Kha Y Tran The official group stage draw for the League of Legends event at Esports World Cup 2026 has been completed. As a result, fans can now look forward to several exciting matchups in Paris, France. The tournament will take place from July 15 to July 19 and feature 16 top teams from around the world.
For Vietnamese fans, the spotlight is on Team Secret Whales (TSW) and GAM Esports. Both teams have landed in difficult groups. However, they will also have a chance to prove themselves against some of the biggest names in professional League of Legends.
Follow the tournament at: https://www.youtube.com/@ewc
Group A Promises Plenty of Surprises
Group A features G2 Esports, AG.AL, Dplus KIA, and FURIA. Many fans believe this is one of the most unpredictable groups in the tournament.
G2 enter the event as one of Europe’s strongest teams. Meanwhile, Dplus KIA bring years of international experience from the LCK. However, AG.AL and FURIA are also dangerous opponents. Both teams have shown that they can upset stronger teams on the international stage.
Because the opening matches are Best-of-1, every game will be important. One mistake could change the entire group. Therefore, Group A could produce several surprises.
Team Secret Whales Face a Massive Challenge
Group B includes Team Secret Whales, Gen.G, Karmine Corp, and Sentinels. This group has quickly become one of the most talked-about groups of the tournament.
TSW’s biggest challenge will be Gen.G. The Korean powerhouse is known for its discipline, strong macro play, and excellent team fighting. As a result, many fans consider Gen.G one of the favorites to win EWC 2026.
However, the other teams should not be overlooked.
Karmine Corp have one of the largest fan bases in esports. They also continue to improve on the international stage. Meanwhile, Sentinels represent North America and often play with an aggressive and unpredictable style.
Although TSW enter as underdogs, they still have opportunities. The Best-of-1 format can create surprises. Therefore, if TSW prepare strong drafts and execute their early-game strategies well, they could challenge expectations.
For Team Secret Whales, this tournament is more than just a competition. It is also a chance to show the progress of Vietnamese League of Legends on the world stage.
GAM Esports Enter the Group of Death
Group C has quickly become the biggest attraction of the tournament. The group features GAM Esports, BLG, T1, and MKOI.
Many fans already consider this the “Group of Death.”
The biggest reason is the presence of T1. Every international event involving T1 attracts huge attention from fans around the world. In addition, BLG arrive as one of the strongest teams from China and remain a serious title contender.
For GAM, the challenge could not be much bigger.
Still, GAM have often performed well when facing stronger opponents. Their aggressive style, fast pace, and creative champion picks have helped them create surprises in the past.
Against T1 and BLG, GAM will likely need to play with confidence. A defensive approach may not be enough. Instead, they must create pressure early and force their opponents into uncomfortable situations.
Furthermore, Group C carries strong historical and emotional value. GAM and T1 have met several times on the international stage. Meanwhile, BLG represent the growing strength of the LPL. Therefore, every match in this group will attract enormous attention.
Korea vs China Rivalry Continues in Group D
Group D consists of Hanwha Life Esports, JDG, LYON, and MIBR.LOS.
At first glance, Hanwha Life Esports and JDG appear to be the favorites. Both teams have strong rosters and international experience.
As a result, fans are already excited about a possible clash between Korea and China during the group stage.
However, LYON and MIBR.LOS cannot be ignored. International tournaments often produce unexpected results. Moreover, the Best-of-1 format gives underdogs a better chance to compete.
EWC 2026 Format Creates Extra Pressure
The League of Legends tournament at EWC 2026 will use the GSL format.
The opening matches will be played as Best-of-1. After that, teams will compete in winners’ and losers’ brackets. The elimination and qualification matches will use the Best-of-3 format.
Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
From the quarterfinals onward, teams will play in a single-elimination bracket. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be Best-of-3. Meanwhile, the grand final will be played as a Best-of-5 series.
Because of this format, every game becomes extremely important.
Can Vietnam Create Another International Surprise?
Both Vietnamese teams face difficult challenges at EWC 2026. Team Secret Whales must battle Gen.G and several dangerous opponents. Meanwhile, GAM Esports have landed in arguably the hardest group of the tournament.
However, international League of Legends has always been unpredictable.
Vietnamese teams have built their reputation through fearless play, creative strategies, and strong fighting spirit. Therefore, neither TSW nor GAM should be counted out.
As EWC 2026 approaches, fans around the world are waiting for the action to begin. In the end, one great play, one smart draft, or one unexpected moment could change the entire tournament.
Read more:
EWC 2026 Begins with a Spectacular Paris Showcase
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