The global esports spectacular, the 2025 League of Legends World Championship (Worlds 2025), officially kicks off today in Beijing, China. This premier tournament, spanning nearly a month, will take place across three cities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu—attracting 17 of the world’s top teams competing for glory.
Play-In Day 1 Spotlight: T1 vs IG Elimination Match
October 14’s opening match is packed with drama as two-time defending champions T1 from Korea’s LCK region face Chinese squad Invictus Gaming (IG) on the first day of Play-Ins. This best-of-five (BO5) showdown will take place at the Beijing Smart Esports Center.
According to tournament rules, this match pits the fourth seeds from the two best-performing regions at MSI against each other, with the loser immediately eliminated and the winner securing a ticket to the Swiss Stage. For T1, seeking their third consecutive championship, this is the first test of their strength.
Tournament Scale and Venue Setup
Schedule Breakdown
- Play-In Stage: October 14 (Beijing Smart Esports Center)
- Swiss Stage: October 15-25
- Knockout Stage: October 28 - November 2 (Shanghai)
- Grand Finals: November 9 (Chengdu)
The Beijing Smart Esports Center is a state-of-the-art venue specifically designed for top-tier esports competitions, equipped with comprehensive broadcasting facilities and spectator seating to provide premium viewing experiences for both players and audiences.
T1’s Three-Peat Dream Faces Its First Challenge
As the consecutive champions of 2023 and 2024, T1’s goal this year is undoubtedly to create history with a three-peat. However, entering as the fourth seed indicates their performance during the regular season wasn’t optimal, adding uncertainty to the Play-In stage.
IG also boasts World Championship pedigree, having claimed the Summoner’s Cup in Incheon, Korea back in 2018. This clash between new and old powerhouses will determine who continues pursuing this year’s championship dream.
China’s Home Advantage and Global Audience Anticipation
Hosting this year’s Worlds in China holds significant meaning. China is not only one of League of Legends’ largest player markets, but LPL teams have also delivered outstanding performances in international competitions in recent years. Chinese teams playing on home soil will benefit from massive home crowd support, adding another compelling dimension to the tournament.
According to Riot Games, this year’s Worlds is expected to attract hundreds of millions of viewers globally through online streaming, setting new viewership records for esports events. The tournament design spanning three cities from Beijing to Chengdu showcases the thriving development of the esports industry in China.
Format Innovations and Competitive Landscape
The 2025 Worlds continues with the Swiss Stage format, which ensures more exciting matchups while giving each team ample opportunity to demonstrate their strength. The Play-In’s single-day elimination format pushes tension and excitement to the extreme.
As T1 and IG’s opening battle approaches, the 2025 League of Legends World Championship enters its most intense competitive phase. The global gaming community awaits to see who will ultimately stand on the Chengdu Grand Finals stage and lift the Summoner’s Cup.
Related Information:
- Official tournament broadcasts available at LoL Esports official website
- All event times are in local time; viewers should account for timezone differences
