LEC Versus 2026 Kicks Off with G2 Esports’ Landmark Betting Sponsorship and Fnatic’s Opening Victory

The League of Legends EMEA Championship (LEC) Versus 2026 season has officially launched, bringing together twelve elite teams from across the region to compete for a coveted spot in the global First Stand tournament. Kicking off on January 17th, the season immediately presented a significant development in the esports landscape: G2 Esports announced a pioneering sponsorship deal with Winamax, a prominent betting firm. This partnership not only highlights G2’s continued commercial ambition but also underscores a strategic shift by Riot Games, which is now allowing betting sponsors in its Tier 1 League of Legends and VALORANT ecosystems, albeit under strict regulations.

The LEC Versus 2026 tournament, scheduled to run until March 1st, is more than just a regional championship; it is a direct pathway to international glory. The winner will earn the right to represent the EMEA region at the second edition of First Stand, an international competition slated for March 16th to 22nd in São Paulo, Brazil. Unlike previous iterations, this year’s LEC Versus does not offer a cash prize, emphasizing the prestige and global exposure associated with qualifying for First Stand as the ultimate reward.

Teams Vie for Dominance and a Global Stage

Twelve teams are participating in this year’s LEC Versus, with notable roster changes across the board. According to power rankings assessed by Filmogaz.com, G2 Esports stands at the top, boasting a consistent lineup from 2025 that has seen them reach three finals and claim the LEC Summer title. Their ambition this year is clear: to qualify for First Stand for the first time in their franchise history. Following G2 are Movistar KOI, who have also retained their core lineup, led by captain Javier “Elyoya” Prades, showcasing strong synergy built over years of teamwork. Karmine Corp, the defending champions from the previous year, are positioned third, integrating new talent like Alan “Busio” Cwalina alongside key players such as Kim “Canna” Chang-dong.

Other significant contenders include Fnatic, who have made strategic roster developments to enhance performance, adding rookies Panagiotis “Empyros” Tantis and Park “Lospa” Joon-hyeong. GIANTX maintains its roster from last year, aiming to elevate beyond their previous top-five finishes. Team Vitality, with Marek “Humanoid” Brázda joining as midlaner, seeks to improve on their seventh-place finishes. The competition also features teams like NAVI, Shifters (formerly Team BDS with a complete rebranding), Team Heretics, SK Gaming, Los Ratones, and Karmine Corp Blue, all striving to make their mark on the season and secure a path to Brazil.

Fnatic Secures Opening Day Victory Against Los Ratones

The intensity of the LEC Versus 2026 was immediately apparent on opening day, January 17th, with a compelling match between Los Ratones, an invited team, and LEC veterans Fnatic. As reported by eGamersWorld.com, the game began with a cautious approach from both sides, characterized by an even early game and minimal aggression. Map rotations became more prominent around the 10-minute mark, but the decisive moment arrived at the 22-minute mark during a river skirmish. Fnatic demonstrated superior decision-making and quicker team grouping, securing a numerical advantage that resulted in three crucial kills and the Baron buff.

Leveraging the Baron buff, Fnatic swiftly pushed lanes and dismantled towers, accumulating a lead of over 5,000 gold. Despite Los Ratones’ efforts, they struggled to find effective counter-play, allowing Fnatic to snowball their advantage to a conclusive victory. This win marked a strong start for Fnatic in their quest for the First Stand qualification, setting an early tone for the competitive season ahead where every match contributes to the ultimate goal of international representation.

G2 Esports Forges Landmark Betting Partnership with Winamax

Beyond the in-game action, a major commercial development has reshaped the sponsorship landscape for the LEC. G2 Esports has announced a significant partnership with Winamax, a well-known betting company, exclusively for their League of Legends EMEA Championship endeavors. This deal marks the first time a betting sponsor has been associated with G2’s League of Legends team, making G2 the first team in the LEC to secure such an agreement.

This landmark sponsorship was made possible by a recent policy shift from Riot Games. In 2025, Riot began allowing betting sponsors in Tier 1 League of Legends and VALORANT leagues, provided they receive direct approval from Riot Games. While 1xBet was approved for VCT Americas in South America last November, Winamax’s deal with Riot Games for the LEC and VCT EMEA is a significant step for the European and Middle Eastern regions. Crucially, Winamax’s presence will be limited to G2’s co-streams and content, and will not appear on team jerseys or the official LEC broadcast, a measure designed to integrate these partnerships responsibly.

Riot Games’ Evolving Sponsorship Framework and Responsibility

The agreement between Riot Games and Winamax is non-exclusive, indicating that other betting websites could potentially enter similar deals to sponsor teams in Tier 1 League of Legends and VALORANT competitions. This suggests a broader trend of betting partners seeking to engage with the esports audience, but always under the prerequisite of securing a direct deal with Riot Games. A key component of this framework is the mandatory use of GRID, Riot Games’ official data provider partner (in which Riot holds an equity stake), to power betting offerings. This ensures consistency, integrity, and accountability in the data used for odds generation.

With the introduction of betting sponsorships, Riot Games and its partners are emphasizing responsible engagement. All Winamax partners are required to include clear legal disclaimers in their messaging. These include strict prohibitions against underage betting and warnings about the risks associated with gambling, such as debt, isolation, and addiction. The role of co-streamers, such as the eight affiliated with G2 among the 45 total for LEC Versus, becomes particularly vital in advertising these products while ensuring these critical disclaimers are communicated transparently, especially since betting partnerships are not displayed on the official broadcast.

The integration of betting sponsors into major esports leagues like the LEC, while opening new revenue streams crucial for the ecosystem’s growth, simultaneously necessitates robust regulatory frameworks and a heightened focus on responsible gaming. This dual imperative reflects the maturing commercial landscape of competitive gaming, where financial opportunities are increasingly balanced with ethical considerations and player welfare.