as there are always surprises.
Studying the LoL 26.20 Patch Notes may help with the Crystal Ball, as that is the patch that Worlds will be played on.
And as for predicting the actual tournament, this appears to be the most open Worlds in recent memory.
LCK champions Gen.G are currently the slight favourites, but they were favourites at the last two Worlds and never made the final.
Meanwhile, it’s hard to write off T1 who have won the last three World Championships despite rarely winning domestic titles.
As for LPL teams, reigning champions Anyone’s Legend should be favoured but Bilibili Gaming have shown the highest highs this year.
And both the LEC champions G2 Esports and LCS champions Team Liquid have shown very clean performances recently. They could certainly cause upsets but are long shots for the title.
Who do you think will win Worlds this year and who will be the surpirse package? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord.
Meanwhile, TES toplaner Cheng ‘ZUIAN’ Zi-Hao may miss Worlds due to a visa issue. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.
An esports journalist for nine years with a focus on LoL Jack has written for national newspapers, interviewed major names, and driven people mad with puns. He's most proud of…
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