League of Legends Worlds 2026: Play-In Pick'Ems Guide

There is no better time to put your League of Legends knowledge to the test than during Worlds 2026, with all participating teams now confirmed.

The Play-In and Crystal Ball Pick’ems are already open, but the window to submit your predictions is short, so make sure to lock in your picks before the deadline!

The Play-In Pick'Ems will end on October 15, just before the first match between FURIA and MVK Esports begins at 11 a.m. PT. 

How To Do Your Worlds 2026 Pick'Ems

To access the Pick'Ems challenge, you can visit the official LoL Esports link for the challenge. Once there, you will need to log in with your Riot ID before you can make your picks for the Crystal Ball as well as the Pick'Ems challenge.

If you need help with the Crystal Ball challenge, check out our guide to learn how the prediction system works and how to make your picks.

For this year’s Worlds, the Pick’Em is split into three stages: Play-Ins, the Swiss Stage, and the Knockouts. Each stage has its own opening and closing dates, so be sure to mark your calendar!

Play-Ins Stage Predictions:

• Opens: October 10 at 4 p.m. PDT
• Closes: October 15 before the first Play-Ins match begins at 11 a.m. PT

Swiss Stage Predictions:

• Opens: October 18
• Closes: October 23, before the first Swiss Stage match begins at 10 a.m. PT

Knockout Stage Predictions:

• Opens: October 31
• Closes: November 3, before the first Knockouts match begins at 2 p.m. PT

The League of Legends World 2026 Championship will be played on Patch 26.20.

Strafe's Play-Ins Pick'Ems

Having trouble predicting which team will advance to the Swiss Stage? Strafe’s Pick’Ems can help you make your choices by offering an alternative perspective on the potential outcomes.

In this scenario, Karmine Corp and Cloud9 would face each other twice, first in the opening round of the Play-Ins, and again in the final, with the winner of the second matchup securing a place in the next stage.

Considering the current meta, international experience, players’ careers, and each team’s overall track record, FURIA and MVK Esports could both face an uphill battle to survive the Play-In stage. The final between the remaining two teams, however, could be a closely contested series that goes either way.

Karmine Corp may have a slight edge thanks to its international experience, but Cloud9 will have the home crowd behind them. That support could provide an additional boost and help the North American team secure a place in the next stage.

Keep in mind that only one of the four teams will qualify for the Swiss Stage, joining the other 16 teams already in the main event.

League of Legends Worlds 2026 Strafe Pick'Ems (Photo by Riot Games)

By completing your Pick’Ems, you can earn in-game rewards from Riot Games. As the tournament progresses, additional rewards will depend on your position in the global rankings, where fans from around the world compete to make the most accurate predictions.

The more accurate your Pick’Ems, the greater the rewards you can earn.

Follow Strafe Esports for all the latest League of Legends news, and follow our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Featured image credit: League of Legends // Riot Games 

Read More:

League of Legends Worlds 2026 Crystal Ball Guide

Worlds 2026 Play-In Draw Sets Opening Matchups

LOS Wins CBLOL Split 2 and Secures Direct Spot in Worlds Swiss Stage