Worlds 2026: Play-In Without LPL/LCK – MVK and a Historic Chance for the World

When I was 14, the 2026 World Cup taught me that underdogs don't win by magic. And now, at 22, I see a League of Legends version of that story: the 2026 Worlds Play-In. Riot Games has just announced a new format, removing LPL and LCK from this stage, replacing them with four teams from LEC, LCS, CBLoL, and LCP – regions often considered 'second-tier.' Among them, MVK Esports, the LCP's third seed, stands before a historic opportunity. I write this article for you to argue with me, not for you to agree. Previously, the Worlds Play-In was often where the 4th seeds of LPL and LCK faced off against minor region champions. In 2026, it was almost a third-place match between these two. But in 2026, Riot has completely changed it. LPL and LCK no longer participate in the Play-In. Instead, four teams will compete: the LEC 3rd seed (loser of the lower bracket final), the LCS 3rd seed (the team that didn't make finals), the CBLoL runner-up, and the LCP 3rd seed – MVK. All matches are Bo5, in a double-elimination bracket, and only one team earns a spot in the Main Stage. The schedule runs from September 19 to October 10, creating an uneven preparation timeline for the teams. MVK secured their spot dramatically. They lost their first playoff match, then defeated GAM Esports 3-2 in the lower bracket, and then lost the final to CFO 1-3. That shows they are a team capable of handling pressure, but it also reveals their ceiling against the strongest team in their region. The expected roster includes Kratos, Gury, Chika, Harky, and SiuLoong – names that aren't superstars, but a cohesive unit. Coach Eucliwood will face the biggest challenge of his career: preparing strategies for multiple Bo5s against opponents from LEC, LCS, and CBLoL – teams with deeper champion pools and more international experience. The Bo5 double-elimination format changes everything. There's no room for the luck of a Bo1. Any team wanting to advance must have at least two or three different strategies and adapt between games. MVK has proven they can win in do-or-die situations, but the question is whether they can sustain performance across multiple consecutive Bo5s. The extended schedule also benefits teams that qualify early: MVK secured their spot early, allowing them to practice on the Worlds patch while CBLoL must wait until October 10 to know their opponent. But hold your applause. I have a different perspective: removing LPL and LCK from the Play-In isn't necessarily good news for the 'rest of the world.' It creates an illusion that they have a real chance, but in reality, the quality of the advancing team will be much lower than in previous years. A team like MVK, if they make it to the Main Stage, might get crushed by higher-seeded teams. And is a single slot truly fair? If the bracket is randomly drawn, a strong team could be eliminated early due to a tough draw. Riot hasn't announced the first-round matchups yet, and that's a major unknown. People call it delusion; I call it a hypothesis to be tested. MVK could surprise, but they could also fail spectacularly. Their international experience is nearly zero. The stage pressure is huge, opponents are stronger, and a month away from official competition could disrupt their rhythm. However, looking at how they beat GAM in a life-or-death match, I see a rare resilience. And in a format where every match is Bo5, resilience might be worth more than pure talent. While MVK represents the LCP, the other teams have their own stories. LEC and LCS, despite being considered major regions, have declined in recent years. Having to participate in the Play-In is an insult to North American fans, but also an opportunity to prove their worth. CBLoL, with its massive fanbase in Brazil, has always craved a spot in the Main Stage. This is the first time they have a real chance, without facing the Asian giants. Financially, appearing at Worlds is a huge boost for MVK. Their first appearance on the world stage will help attract sponsors and increase brand value. If they can win a Bo5, their story becomes great content for media. Riot also benefits: more broadcast hours, more local languages, and greater interest from emerging markets. However, risks are also significant. If MVK is eliminated in the first round, will sponsors continue to believe? And if a team like CBLoL loses badly, will Riot have to reconsider the format? This is a gamble, not just for the teams, but for Riot itself. So, will MVK advance? I'm not sure. But I am certain of one thing: this new format will reshape how we view 'second-tier' regions. If MVK – or any of the four teams – makes it to the Main Stage, it will prove that the League of Legends world isn't just about LPL and LCK. And if they fail, it's also a lesson: underdogs don't win by magic, but through preparation, strategy, and a bit of luck. Let's wait and see.