League of Legends Esports World Cup 2026 betting odds and markets

This summer, the biggest Esports event of the year takes place in Paris, with fans heading to the French capital to watch the best players compete at the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC).

League of Legends is one of the marquee tournaments at the Esports World Cup, with 16 teams competing for the title and a share of the massive prize pool. All Esports betting markets are available at Stake Sportsbook. Sign up to bet on League of Legends today.

League of Legends EWC 2026 format and how the tournament works

The League of Legends Esports World Cup is split into 2 stages: the group stage, followed by a single-elimination playoffs bracket that leads to the Grand Final. 16 teams take part in the event, which runs from 15 to 19 July and offers a $2 million prize pool.

By performing well in the League of Legends event, as well as other tournaments at the Esports World Cup, teams earn Club Championship points. The Club Championship offers the biggest prizes of the entire event. Check out our EWC 2026 picks blog for the latest predictions and analysis of upcoming tournaments you'll be able to find at Stake.

Group stage format and GSL double elimination

The group stage features 16 teams split between 4 double-elimination groups, with each group featuring 4 teams. After the opening match, the winners play each other, and the losers face off in an elimination match. The decider match then pits the elimination match winner against the team that lost the winners' match.

Most group stage matches are played as a single game (best-of-1), while elimination and decider matches are played to the best of 3 games. The top 2 teams from each group progress to the playoffs. Because of the double-elimination format, it is possible for a team to lose their opening match and still advance, so keep the format in mind when placing your "to qualify" bets.

Playoffs bracket and grand final

While the group stage uses a double-elimination format, the playoffs are a single-elimination bracket. Losing teams go home, and the winners advance to the next stage. Matches here are played to the best of 3 games, while the Grand Final is a best-of-5 series to decide the champions.

All 16 teams and groups for League of Legends at EWC 2026

Group A

• G2 Esports - LEC (EMEA)

• Anyone's Legend - LPL (China)

• Dplus KIA - LCK (Korea)

• FURIA - LTA South (South America)

Group B

• Gen.G - LCK (Korea), defending champions

• Team Secret - LCP (Asia-Pacific)

• Karmine Corp - LEC (EMEA)

• Sentinels - LTA North (North America)

Group C

• T1 - LCK (Korea)

• Bilibili Gaming - LPL (China)

• GAM Esports - LCP (Asia-Pacific)

• Movistar KOI - LEC (EMEA)

Group D

• Hanwha Life Esports - LCK (Korea)

• JD Gaming - LPL (China)

• LYON - LTA North (North America)

• MIBR.LOS - LTA South (South America)

League of Legends EWC 2026 betting markets available at Stake

There are lots of ways to bet on the 2026 EWC at Stake. League of Legends betting markets include the standard match winner, a two-way option that works like a moneyline bet. Choose which team you think will win the match, but remember that most group stage matches are a single game, while elimination matches and playoff series are played to the best of 3 games.

You also have the map handicap market, which applies a theoretical handicap or advantage to either team. If you bet on Gen.G -1.5, they need to win by 2 maps or more for your bet to win. This market is available on the best-of-3 and best-of-5 series later in the tournament.

The map winner market lets you bet on which team will win a specific map, such as the first game of a series. Some teams are stronger closing out early maps, while others are known for reverse sweeps. Meanwhile, total maps allows you to predict how many maps will be played over or under a specific line. For example, over 2.5 would mean your bet wins if a best-of-3 series goes to a third game.

The outright winner betting market lets you bet on the eventual champions of the tournament. You can select any team, but be aware that the betting odds will shift during the event as teams win matches and progress through the rounds. Prop markets such as first blood and first tower are also available on selected matches.

To learn more about League of Legends betting markets and how to bet on matches, read our dedicated League of Legends betting guide. It is also worth checking out the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) guide and the MOBA terminology guide.

Gen.G's title defence and key contenders to know

Esports World Cup 2025 League of Legends winners Gen.G return to defend their title this summer. The LCK side lifted the trophy last year with a dominant run through the bracket, beating Anyone's Legend in the final, and arrived at that event fresh off a Mid-Season Invitational victory. As the defending champions, they are among the favourites in the opening outright odds.

Anyone's Legend are one of the top challengers after pushing Gen.G all the way in the 2025 final. The LPL side will be looking to go one better this time, and they open the tournament in Group A alongside G2 Esports and Dplus KIA.

T1 are another headline name to watch. The Korean org won the inaugural Esports World Cup League of Legends title in 2024 and remain one of the most decorated teams in the game. They headline Group C against Bilibili Gaming, one of the strongest sides from the LPL.

With four LCK teams, three LPL teams and Europe's best in the field, the group draw is packed with contenders. Because most group stage games are a single map, early upsets are more likely than in a best-of-3 format, which creates value across the match winner and map handicap markets.

League of Legends EWC 2026 schedule and stages

15-16 July - Group stage

• 15 July - Group stage opening and winners matches

• 16 July - Elimination and decider matches

17 July - Quarterfinals

• Four single-elimination best-of-3 quarterfinals

18 July - Semifinals

• Two best-of-3 semifinals to decide the finalists

19 July - Third place match and Grand Final

• Third place match followed by the best-of-5 Grand Final

Live League of Legends betting and streaming during EWC 2026

While betting on League of Legends at the Esports World Cup 2026, you can also make the most of live betting markets at Stake. During each series, the odds can shift depending on the outcome of the first and second maps, so you can react in real time to momentum swings as teams take objectives and close out games. Live streaming is available too, so you will be able to follow each play as it happens.

Stake promotions for Esports World Cup betting

While enjoying the Esports World Cup at Stake, look out for our active sports betting promotions. You will also be able to earn regular rewards when you join our VIP Club at Stake. Level up your account by placing bets and unlock rakebacks, reloads and more.

Ensure you are betting responsibly, staying within your limits and not betting more than you can afford to lose. Our Stake Smart page offers help and advice, with tools such as deposit limits available to set up on your account.