Riot Games Revolutionizes Draft Format for 2026: "First Selection" System Unveiled

Riot Games has officially introduced the "First Selection" system, set to fundamentally transform the side selection and drafting process for the 2026 professional season. This reform aims to enhance tactical depth and eliminate static advantages traditionally tied to map color.

Key Changes: Under the new rules, the team with priority must choose between two critical strategic assets: map side (Blue or Red) or draft order (First or Second pick). Once the initial choice is made, the opposing team claims the remaining option.

For instance:

• If Team A chooses the Blue Side, Team B decides whether to pick first or second.
• If Team A chooses First Pick, Team B decides which side of the map they will play on.

Riot Games emphasizes that this update will allow organizations to build more flexible strategies based on preparation and opponent scouting. The system is scheduled for a global rollout across all professional regions at the start of the upcoming season.