The 15th annual League of Legends (LoL) World Championship commenced in Beijing on October 14, 2025, following a year of regional competitions. In the opening match, South Korea”s T1, the reigning world champions, faced off against China”s Invictus Gaming in a best-of-five series. T1 secured a 3-1 victory during the Play-In match, attracting over 2.5 million peak viewers, excluding those from China. This viewership aligns with the average audiences for regular season games in major North American sports leagues.
This year”s tournament features three teams from each major region, including Korea, China, Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Following the play-in matches, a 16-team Swiss Stage will take place, with the top eight teams advancing to a single-elimination playoff bracket to crown the world champion. Notable participants include last year”s runner-ups, Bilibili Gaming, along with established teams like Gen.G, G2 Esports, Fnatic, and FlyQuest.
The LoL Esports scene has a history of remarkable viewership, as demonstrated by last year”s finals, which saw T1 and Bilibili Gaming attract 50 million peak viewers worldwide, setting a record as the most-watched esports event ever. These figures illustrate the intense competition, gripping matches, and the compelling narratives that draw fans into the fold.
As the 2025 Worlds progresses, several key storylines have emerged. One significant narrative centers on whether China can finally defeat T1, which has maintained a flawless 12-0 record against teams from the LPL (China”s professional league) at Worlds over the past 13 years. Even in years when China appeared stronger, T1, under the leadership of Faker, often found a way to triumph in crucial elimination matches.
Another compelling storyline involves Chovy, the star player of Korean first seed Gen.G, who has been hailed as the next prominent figure in LoL. Despite his team”s recent successes, including multiple LCK titles and two Mid-Season Invitational championships, he has yet to earn a Worlds trophy. This year, Gen.G is anticipated to be a strong contender, showcasing impressive strategic drafting and mechanical skills.
The rivalry between Europe and North America also adds an intriguing element to the tournament. While it is widely acknowledged that Korea and China dominate the LoL landscape, the battle for third place has been a contentious struggle between these two Western regions for the last 15 years. This season, North America”s top seed, FlyQuest, has exhibited the strongest performance among Western teams, although any team could potentially make a deep run.
Lastly, the Asia-Pacific league stands out as a wild card. One to watch is CTBC Flying Oyster (CFO), the first seed from this region. This Taiwanese team blends seasoned veterans with emerging talent, having demonstrated competitive prowess during the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational, where they pushed T1 to a full five-game series. Their performance sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead.
