Riot Unveil LEC XPO Return & Watch Party for LEC Summer Finals in Nice
Riot Games has announced the return of LEC XPO, the official fan festival for League of Legends in the EMEA region, which will take place during the LEC Summer Finals in Nice, France. The free-to-attend festival is scheduled for September 19-20, 2026, running from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and 6:00 PM on Sunday.
The festival will be held at Nice’s historic Jardin Albert 1er, providing an open-air venue for the League of Legends community and fans of all ages. While the LEC Summer Finals will take place at the Palais Nikaia, the broader LEC XPO celebration will extend throughout the city. A live watch party for the finals will be held at Nice’s Théâtre de Verdure, an open-air theater where fans can gather to watch the championship matches.
The event marks the return of the LEC XPO, with Riot Games seeking to capitalize on the popularity of competitive League of Legends in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. By offering free admission and spreading festivities across multiple locations, Riot aims to create an inclusive atmosphere for dedicated esports fans and casual players alike.
This announcement reflects the growing emphasis on live, in-person esports experiences as a means to engage communities and build fan loyalty around professional gaming competitions. The LEC Finals watch party and festival combination demonstrates Riot’s strategy of blending competitive esports broadcasting with community celebration.