Western teams from the LEC and LCS enter Worlds 2026 with a realistic but narrow path to the grand final, reflected in the even 50% implied probability. LCK squads such as Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, and T1 dominate regional strength metrics and recent MSI results, while LPL sides like Bilibili Gaming and Anyone’s Legend add depth that typically fills playoff brackets. G2 Esports stands as the clearest Western contender with proven international macro and pocket-pick execution, supported by Team Liquid’s veteran shotcalling and Karmine Corp’s potential Play-In breakthrough. The Swiss-stage format and home-region hosting in North America create opportunities for upsets in best-of-ones before single-elimination knockouts favor Eastern execution. Late roster adjustments, meta shifts favoring aggressive Western skirmishing, or unexpected LCK-LPL clashes could elevate a Western side into the finals, while consistent Eastern depth would likely keep both grand-final spots in LCK or LPL hands.