The Play-In stage of Worlds 2026 on patch 26.20 has opened with 8 games featuring contested flex picks such as K'Sante, Jarvan IV, Nocturne, Lulu, and Kai'Sa alongside early experimentation on buffed options like Draven, Fiora, Lillia, and Zaahen. Nineteen qualified teams from varied regions bring differing champion pools and strategies, while the extended Swiss and knockout stages (starting October 23) provide additional opportunities for niche counters and situational picks. Historical patterns at international events show totals typically reach 100–110 unique champions when patches expand viability without creating extreme dominance, with trader consensus centered on this range given the current meta balance and roster depth.