The Demacia Cup Global Invitational 2026 features 12 mid-table teams from the LPL, LCK, LEC, LCS, LCP, and CBLOL in a hybrid format beginning October 3. An online Swiss stage runs through October 8 with best-of-one opening matches transitioning to best-of-three series under Fearless Draft rules, where previously picked champions are banned for the remainder of each series. The top eight advance to single-elimination best-of-five playoffs October 12–17 in Beijing, also using Fearless Draft plus limited coach comms. This structure across roughly 20–30 total series, combined with regional roster differences and the pre-Worlds patch, drives higher champion variety than standard drafts. The inaugural event’s emphasis on diversity in draft strategy will be the primary determinant of the final unique champion count.