If you needed a solid excuse to book a trip to the south of France this September, Riot Games just handed you one on a silver platter. The 2026 LEC Summer Finals are officially setting up shop in Nice from September 18 to 20 at the Palais Nikaïa.
While three days of high-stakes League of Legends with Worlds qualification on the line is already a massive draw, Riot was quietly holding onto a huge surprise for the broader community. The beloved LEC XPO is making its grand return, and this time, it is taking over the historic Jardin Albert 1er for an entire weekend of pure, unadulterated fan culture.
A Free Festival in the Heart of Nice
Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, the LEC XPO is transforming the center of the city into a giant, open-air celebration of the Runeterra universe. The absolute best part? It is completely free to attend and open to all ages.
Starting at 11:00 AM both days, you can stroll into the park and soak up the vibes. Partner booths from heavy hitters like KIA, KitKat, Euronics, Red Bull, and ExpressVPN will be scattered around with activities and giveaways.
You will also get to rub shoulders with esports royalty, as juggernauts like G2 Esports and Karmine Corp are officially locked in for meet-and-greets, with even more team announcements dropping soon.
Whether you want to snag exclusive Riot Games merch, check out activations for other titles like Teamfight Tactics, or just flex your favorite cosplay under the Mediterranean sun, the XPO is turning the weekend into a full-scale city festival.
Sun, Sea, and Seaside Watch Parties
Did not manage to snag a seat inside the arena? Do not stress, because Riot built an open-air solution directly into the XPO layout.
For the first time ever, the XPO is hosting an official, open-air Summer Watch Party right at the Théâtre de Verdure inside the park. You can grab a spot by the seaside, unpack a picnic, and catch every single Baron steal, teamfight, and pentakill on the big screen alongside hundreds of screaming fans.
While access to the watch party zone is free, you will want to grab a digital ticket online ahead of time to lock in your entry and avoid being left standing on the boardwalk.
Between the palm trees, the high-stakes games, and an entire park filled with diehard fans, Nice is shaping up to be the ultimate capstone to the 2026 LEC season. Keep your eyes on LoLEsports for ticket drops, pack your sunscreen, and prepare for one hell of a weekend on the French coast.
