Worlds 2025 Format Revealed

LoL Worlds 2025 Heads to China With New Format and Major Venues

Riot Games has officially unveiled the key details for the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, including dates, venues, and a few format changes that are already generating buzz in the community. Set to run from October 14 to November 9, this year's edition returns to China with a multi-city schedule and promises high-stakes action from Play-Ins to Finals.

Whether you're a long-time fan or just starting to climb the LoL ladder, understanding the structure of this tournament is essential—not just for spectating, but for following how teams gain momentum and boost their regional prestige on the world stage.

A Three-City Tour Across China

Worlds 2025 will take place in three major Chinese cities, each representing a different phase of the tournament:

• Beijing: Play-Ins & Swiss Stage
• Shanghai: Knockout Stage
• Chengdu: Finals

The Beijing Smart Esports Center will host the early stages, marking the first time this venue has featured a World Championship event. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as teams fight for survival in Play-Ins and jostle for position during the unpredictable Swiss Stage.

The Knockout Stage moves to the iconic Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, one of the most prestigious venues in Chinese esports. Unlike previous years, there will be no break between quarter-finals and semi-finals, intensifying the pressure and testing team endurance like never before.

Finally, the top two teams will face off in Chengdu’s Dong’an Lake Sports Park Multifunctional Gymnasium, a massive 18,000-seat venue set to host what will likely be one of the most-watched Finals in League history.

Format Tweaks and New Competitive Stakes

While the Swiss Stage format remains, Riot has introduced a fresh twist to the Play-Ins. This year, the fourth-seeded teams from the top-performing Mid-Season Invitational regions—namely, the LCK (Korea) and LPL (China)—will battle it out in a best-of-five series. The winner secures a spot in the Swiss Stage, ensuring that no region coasts through based on past success alone.

This change is more than just cosmetic. It adds a new layer of strategy for top regions and gives underdog teams a potential opening. In a tournament where every match matters, this early high-stakes series could set the tone for the rest of the championship.

For aspiring pros and fans alike, understanding this revised format provides insight into how the world’s best players adapt under pressure—and how they boost their reputation with each clutch performance.

China’s Continued Role in League’s Global Growth

China is no stranger to hosting League of Legends Worlds, having previously welcomed the event in 2020, albeit under strict pandemic conditions. That year, matches were mostly confined to studio settings, with the Finals held at Pudong Football Stadium in front of a reduced live audience.

This time, Riot is going all out. The return to full venues in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu reflects both the country's massive player base and its strategic importance to the game’s global esports presence.

With LoL viewership numbers continuing to grow, especially in Asia, it’s clear that hosting Worlds in China is a move that will pay off for both the game and its fans. It also gives local players a rare chance to perform on home soil, potentially offering a small but significant advantage in their rank climb through the tournament.

Competitive LoL Is Bigger Than Ever

League of Legends isn't slowing down. The 2025 Mid-Season Invitational shattered previous records, with the final between Gen.G and T1 peaking at 3.4 million concurrent viewers.

That momentum now carries into Worlds, setting the stage for what could be one of the most-watched esports events of all time. The game’s popularity continues to attract new organizations as well. In June, Sentinels—a major name in competitive gaming—announced that it was exploring a move into League of Legends. The reason? Riot’s flexible guest slot system in the League of Legends Championship of the Americas (LTA), which allows top-tier teams from other games to test the waters in pro LoL.

As more orgs look to establish themselves in the scene, competitive infrastructure expands, and with it, new opportunities arise for players hoping to make a name for themselves. For those looking to boost their visibility or break into the pro scene, staying updated on events like Worlds is crucial.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 League of Legends World Championship promises high-octane action, strategic depth, and historic venues that elevate the spectacle to new heights. With key format changes, a carefully chosen set of cities, and a booming global audience, Riot continues to refine the Worlds experience year after year.

Whether you're a casual viewer, a competitive hopeful, or someone grinding your way through ranked queues, there's plenty to learn—and enjoy—from what’s shaping up to be a thrilling end to the 2025 LoL season.

 

GG Boost, the Best Elo Boosting Experience!