LPL 2026 Split 1 Betting Odds – Bilibili Gaming and Anyone's Legend Lead the Markets
- The 2026 LPL campaign kicks off on January 14 with the opening of Split 1
- The top two teams will earn qualification for the inaugural First Stand international event
- Bilibili Gaming and Anyone's Legend are the teams to beat
LPL 2026 Split 1 Betting Odds
The curtain raises on the 2026 League of Legends Pro League (LPL) season this January, with LPL 2026 Split 1.
- LPL 2026 Split 1 Format
- Regular Season
- Knights Rivals
- Knockout Stage
- How to Bet on LPL 2026 Split 1?
- LPL 2026 Split 1 Favourites
- LPL 2026 Split 1 Odds
- LPL 2026 Split 1 FAQ
Set to kick off on January 14, LPL 2026 Split 1 ushers in a new era for the Chinese LoL esports league.
Marking the first split of the year in a three-split calendar, LPL will feature 14 elite teams vying for domestic honours and international opportunities.
The competition is more than just a race for the LPL trophy, as the top two teams that reach the Grand Final will also secure China's invitations to the First Stand global tournament.
With numerous roster changes this offseason, the balance of power in the LPL was expected to shift. But some things haven't changed: the current outright markets have Bilibili Gaming as the team to beat as they enter the split, hoping to defend their throne.
A resurgent Anyone's Legend and a reloaded JD Gaming could threaten BLG and are within striking distance. However, it remains to be seen whether they or any other team could present a tough challenge for BLG.
For fans and punters alike, the opening weeks of the 2026 season will be an indicator of which rosters have successfully navigated the off-season meta shifts, and the rest of the split promises fierce battles for the top spots.
LPL 2026 Split 1 Format
For the 2026 Split 1, the LPL will use a unique format designed to push all teams to their limits.
The campaign begins with a hierarchical seeding process that distributes the field into three performance-based divisions based on the teams' 2025 results.
The elite squads enter Group Ascend, the mid-tier squads start in Group Perseverance, and the lower-seeded teams begin in Group Nirvana.
Every division is double round-robin, with all fixtures played as best-of-three (BO3).
The four strongest teams in Group Ascend bypass the play-ins to secure a direct playoff berth, while the bottom two are relegated Knights Rivals Round 1.
Meanwhile, Group Perseverance sends its top two into Knights Rivals Round 1, while the lower half must wait until Round 2. In Group Nirvana, only the top two finishers survive to reach Knights Rivals Round 2, with the remaining teams eliminated.
The Knights' Rivals stage acts as a play-in stage. It will use a hybrid elimination system with best-of-five (BO5) clashes serving as the final filter, with only four winners advancing to the knockout stage.
The playoffs are a double-elimination bracket where every series is a BO5. To ensure a true test of champion mastery, all playoff games use the Fearless Draft rule.
Regular Season
- Participating squads are categorised into three tiers based on their 2025 LPL performances
- Group Ascend consists of the top six teams
- Group Perseverance features four mid-tier contenders
- Group Nirvana contains four lower-seeded teams
- All divisions follow a double round-robin format
- Every match is BO3
- Group Ascend: The top four advance to playoffs; the bottom two drop to Knights Rivals Stage 1
- Group Perseverance: The top two reach Knights Rivals Stage 1; the bottom two drop to Knights Rivals Stage 2
- Group Nirvana: The top two qualify for Knights Rivals Stage 2; the bottom two are eliminated
Knights Rivals
- Hybrid elimination format
- All fixtures are BO5
- Four qualifying spots are available for the final knockout bracket
Knockout Stage
- Double-elimination bracket
- BO5 games
- Fearless Draft rule
- The two grand finalists earn direct invitations to the First Stand 2026 tournament
How to Bet on LPL 2026 Split 1?
The LPL is one of the strongest LoL esports leagues in the world and a major draw for esports bettors. Due to its popularity, LPL markets are available on most top-tier sportsbooks, ensuring LoL fans do not have to look far to place their bets.
Stake remains one of the top choices for LPL betting. The platform offers a wide variety of markets, including map handicaps, total kills, and unique player props, alongside competitive odds, free live streaming, and in-play betting options.
- Visit Stake
- Register or sign in using the promo code NEWBONUS and claim your welcome bonus
- Navigate to the LoL betting markets and find LPL
- Start placing bets on LPL 2026 Split 1
LPL 2026 Split 1 Favourites
Bilibili Gaming enter the 2026 season as undisputed frontrunners to defend their throne.
Boasting a roster that many analysts consider to have a top-two talent in every single position, Bilibili Gaming have done a great job this offseason to reinforce their position as one of LPL's top dogs.
The defending champions have made a massive statement by signing world-class ADC Viper to play alongside Knight, while the return of jungler Xun provides the shot-calling stability they need.
The primary threat to the throne is Anyone's Legend, who stand out as the only squad to retain their entire five-man roster from the previous year.
While AL lost their head coach to JDG, they have continuity on their side, which makes them "greater than the sum of their parts." Known for their brawling, decisive team play, AL's established coordination and teamwork give them a significant advantage in the early weeks of the split, while other teams are still finding their rhythm.
JD Gaming have opted for a complete "reload" of their project ahead of the 2026 season, adding the legendary coach Tabe and superstar carry Gala.
By bringing in Junjia and HongQ from the CTBC Flying Oyster, JDG have assembled a squad with an incredibly high ceiling; however, it remains to be seen how quickly they will get together.
Weibo Gaming and Invictus Gaming represent the "dark horses" of Split 1.
Weibo have significantly upgraded their carry potential by signing Elk and Jiejie, who will, alongside the veteran Xiaohu in the mid-lane, have the tools to show off their individual talent.
Meanwhile, Invictus Gaming continue with Rookie, who will link up with the Photic and Jwei bot lane, giving IG a high peak that can upset the top three on any given day.
LPL 2026 Split 1 Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Bilibili Gaming | 2.75 |
| Anyone's Legend | 4.50 |
| JD Gaming | 5.50 |
| Weibo Gaming | 7.00 |
| Invictus Gaming | 9.00 |
| Top Esports | 15.00 |
| EDward Gaming | 21.00 |
| Team WE | 26.00 |
| LNG Esports | 29.00 |
| Ninjas in Pyjamas | 34.00 |
| LGD Gaming | 51.00 |
| Ultra Prime | 81.00 |
| Oh My God | 101.00 |
| ThunderTalk Gaming | 201.00 |
LPL 2026 Split 1 FAQ
When does LPL 2026 Split 1 begin?
The season officially starts on January 14, with the first round of play. The split will run until March, before the start of the First Stand tournament.
Who is the favourite to win LPL 2026 Split 1?
Bilibili Gaming are currently the favourites to win LPL 2026 Split 1 and retain their throne as China's top dogs. However, they will have to overcome two dangerous challengers in Anyone's Legend and JD Gaming.
Where can I watch and bet on LPL 2026 Split 1?
Esports fans can find live streams and LoL betting markets for LPL 2026 Split 1 on most prominent esports bookmakers. Stake stands out as one of the top choices, offering competitive odds, a broad market selection, and a welcome bonus for new sign-ups using code NEWBONUS.
