Wat-Not Staff
The 2024 League of Legends World Championship is among the biggest esports tournaments. It wraps up on November 2nd at the O2 Arena in London. This tournament has brought together top talent from around the globe and created an electric atmosphere in host cities Berlin, Paris, and London.
Riot Games, the developer behind League of Legends, has used the event to unveil game-changing plans for 2025. Riot Games’ Global Head of League of Legends Esports, Chris Greeley, spoke highly of this year’s Worlds, noting the vibrant fan turnout in every city.
“It’s difficult when we take Worlds to a region,” he said, explaining the challenge of balancing fan engagement with venue limitations. Despite some backlash over the limited 210-seat venue in Berlin, Greeley emphasised that hosting the finals at the O2 Arena was meant to create a grand finale for fans.
Riot Games Launches New 2025 Esports Ecosystem with Three-Split Format
In response to the growing esports landscape, Riot Games announced a new three-split format for all its leagues beginning in 2025. This change will allow for an international event and greater regional competition throughout the year.
The new format aims to improve long-term team sustainability and player support, with Greeley highlighting Riot’s focus on maintaining “good salaries for pro players” and promoting engaging content for fans.
New regional leagues will debut, including the League of the Americas (LTA) and the League of the Pacific (LCP).
Both will feature a blend of permanent and guest teams. It has also introduced a promotion and relegation system, similar to Riot’s Valorant structure. Greeley mentioned this system will be tested in specific leagues. He also added that regions like Europe (LEC) and Korea (LCK) will retain their franchise models for now.
BLG vs. T1: London Hosts a Thrilling Grand Final
The World finals in London will see China’s Bilibili Gaming (BLG) challenge Korea’s reigning champions, T1. Fans can also look forward to a spectacular opening ceremony featuring a performance of the World 2024 anthem by Linkin Park.
Riot Games has promised a show to remember, fitting for the world’s fifth most-watched esports event of all time. As Riot Games prepares to bring the 2025 League of Legends World Championship to China, the company is actively seeking ways to build on this year’s successes and address fan feedback.
“We’re trying to find a nice balance,” said Greeley, reflecting on venue choices and format changes that make League of Legends esports more accessible and thrilling for fans worldwide.
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