LPL Split 1 2026: Playoffs betting preview, odds and favorites

Naerlyn Published February 16, 2026

The Group stage and Knight’s Rivals phases of the LPL Split 1 2026 are over. This means that we are now down to eight teams battling for the LPL’s two slots at First Stand 2026 in the playoffs. To make everything clear, here’s our LPL Split 1 2026 playoffs preview and betting tips.

LPL Split 1 2026 Playoffs Odds

Playoffs Format

The LPL Split 1 Playoffs is a double-elimination bracket among the remaining eight teams. In this region, all 14 matches are Best of 5s. Both finalist teams qualify for First Stand 2026, starting on March 16th in the Riot Games Arena in São Paulo, Brazil.

All eight teams also receive Championship points used for eventual Worlds qualification, based on their placement.

Eight playoffs teams remaining

The LPL Split 1 2026 playoffs teams (with their groups and Knight’s Rivals wins-losses) are:

1. Anyone’s Legend (Group Ascend, 8-2)
2. Bilibili Gaming (Group Ascend, 6-4)
3. Weibo Gaming (Group Ascend, 5-5)
4. JD Gaming (Group Ascend, 5-5)
5. Ninjas in Pyjamas (Group Perseverance, 4-2, 1-0 in Knight’s Rivals)
6. Top Esports (Group Ascend, 4-6, 1-0 in Knight’s Rivals)
7. Invictus Gaming (Group Ascend, 2-8, 1-1 in Knight’s Rivals)
8. Team WE (Group Perseverance, 4-2, 1-1 in Knight’s Rivals)

Top Esports at Worlds, now 6th place in the LPL. Image Source: Christian Betancourt / Riot Games

Playoffs Schedule and First Matches

• February 24th: Round 1 upper bracket matches 1 and 2 (JDG vs TES and AL vs WE)
• February 25th: Round 1 upper bracket matches 3 and 4 (WBG vs iG and BLG vs NiP)
• February 26th: Round 2 upper bracket match 1
• February 27th: Round 2 upper bracket match 2
• February 28th: Round 1 lower bracket match 1
• March 1st: Round 1 lower bracket match 2
• March 2nd: Round 2 lower bracket match 1
• March 3rd: Round 2 lower bracket match 2
• March 4th: Upper finals
• March 5th: Lower bracket round 3
• March 7th: Lower finals
• March 8th: Grand finals

LPL Split 1 Playoffs: Who are the favorites?

Just like in 2025, the LPL has a clear two teams leading the pack. This time, Anyone’s Legend is solidly in the lead over Bilibili Gaming. AL displayed a fantastic performance at Worlds 2025 despite losing in the quarterfinals, and they went into 2026 with the same roster once more. Continuing to ride that momentum, they now enter the playoffs going 1-1 against BLG and JDG, and 2-0 against all others.

To make matters worse for the competition, they had their two losses at the beginning of the split. AL then proceeded to go 7-0.

Bilibili Gaming, second favorite at the LPL Split 1 Playoffs. Image Source: Yicun Liu / Riot Games

Coming to challenge them is Bilibili Gaming. BLG traded Elk and their jungle duo for Viper and Xun, and changed their coaching staff. After a very disappointing showing at Worlds 2025, they seem to have regained some composure. BLG still looks a clear step below AL, but they’re their most likely challengers, and are poised to claim the LPL’s second First Stand slot. On the other hand, while having excellent laners, Bilibili’s teamfighting is below average in a region that lives and dies by it.

The would-be competition that looks outclassed is Top Esports and Invictus Gaming. After winning the 2025 Split 1 and looking strong in Split 3, they can’t reproduce these feats with their new bot lane and jungle. As for iG, their Demacia Cup victory seems more and more like a product of the better teams missing their key players in that tournament.

Featured Image Source: Colin Young-Wolff / Riot Games