It’s that time of year again: the League of Legends World Championship, also known as Worlds 2025, is here to cap off the LoL's competitive season. Hosted in China, this year’s edition introduces several format changes, including the now-standard Fearless Draft and a streamlined Play-In stage with fewer teams. Here’s your complete guide to the tournament, from the teams and schedule to streams and key details.
When and Where Is LoL Worlds 2025 Taking Place?
The League of Legends World Championship makes its long-awaited return to mainland China, marking the country’s first time hosting the event since 2017. Worlds 2025 will be spread across three cities: the Play-In and Swiss Stage in Beijing’s JD Esports Center, the quarterfinals and semifinals at Shanghai’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, and the Grand Final at Chengdu’s Dong’an Lake Sports Park Gymnasium, where a full house is all but guaranteed.
The tournament runs from October 14 to November 9, with short breaks scheduled between stages.
All Teams Qualified for LoL Worlds 2025
Big shifts in the League of Legends competitive ecosystem this season have reshaped the Worlds lineup. The tournament field has been cut from 20 to 17 teams, while the Play-In has been trimmed down to a single match, a clash between the fourth seeds from China’s LPL and Korea’s LCK.
LoL Worlds 2025 Format and Full Schedule
With the ecosystem reshaped, this year’s Play-In looks very different: just two teams and a single best-of-five, replacing the eight-team stage from last year. The winner moves forward, while the loser is knocked out of the tournament.
Although the Play-In stage has been trimmed down, it’s set to deliver fireworks, with a brutal showdown between the reigning world champions T1 and Invictus Gaming, who also know what it’s like to lift the Summoner’s Cup.
The other major change is the adoption of the Fearless Draft, a format where each champion can only be picked once per series, a rule that has become standard across events this season.
Beyond that, the structure is familiar: best-of-ones in the Swiss Stage, best-of-threes for elimination and advancement, and the top eight advancing to the playoffs, played in a single-elimination bracket with best-of-five matches.
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Play-In (Oct 14);
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Swiss Stage (Oct 15-19; Oct 22-25);
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Knockout Stage (Oct 28 - Nov 2);
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Grand Final (Nov 9).
How to Watch LoL Worlds 2025 Live: Streams & Broadcasts
Worlds traditionally delivers extensive coverage for audiences around the globe, from North America to Asia. Last year, the official broadcast alone was available in 18 languages. This year, the main English-language streams will once again be live on:
As stated by Riot Games, Worlds 2025 will feature the biggest co-streaming push in the tournament’s history. More than 100 creators from around the world will take part, offering broadcasts in different languages and formats. The program spotlights familiar community figures from regional leagues and past international events, while also bringing in new creators from across the League scene.
Alongside the invited streamers, all qualified teams can host their own co-streams throughout the event and are encouraged to team up with affiliated creators. The full list of remote co-streamers goes live on October 7.
LoL Worlds 2025 Viewership and What to Expect
The League of Legends World Championship is without question the most-watched esports event today, shattering records year after year, including the all-time peak viewership record for esports. With Riot Games’ most recent international LoL event also setting new highs for its series, Worlds is widely expected to follow suit.
Worlds has steadily grown its audience over the years and now stands as the biggest spectacle in esports. With this year’s expanded co-streaming program, another record feels all but guaranteed, though we’ll have to wait and see.
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