China Drops from 2026 Asian Games League of Legends Roster

The Olympic Council of Asia’s May 29 participant list for League of Legends at the 2026 Asian Games does not include mainland China. A Chinese esports journalist linked the absence to a reduction in China’s overall delegation and strained relations with the host nation.

The OCA’s preliminary list names 14 teams: Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Mainland China does not appear on the direct qualification roster or the list of nominated teams.

The Asian Games will run Sept. 23–Oct. 2, 2026. League of Legends matches are scheduled at Aichi Sky Expo in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

No formal explanation has been issued by the OCA or by Chinese sports authorities. Wang Weichen, a Chinese esports reporter, attributed the absence to a decision made at the national delegation level rather than by Riot Games, the League of Legends Pro League or other game organisations.

Sources indicate China will still send competitors in other esports events at the Games, including the Asian Games edition of Honor of Kings/Arena of Valor, PUBG Mobile variants and Identity V.

Other nations have also taken selective approaches to League of Legends participation. Host Japan opted to focus on different esports titles. Thailand cited budget and strategic reasons for not entering a team. Indonesia will miss the event for a second consecutive Asian Games.

Mainland China has a history of results in League of Legends at the Asian Games: gold at the 2018 demonstration event in Jakarta and bronze at the 2022 Hangzhou Games after a semifinal loss to South Korea.

League of Legends is one of 11 official medal esports at the 2026 Asian Games. No further comment has been released by Chinese sporting authorities or by the OCA regarding roster decisions.