The 2024 League of Legends (LoL) World Championship concluded with T1 claiming their fifth championship title in a gripping final that captivated a global audience. According to data released by Riot Games, the event, held on November 2 at the O2 Arena in London, drew peak concurrent viewership surpassing 50 million, a number nearly equivalent to the population of South Korea.

The final featured a fierce showdown between South Korea’s LCK representative, T1, and China’s LPL team, Bilibili Gaming (BLG). After a full five-set series, T1 emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. This marked T1’s fifth World Championship title, following their victories in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024. The team’s lineup, consisting of Choi Woo Je (Zeus), Moon Hyun Joon (Oner), Lee Sang Hyeok (Faker), Lee Min Hyung (Gumayusi), and Ryu Min Seok (Keria), made history as the first-ever roster to secure consecutive World Championship wins.

Riot Games collaborated with analytics firm Stream Hatchet to compile viewership data for the event, which was broadcast in over 20 languages. The finals achieved a peak concurrent viewership of over 50 million globally, while the peak outside of China reached 6.7 million. The global average minute audience stood at an impressive 33 million.

The championship garnered widespread attention not only for its record-breaking viewership but also for its production. The opening ceremony was directed by Hamish Hamilton, a seasoned director known for helming the Super Bowl Halftime Show for the past 15 years. Hamilton, a two-time Emmy Award winner, directed major events this year, including the Grammys, Oscars, and now the LoL World Championship. Over 29 countries contributed to the production, making it a truly international event.

T1’s dominance in the tournament reinforces their legacy as one of the most successful teams in esports history. The victory further solidifies the status of Faker, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in League of Legends history, as an enduring icon in competitive gaming.

The success of the 2024 World Championship also highlights the growing global appeal of esports, with millions tuning in to watch the pinnacle of competitive League of Legends. The event set a new benchmark for esports production, blending high-quality gameplay with world-class entertainment.

Looking ahead, Riot Games announced that the 2025 League of Legends World Championship will take place in China, with the finals slated to be held in Chengdu. As esports continues to expand its global footprint, the next championship is expected to further elevate the reach and influence of competitive gaming.

Sayart / Jack Lee, wangjb77@gmail.com