Dates: October 1 - 4, 6 - 7

Group Stage:

City: Busan

Dates: October 10 - 17

Quarterfinals:

City: Busan

Dates: October 20 - 21

Semifinals:

City: Gwangju

Dates: October 27 - 28

Finals:

City: Incheon

Date: November 3

Now that we know the when and where, let’s get to the who.

The regional leagues are still in their summer split season, with some team rankings still extremely close. The first place team for the Summer Split in these leagues will automatically get a spot at the Worlds. So let’s check in on which teams are standing strong right now.

North America LCS

The first place team in the Summer Split will automatically get a spot at Worlds, while the team with the most championship points throughout the entire season will also get to go as second seed. So there’s a good chance both teams will go, but that surely won’t stop Saturday night’s clash from being a must-watch.

Europe LCS

But they did fall to Splyce earlier this week in a shock upset. The game dragged on for more than 20 minutes with little progress, and it seemed that Misfits fell back into their struggles with the late game.

Still 10-2 is an impressive record, and Misfits looks primed to make it to Worlds again this year.

League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK)

The LCK has won five out of the past seven Worlds. And this year the region will be playing on home turf. But the fight to be the best of the best is incredibly close right now.

While KSV had a middling performance during Spring, KING-ZONE DragonX has a edge over the other two, having finished first place and also won second place at the Mid-Season Invitational.

Griffin isn’t a team that’s easily dismissed however. They weren’t around for the Spring Split, but barrelled through the rankings for Summer and ended up at the top. (Also, I personally have a soft spot for them for winning with a Teemo pick that wasn’t locked in by accident.)

Tencent League of Legends Pro League (LPL)

RW’s Doinb says LPL is getting stronger

Invictus is one of the oldest organizations in China. It was actually at the top of its division during the Spring Split with just one loss, but fell in the playoffs to Royal Never Give Up and Rogue Warriors, ending the split in fourth place.

Meanwhile Rogue Warriors was formed recently, and most of its members have never been to the Worlds before. However, they performed well during its very first international tournament at Rift Rivals, guiding the LPL tol victory.

We’ll see if either team will be able get to South Korea, and help the LPL finally seize its first Worlds Trophy.

League of Legends Master Series (LMS)

Flash Wolves were at the last three Worlds and virtually all the other international tournaments as the LMS representative, but unfortunately always fall short against teams from other regions.

Of course, this current state of play isn’t set in stone. There’s still about two to three weeks left in the Summer Split. And even though these teams may be at the top of the scoreboard at the moment, they still have to win their league’s playoffs to be the official first place winner, and get that ticket to the World Championship.

But being at the top right now is key to keeping the teams’ momentum going. And when it’s the chance for international glory on the line, every little advantage helps.