Worlds 2026 opens October 15 in Los Angeles on patch 26.20, the final pro-tuned build after 26.19's targeted buffs to fringe options like Aatrox, Aurora, Elise, Fiora, Kha'Zix, Lillia, and Volibear alongside nerfs to Nasus, Nocturne, Poppy, Rumble, Ryze, and Vi. The 19-team field features an expanded Play-In double-elimination bracket, Swiss stage with Bo1/Bo3 rounds, and best-of-five knockouts through mid-November, creating more total games than recent editions. Pro solo-queue data shows a concentrated pool around Jayce, Lee Sin, Camille, Bard, Syndra, and Lucian, though teams historically expand picks once elimination pressure eases. Last year's tournament recorded 95 unique champions across 84 games; the current patch's emphasis on widening jungle and top-lane options could push the count higher unless 26.20 further narrows viable drafts.