Riot Games’ League of Legends has characterised the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) gaming scene since its launch in 2009. This free-to-play online game transpired following the success of a bespoke map designed for Warcraft III, called ‘Defense of the Ancients’. Riot’s team built on the concept, and the five-vs-five combat mode whereby players must occupy and defend their half of the game map, has since become a global sensation.
In recent years, League of Legends tournaments have attracted more than 100 million unique viewers. Many of which are broadcast in real time via live streaming portals like Twitch and YouTube and even major cable networks like ESPN. If you’re new to competitive eSports gaming, League of Legends is a great place to start watching and learning from the best. We’ve put together a collection of the most popular League of Legends tournaments that’ll whet your appetite.
Content Summary
League of Legends World Championship
Founded in 2011, the League of Legends World Championship is the annual culmination of the entire season, attracting the biggest and best teams from around the world. In 2019, it broke the 100 million views barrier, cementing League of Legends as the most watched video game on the planet.
It carries a multi-million-dollar prize purse, with the winners of the Summoner’s Cup taking home a big payday. South Korean team T1 are the most successful team in the history of this event. They are third-favourites to win again in 2022, with DraftKings Sportsbook pricing them at +225 behind JD Gaming (+200) and Gen.G (+125). First-time users of this site should browse the latest DraftKings promo codes to unlock bonuses for eSports wagering upon sign-up.
League of Legends: The Mid-Season Invitational
Riot Games launched the Mid-Season Invitational back in 2015 and it has rapidly become the second-most valuable League of Legends tournament behind the World Championship. Five key regional leagues – plus a wildcard team – are invited to the competition.
Chinese team Royal Never Give Up have reigned supreme here, winning three Mid-Season Invitationals in the last six years. They won this year’s event, taking home a $75,000 paycheck after overcoming Korean rivals T1.
League of Legends Champions Korea
South Korea is a hotbed of League of Legends talent. It’s home to the T1 team that has reigned supreme at the World Championship. Therefore, it’s no surprise the League of Legends Champions Korea is one of the most watched leagues in the world.
It’s the number-one event in South Korea, with two seasons run throughout the year. Winners get direct entry into the World Championship and this league is deemed one of the most competitive domestic League of Legends leagues on the planet.
League of Legends European Championship
The European Championship of League of Legends brings together the top-performing teams in Europe. The top-three teams after the Summer Split playoffs secure entry into the World Championship.
The winner of the Spring Split playoffs also gain qualification for the Mid-Season Invitational. Of the European contingent, there are two British teams, two Spanish teams, as well as teams from Germany, France, Denmark and Switzerland. There’s even a random entry from the US, with Team Rogue originally founded in the US but moving to headquarter itself in Berlin, Germany.
With well over eight million active players of League of Legends worldwide, it’s clear these events act as inspiration for budding gamers to take the MOBA skills to the next level.
