League of Legends Worlds 2025 – Overview
The League of Legends World Championship 2025 is the pinnacle of Riot Games’ competitive calendar. Hosted in China from October 14 through November 9, 2025, it brings together the world’s top teams to crown a new champion. Riot confirmed the event in its official announcement, while platforms such as Liquipedia and Wikipedia provide further context.
✅ Scheduled Event. Ticketing and stage details confirmed: Ticket Guide, Format & Schedule.
*Riot lists 22 total slots; minor adjustments may occur until final allocation.
Worlds gathers the strongest line-ups from the LCK, LPL, LEC, LTA and other regions. The competitive format follows the now-standard Play-In, Swiss Stage, and Knockouts introduced in 2023. The Grand Final will be held in Chengdu, while Beijing and Shanghai host the earlier rounds (Venue details).
“Worlds is the ultimate showcase of meta trends and individual brilliance – winning here defines the next season.”↑ back to contents
Venues & Dates
The Worlds 2025 will be hosted in China. Riot confirmed the tournament dates as October 14 to November 9, 2025, starting in Beijing (official announcement, ticket info). The three host cities and arenas are listed consistently across major sources (Liquipedia, Wikipedia).
| Date(s) | Stage | City | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 2025 | Play-In Opening | Beijing | Opening confirmed by Riot |
| Oct 15–25, 2025 | Swiss Stage | Beijing | Schedule overview |
| Oct 28 – Nov 2, 2025 | Knockout Stage (QF & SF) | Shanghai | Stage dates |
| Nov 9, 2025 | Grand Final | Chengdu | Final venue details |
Qualified Teams & Regions
A total of 22 teams will compete at the Worlds 2025. Riot allocated slots by region, as listed on LoL Esports and Liquipedia. Some teams are already locked in, while others depend on domestic playoff results.
LCK (Korea)4 slots
Korea remains the benchmark region, home to reigning champion T1 (winners in 2023 and 2024). According to Riot, four teams from the LCK 2025 season will represent the region.
- T1 (via Championship Points)
- Gen.G Esports (Summer Split champion)
- KT Rolster (Playoff qualification)
- DWG KIA (Regional qualifier)
“The LCK still sets the macro standard. Top teams punish even the smallest mistakes.” – Analyst, Korizon Esports
LPL (China)4 slots
As host region, the LPL carries immense prestige. Four teams will compete, with JD Gaming and Bilibili Gaming widely seen as frontrunners. Full details on the LPL 2025 portal.
- JD Gaming
- Bilibili Gaming
- Top Esports
- Edward Gaming
LEC (Europe)3 slots
Europe has three representatives. In 2024, G2 Esports reached the semifinals. Fnatic and MAD Lions are also frequent contenders.
- G2 Esports
- Fnatic
- MAD Lions
LTA (Americas)3 slots
Starting in 2025, the former LCS (NA) and LLA (LatAm) merged into the League of Legends Championship of the Americas (LTA). The region brings three representatives, including Cloud9 and Team Liquid. Details can be found at the LoL Esports 2025 overview.
- Cloud9
- Team Liquid
- 100 Thieves
Emerging Regions8 slots
Smaller leagues still have a pathway through Play-Ins or direct slots. The PCS (Taiwan/SEA) and VCS (Vietnam) regularly perform well.
- PCS – 2 teams
- VCS – 2 teams
- CBLOL (Brazil) – 1 team
- LJL (Japan) – 1 team
- LCO (Oceania) – 1 team
- TCL (Turkey) – 1 team
Tournament Format & Updates
For 2025, Riot maintains the proven three-stage structure introduced in 2023: Play-In, Swiss Stage, and Knockouts. The design allows for upsets while ensuring that elite teams prove themselves across multiple matches. See the SI.com format breakdown for reference.
Play-In
The Play-In brings together emerging regions (LLA, LJL, LCO, CBLOL) and lower seeds from PCS and VCS. Only two squads advance to the Swiss Stage. The structure follows a double-elimination bracket.
- Start: Oct 14, 2025 – Beijing
- 8 teams, 2 qualifiers
- Bo3 series, final match Bo5
Swiss Stage
The Swiss Stage remains the most unpredictable phase. Here, 16 teams (14 direct seeds + 2 Play-In winners) clash in a Swiss-system format. After a maximum of 5 rounds, 8 squads move forward to the Knockouts.
- Dates: Oct 15–25, 2025
- City: Beijing
- Bo3 matches; elimination/qualification matches in Bo5
“The Swiss system delivers marquee matchups early – T1 vs. G2 could already happen in Round 2.” – Journalist, Inven Global
Knockout Stage
The Knockout Stage features a traditional single-elimination bracket with quarterfinals, semifinals, and the Grand Final. All matches are best-of-5. Quarterfinals and semifinals are staged in Shanghai, the Grand Final in Chengdu.
- Quarterfinals: Oct 28–31, 2025 – Shanghai
- Semifinals: Nov 1–2, 2025 – Shanghai
- Grand Final: Nov 9, 2025 – Chengdu
Historically, Korea (LCK) and China (LPL) have dominated this phase. No LEC or LTA team has reached a final since 2019, as documented in the Worlds history.
Contenders & Key Players
Worlds 2025 promises high-caliber clashes. Based on the 2025 domestic results, LCK and LPL squads enter as frontrunners, while LEC and LTA teams hope to deliver upsets.
T1 (LCK)
With Faker still leading, T1 epitomizes Worlds experience. Their roster blends veteran composure with explosive talent, making T1 a top favorite once again.
- Strengths: Macro play, clutch experience
- Weaknesses: Occasional draft issues
JD Gaming (LPL)
JDG dominated the LPL splits and return with 369 and Ruler as star players. After falling just short in 2024’s semifinals, JDG aims to finally secure the crown.
- Strengths: Strong laning, objective control
- Weaknesses: Momentum dependent
G2 Esports (LEC)
G2 remain Europe’s best hope. The aggressive style of Caps and Yike can surprise even the strongest opponents, though consistency has often been their Achilles’ heel.
Cloud9 (LTA)
The flagship of the Americas brings an experienced roster. C9 thrive on early game stability, yet are still viewed as underdogs against elite LCK and LPL teams.
Players to Watch
- Faker (T1) – The living legend, entering his 13th Worlds.
- Ruler (JDG) – ADC powerhouse, 2023 Finals MVP.
- Caps (G2) – Europe’s creative midlane icon.
- Berserker (C9) – Mechanical ace, pivotal for NA’s hopes.
“Worlds are often decided by single moments of brilliance – one Baron steal can change tournament history.”↑ back to contents
Historical Context
The League of Legends World Championship has been running since 2011, evolving from a small-scale event into a global spectacle. Dominance has shifted over the years: Korea reigned from 2013–2017, while China rose to prominence from 2018 onward. Europe last reached a final in 2019 (G2 vs. FPX), whereas no North American squad has made it past semifinals since 2018.
| Year | Champion | Runner-up | Host |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | T1 (LCK) | Bilibili Gaming (LPL) | London |
| 2023 | T1 (LCK) | Weibo Gaming (LPL) | Korea |
| 2022 | DRX (LCK) | T1 (LCK) | North America |
| 2021 | EDward Gaming (LPL) | DWG KIA (LCK) | Iceland |
| 2020 | DWG KIA (LCK) | Suning (LPL) | China |
| 2019 | FunPlus Phoenix (LPL) | G2 Esports (LEC) | Europe |
“History is not just numbers – it shapes expectations. Defeating T1 at Worlds is a legacy-defining achievement.”↑ back to contents
Market & Viewership
Worlds is not only the peak of competition but also a commercial giant. According to Riot and analytics firms such as Esports Charts, it consistently ranks among the most-watched esports events worldwide.
China drives the largest share of viewership, with streams on platforms like Huya and Douyu drawing millions of concurrent spectators. In Europe and the Americas, Twitch and YouTube dominate. As Esports Charts reported, the 2024 Final between T1 and BLG set the all-time viewership record for League of Legends.
“For sponsors, Worlds is esports’ equivalent of the Champions League final – unmatched in reach and audience profile.” – Nielsen Sports↑ back to contents
Outlook & Expectations
The Worlds 2025 mark the highlight of the competitive esports calendar. With the event staged in China, powerhouse squads from LCK and LPL, and dark-horse potential from LEC and LTA, the tournament is set to once again break records. Analysts also expect the evolving meta to shape competitive play heading into 2026.
- Can T1 complete a three-peat after 2023 and 2024?
- Will LPL squads capitalize on home soil advantage?
- Can Europe return to a final for the first time since 2019?
- Will 2024’s viewership records be surpassed?
“Worlds is the ultimate esports showcase – lifting the Summoner’s Cup cements a legacy beyond League of Legends itself.”
In terms of economics, global reach, and competitive stakes, there is no doubt: Worlds 2025 will be the biggest esports event of the year. Fans, analysts, and sponsors alike will keep their eyes firmly on Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
↑ back to contentsFAQ: League of Legends Worlds 2025
When does Worlds 2025 take place?
From October 14 to November 9, 2025. Source: Riot Games.
Where will it be hosted?
Beijing (Play-In/Swiss), Shanghai (Quarterfinals/Semifinals), and Chengdu (Final). See Liquipedia.
What is the tournament format?
Play-In → Swiss Stage → Knockout. Playoffs are Bo5. Format explained on SI.com.
How many teams will participate?
22 teams in total. Slots are regionally distributed; two spots are decided via Play-In. Source: LoL Esports.
How can I get tickets?
Riot sells tickets in phases. Details and links in the official ticket guide.
Where can I stream Worlds 2025?
Officially on LoLEsports.com, plus Twitch and YouTube.
When is the Grand Final?
November 9, 2025 in Chengdu (Dong’an Lake Sports Park). Source: Liquipedia.
Will there be an English broadcast?
Yes, official English streams on LoLEsports.com, Twitch, and YouTube. Regional co-streams may also be available.
Which regions are the favorites?
Historically LCK (Korea) and LPL (China). LEC and LTA enter as challengers. History: Worlds Wiki.
How are Swiss Stage matchups decided?
Round 1 based on seeding; later rounds based on win-loss records. Explanation: Swiss system.
