China Gears Up for the League of Legends World Championship
Get ready for a spectacle. The League of Legends World Championship is coming back to China in 2025, and the excitement is building already. From October 14 to November 9, fans across the country will watch the world’s best teams clash for a shot at glory—and a piece of that massive $5 million prize pool.
The road to the Summoner’s Cup will kick off in Beijing, right at the cutting-edge Beijing Smart Esports Center. This new venue is no regular arena—it's built from the ground up just for esports battles, flashing super-bright screens and futuristic lights. Here, 17 elite teams will face off in the Play-In and Swiss Stages, all fighting to keep their Worlds dream alive.
Once the dust settles in Beijing, the knockout action shifts to Shanghai. The Mercedes-Benz Arena isn’t just a famous concert hall—it’s now one of the world's top esports venues, certified for A-level tournaments. Quarterfinals and semifinals will take place here, drawing roaring crowds who know the energy that comes when the stakes are high and the matches tight. Shanghai carries its own league legacy too—it was home turf during the 2020 Worlds finals, and it’s where China’s Edward Gaming is still celebrated for their iconic 2021 win in Iceland.
The grand finale lands in Chengdu, at the Dong’an Lake Sports Park Multifunctional Gymnasium. Picture thousands of fans, the world watching, and two teams—one match away from immortality—battling for the championship on November 9. Chengdu might be known for its food and pandas, but now it’s going to be the place where someone might write esports history.
China’s Event Marks an Esports Milestone
China isn’t just hosting another event; it’s cementing itself as a powerhouse in the ever-expanding world of esports. The country has built dedicated venues, like the Beijing Smart Esports Center, with the sole purpose of gaming—something that just didn’t exist a decade ago. Backed by bold investments from young entrepreneurs and local governments, these investments mean more than just fancy arenas. They’ve helped turn cities like Beijing and Shanghai into global esports destinations.
Let’s talk numbers for a second: that $5 million prize pool doesn’t just attract the big-name teams and players. It’s a sign of esports’ economic punch in China. Not just ticket sales—think merchandise, streaming audiences, and sponsorships. Esports is fueling new jobs, from coaches and analysts to arena staff and tech specialists.
Edward Gaming’s 2021 triumph still hangs heavy in the air. Local fans are hungry for another Chinese team to lift the trophy on home soil. With the country’s growing influence and more resources pouring into young talent, the odds of another home-grown champion keep getting better.
If you’re into gaming or just want to witness an industry shift as it happens, all eyes are on China for the 2025 World Championship. The next chapter starts in October, but for the teams and fans, the race is already on.
