Worlds 2026 begins its League of Legends play-in stage on October 15, with the first Pick'Em window closing before the opening match. Missing that window does not mean every prediction stage is over: Swiss picks open October 18 and lock before the first Swiss match on October 23. Knockout predictions have another window after that.
The prediction windows still ahead
Riot's Worlds primer gives separate opening and locking dates for each stage. Play-in predictions lock before the October 15 opener. Swiss predictions open on October 18 and lock before the first Swiss match on October 23. The knockout window opens October 31 and closes before the first knockout match on November 3.
Use the official Pick'Em page or the League of Legends client to make selections and check the remaining time on the stage you are entering. Return when the next window opens to see which predictions need your attention. Submitting an earlier round's picks does not complete every stage of the tournament.
Crystal Ball predictions also return, alongside the stage-based picks. Riot says their scoring takes place after Worlds concludes. Keep the client or Pick'Em page as the reference for available questions and their own locks, since selecting match winners and answering tournament-wide questions are different parts of the activity.
Match times for the stage locks
Play-in matches begin at 11:00 PDT (18:00 UTC) on October 15 through 18. For a reader in Berlin, that is 20:00 CEST. The first Swiss matches on October 23 begin at 12:00 CDT (17:00 UTC), or 19:00 CEST. Submit the relevant predictions before those opening matches rather than trying to finish while the broadcast is beginning.
Europe leaves daylight saving time on October 25, before the US changes on November 1. That changes the European viewing time even when the local US start time stays the same. For example, a 12:00 CDT start is 18:00 CET on October 25, compared with 19:00 CEST on October 23. Check the date as well as the time zone when adding a match to your calendar.
The final is scheduled for November 14 at 14:00 EST (19:00 UTC), which is 20:00 CET in Berlin. These are tournament match times. The Pick'Em interface should be checked for the exact submission countdown, especially if Riot adjusts a broadcast or a particular stage's availability.
How the tournament changes your picks
The official format explainer covers the structure behind those prediction stages. Play-ins use a four-team, best-of-five double-elimination bracket. The Swiss stage then pairs teams across rounds as they try to earn three wins before suffering three losses.
Riot's rules prevent repeat opponents within Swiss, while same-region matches can happen after its first round. That means a team's route can change as results arrive. When the Swiss prediction window opens, review the actual draw and the choices in the official interface instead of filling them from an older list shared before play-ins finished.
Knockouts follow the Swiss stage, with the quarterfinal draw taking place after Swiss concludes on October 31. The prediction window opens that day, leaving time to consider the draw before knockout matches begin November 3. A correct earlier prediction does not remove the need to revisit the later window.
Eligibility and when rewards arrive
Participation requires a valid Riot account with a Summoner Name and an eligible region. Riot excludes certain countries and territories, as well as regions where a local publisher operates League of Legends, including China. Local rules can also change prize eligibility. Check the terms shown for your account before assuming a reward tier applies everywhere.
Riot says it aims to distribute rewards within 48 hours after the November 14 final and asks eligible players to contact Player Support if credit has not arrived by November 21. That is a target and a support date, not a promise that every account receives every reward at the same instant.
The tournament also has paid skins, bundles and a pass. Those purchases are separate from predicting results; a skin appearing in Worlds marketing does not make it a guaranteed Pick'Em prize. Our League pass free-track guide covers another reward system, and the Twitch Drops guide explains watch-based campaigns. Check the particular system before spending money or leaving a stream running for a reward.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still make Worlds picks after play-ins begin?
Swiss picks open October 18 and lock before the first Swiss match on October 23. Knockout picks open October 31 and lock before November 3 matches.
When does the first Swiss match begin?
October 23 at 12:00 CDT, which is 17:00 UTC and 19:00 CEST in Berlin.
When do Worlds Pick'Em rewards arrive?
Riot aims to distribute rewards within 48 hours after the November 14 final. It asks eligible players to contact support if credit is missing by November 21.
Does every Riot account qualify for Pick'Ems?
No. A valid Riot account and Summoner Name are required, and regional restrictions and local prize rules apply.
