The 2024 League of Legends World Championship, hosted by Riot Games, made headlines on October 13 with its astonishing viewership figures. The event, which unfolded at London's O2 Arena, witnessed T1 representing the LCK face off against China's Bilibili Gaming (BLG) for ultimate supremacy. Highlighted as one of the most anticipated esports events of the year, this year's final showcased the growing momentum of the League of Legends esports scene.
Riot Games reported a remarkable peak concurrent user count exceeding 50 million for the finals. This figure denotes not just entertainment but the culture of competitive gaming flourishing across the globe. The intense showdown between T1, led by the famed 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok, and BLG culminated with T1 triumphed through a nail-biting 3-2 finish. The viewership metrics are impressive, with the event capturing 6.7 million peak viewers (excluding China) and averaging 33 million viewers globally.
The statistics mark significant growth compared to previous years. According to data analysis by Stream Hatchet, peak concurrent users (PCU) saw an 11.1% increase from last year, which recorded 45 million viewers during its finals. The average minute audience (AMA) jumped by 22.2%, growing from 27 million last year to this year's 33 million. Such numbers are not just figures; they suggest the deepening engagement and broadening fan base for professional esports.
What’s even more telling about the growth of this event is its performance relative to earlier years. Back in 2017, the World Championship registered only 2.1 million peak concurrent users. Analytics show astonishing increases over the years, climbing to 6.94 million this year, representing more than 330.5% growth over just seven years. From 2020’s 3 million peak viewers, the competitive scene has now surged impressively, showcasing the momentum behind esports and the League's identity.
But there’s more to this year than just the statistics on viewership. During the Macau Open, Riot Games laid out ambitious plans for Teamfight Tactics (TFT), the auto-battler spinoff from the League of Legends universe. Expectations are set high as players anticipate the release of three new sets and another open tournament next year. The announcement was met with excitement, especially with the promise of continued innovation and user engagement.
Riot Games expressed optimism about the future of TFT, mentioning, "We’re excited to see how the community reacts to our upcoming plans for Teamfight Tactics," as they unveiled their detailed roadmap for 2025. The new updates include themes like cyber city concepts and events centered around the universe of Runeterra.
The Macau Open showcased 512 entrants, illustrating the scale of competitive TFT and marking another highlight for esports over the year. The grand champion of the event was claimed by Shiquz from China, closing out the intense three-day tournament with gripping gameplay and decisive victories.
On the other hand, Riot’s investments show no signs of slowing down, and their latest release aimed at League of Legends players—a new skin tier called "Noble Skins"—has generated buzz within the gaming community. The first skin, named "Arcane Split Jinx," exemplifies the blending of storytelling and gaming as players can toggle between forms and experience varied audio-visual effects inspired by the Arcane series.
These developments are emblematic of how Riot Games continues to evolve and expand the appeal of their renowned titles, leveraging cultural phenomena like Arcane to engage players on multiple levels. This merging of high-quality storytelling with competitive gaming signifies just how far the franchise has come over the years.
With each passing event, it becomes evident how Riot Games not only aims to innovate within the gaming sphere but also seeks to build connections with their community through genuine engagement and competitive spirit. The vibrant esports scene, propelled by massive viewership numbers and comprehensive updates, suggests brighter prospects on the horizon for League of Legends and its offshoots.
Looking forward, the League of Legends esports community has every reason to anticipate continued growth, investment, and remarkable experiences, making 2024 another pivotal year for gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
