In yet another incredible development by KICK and its marketing team, the ever growing online streaming service has struck a brand new deal that takes its brand to new heights.
A brand new partnership has been announced as the platform is now working closely with none other than RIOT Games, the iconic game development studio and publisher behind such iconic titles in the competitive gaming sphere like League of Legends, VALORANT, and TFT.
As the official new broadcaster for some of the biggest upcoming regional events of their games, RIOT found a trustworthy partner in KICK, as it will open up some of the most watched titles in esports to a whole new audience.
What is the Partnership About?
So, what does this official broadcasting deal really cover, and what is it all about? For the players, there are now more ways than ever to watch, co-stream, and engage with some of the most popular competitive titles out there.
With its growing fanbase, especially in LATAM, MENA, and Europe, KICK has established itself as a legitimate platform and a competitor to other streaming services.
It has different approaches to content moderation, gives more revenue to the streamers, and allows a more carefree and exciting atmosphere to exist during live gameplay. This gives it an edge, and RIOT Games recognizes it.
Starting with the ongoing League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational 2026 from June 28 to July 12, all of the broadcasts and regional events across LOL, VALORANT, and TFT will be carried exclusively by KICK.
What is more, the deal opens new doors for the creators as streamers have new ways to grow their fanbases and expand their communities through creator and partner programs across League, TFT, Valorant, and Wild Rift.
Regardless of whether a player already hosts LoL streams or not, KICK is the place to do it right now, thanks to this new incentive and the fact that the platform is now the platform to be.
With excitement, Director of Business Strategy at RIOT Games, Doug Watson, said the following: “Esports fandom is global, and we want to support the creators that fuel this fandom around our game titles to players around the world, no matter where they are.
Through our partnership with KICK, we’re expanding the ways fans can engage with Riot’s esports events and their favorite creators on the platform of their choice.
We’re excited to work with KICK to bring our games and esports experiences to even more communities around the globe.”
Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) on KICK
The currently ongoing offline event in South Korea is the perfect opportunity for the fans to hop on the platform and start streaming some of the best League content.
MSI 2026 has brought together the top teams for one of the most important events in every competitive season. This year’s tournament is being held in Daejeon, South Korea, at the Daejeon Convention Center II.
It started on June 28 and will run through July 12. This is a two week competition that serves as the second global event of the year and offers teams the opportunity to prove themselves against the strongest regional champions and contenders before the World Championship later in the season.
Eleven teams qualified for MSI 2026 by earning top finishes in their respective regional leagues. The field includes Hanwha Life Esports and T1 from the LCK, Bilibili Gaming and Top Esports from the LPL, G2 Esports and Karmine Corp from the LEC, LYON and Team Liquid Alienware from the LCS, Team Secret Whales and Revolve Deep Cross Gaming from the LCP, along with FURIA representing the CBLOL.
The diverse lineup highlights the global nature of League of Legends esports, with every major competitive region represented on the international stage.
The tournament follows a two stage format. Four teams begin in the Play-In Stage, where they compete in best of five series for the remaining places in the main event. They are joined by the teams that receive direct qualification to the Bracket Stage, which uses a double elimination format.
Every series is played as a best of five under the Fearless Draft system that requires teams to continuously adapt by preventing champions already used in a series from being selected again by the same team.
MSI 2026 boasts a significantly increased prize pool of $2 million, making it one of the richest Mid-Season Invitationals to date.
Of course, it also carries prestige, international recognition, and an opportunity for teams to strengthen their region’s position heading toward the biggest event of the League of Legends calendar.
The 1st place gets $500,000 (25%), the runners up receive $300,000 (15%), and the third place gets $240,000 (12%). The fourth placed team is awarded $200,000 (10%), while the 5th and sixth get $160,000 (8%) each.
Make sure to tune into KICK and watch the remainder of the event. Already, some of the teams know their ranking.
The 11th team is Deep Cross Gaming, which got $60,000. Karmine Corp came in 10th and took $70,000, while Team Liquid is 9th with $90,000. Top Esports is $110,000 richer as they came in 7th. The main part of the event is yet to be played as plenty of action remains.
Bilibili Gaming, Hanwha Life, Furia, T1, LYON, and Team Secret Whales are all in contention for the remaining top places and the highest prize pools.
MSI wraps up on July 12, but it’s not the last big Riot Esports event of the year — VALORANT Champions 2026 closes out the season in Shanghai this September. Until then, if you’re wondering where to watch VALORANT and other Riot Games co-streams, Kick is your best bet.
