Western teams enter Worlds 2026 with credible paths to Bo5 upsets over LCK, LPL, or LCP opponents after strong 2026 international results. G2 swept Gen.G 3-0 at First Stand and defeated T1 3-1 at MSI, while LYON swept G2 and pushed MSI champion Hanwha Life Esports to a decisive fifth game. These outcomes, combined with LEC and LCS squads such as G2, Movistar KOI, Team Liquid, and LYON qualifying directly to Swiss Stage alongside four LCK and four LPL sides, reflect improved regional depth and macro execution that traders view as sufficient to produce at least one cross-regional series win in the expanded 19-team bracket. Recent form and head-to-head trends outweigh traditional Eastern dominance in current pricing.