Marvel Rivals Ignite is gearing up for an exciting 2026, introducing significant changes to its competitive landscape. As the esports scene evolves, Marvel Rivals aims to deliver a more polished and thrilling experience for fans and competitors alike. The upcoming year promises a host of innovations, including a revamped league format, the introduction of a partner program, and a fresh approach to team participation and competition.
A New Seasonal Structure
Marvel Rivals Ignite is set to operate across four distinct regions: Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), China, and a newly created Pacific region. The Pacific division will combine Asia and Oceania to ensure balance, though both locations will maintain separate group stages before merging in the playoffs. The 2026 schedule will feature two regular seasons and two international LAN events, complemented by a preseason phase to set the stage for competition and seedings. Alongside the main events, the Marvel Rivals Championship (MRC) will continue to provide a platform for online competitions across all regions, determining which teams advance to international competitions. The culmination of this structure will be the Grand Finals, where qualification will be based on performance across various stages and league points.
Promotion and Relegation Introduced
A groundbreaking addition for 2026 is the introduction of promotion and relegation. Teams will have the opportunity to accrue Champion Points in the MRC, enabling them to challenge lower-ranked professional teams for their spots. This system is designed to foster global competition and bring fresh talent into the league, although partner teams will enjoy some relegation protection. The MRC will expand to six seasons, with the final season providing a last chance for PC teams to secure regional slots. From Season Seven onward, cumulative Champion Points will dictate eligibility for Mid-Season and End-of-Year Promotion Leagues.
Partner Programme
The new Partner Teams programme will launch in 2026, offering selected organizations the chance to join as official partners. This initiative will include revenue-sharing opportunities through Partner Team Bundles, with various esports-themed bundles planned throughout the year. The goal of this program is to support the comprehensive and healthy development of the Marvel Rivals esports ecosystem. As the 2025 season concludes, all eyes are on the horizon with anticipation for the next chapter in Marvel Rivals esports, with further details set to emerge as 2026 approaches.