[Photo of  T1 players. Photo credit to unsplash]

In November 2025, hundreds of fans and players worldwide were captivated as the 2025 League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) took place in China, drawing millions of viewers and filling live venues across Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.

Organized by Riot Games, Worlds stands as the biggest annual tournament in professional League of Legends, a team-based online game in which two five-player teams compete to destroy the opponent’s base. 

This year’s event featured 17 teams from major regions, including South Korea, China, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia.

South Korea was represented by T1, Gen.G, KT Rolster, and Hanwha Life Esports, all entering the tournament with high expectations from fans.

The tournament commenced with the play-in stage, followed by a Swiss-stage group phase, and culminated with knockout playoffs in a best-of-five series. 

Each phase tested teams on coordination, fast decision making, and their ability to adjust strategies mid-match.

One of the tournament’s most compelling narratives belonged to T1. 

Starting from the play-in stage, T1 advanced through every round, culminating in a surprising victory over AL, which captivated many viewers. 

The team then defeated China’s top team, TES, in a decisive 3–0 semifinal win.

In the grand final, T1 faced fellow Korean rival team KT Rolster in a close 3–2 series. 

With the victory, T1 claimed its sixth World Championship title and its third consecutive Worlds win, further cerementing its status as one of the most successful organizations in esports.

Beyond competition, Worlds 2025 also served as a fan-centered cultural event.

Thousands attended matches and public viewing events, while millions watched from home online. 

Fans participated in meet-and-greets, explored interactive exhibitions, and purchased merchandise connected to the tournament and the game.

The event also highlighted the growing scale of esports globally. 

With broadcasts available in multiple languages, Worlds 2025 reached audiences across many countries, and peak viewership exceeded six million concurrent viewers. 

Sponsors and media companies increased their investment, reflecting esports’ expanding role as both entertainment and a major economic industry.

Overall, the 2025 League of Legends World Championship highlighted esports as a global cultural force powered by elite competition, international fan communities, and the fast-growing connection between technology and modern entertainment.