Is League of Legends still a prominent esport in 2024

League of Legends, often abbreviated as LoL, has been a major player in the esports scene since its release. Developed by Riot Games and officially launched on October 27, 2009, LoL quickly became a cornerstone of competitive gaming. The game’s origins trace back to a custom map for Warcraft III called Defense of the Ancients. 

LoL’s success is largely due to several factors. First, its free-to-play model with optional in-game purchases made it accessible to a wide audience. Second, the game's engaging and dynamic gameplay, featuring a constantly expanding roster of champions, kept players invested.

Viewership Trends and Appeal

One of the key indicators of an esport's popularity is its viewership. In 2024, League of Legends continues to draw substantial audiences. The League of Legends World Championship, often regarded as the pinnacle of LoL esports, attracted over 100 million unique viewers. Furthermore, the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) and regional leagues such as the LCK (Korea) and LEC (Europe) maintain robust viewership, with peak concurrent viewers regularly exceeding 2 million.

When comparing these numbers to previous years, audience engagement has remained consistent. While newer esports titles like Valorant and Apex Legends have gained traction, League of Legends has retained its dedicated fan base. 

With increasing viewership, online sportsbooks have begun covering LoL events extensively, releasing odds for various matches and tournaments. It facilitates betting among fans, who can use tools like odds calculator to understand the odds format they feel most comfortable with.

Tournaments and Competitive Scene

The competitive scene of League of Legends remains vibrant and highly active. In 2024, Riot Games, the developer of LoL, continues to support a well-structured tournament ecosystem. It includes the annual World Championship, the Mid-Season Invitational, and various regional leagues such as the LPL (China), LCS (North America), and LJL (Japan).

The 2024 World Championship, hosted in Seoul, South Korea, featured 24 teams from different regions battling for a prize pool of $5 million. In addition to the World Championship, regional leagues have expanded, with more teams and a higher level of competition. The LCK, for example, saw an increase in its regular season matches and an expanded playoff format, enhancing the viewer experience and competitive intensity.

Player Pool and Engagement

The player base of League of Legends is another crucial factor in assessing its prominence. Despite the emergence of new games, LoL maintains a large and active player community. As of 2024, the game boasts over 115 million monthly active players, representing the game's broad appeal and ability to attract new players and retain long-term veterans.

Riot Games has also continuously engaged the fans through regular updates, new champions, and in-game events. Introducing new game modes and cross-promotional events with other popular franchises has also contributed to sustained player interest.

Comparative Analysis with Emerging Esports

Compared to emerging esports titles, League of Legends holds a unique position. While games like Valorant, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Fortnite have carved out significant niches, LoL's established infrastructure and loyal fan base provide a competitive edge. 

Valorant, another title from Riot Games, has quickly ascended in popularity. However, it serves a different genre within esports—tactical shooters—allowing League of Legends to coexist without significantly cannibalizing its player base. 

Moreover, the LoL tournaments attract significant sponsorship deals from global brands like Mercedes-Benz, Mastercard, and Red Bull. These sponsorships bolster the prize pools and enhance the production quality of events, ensuring a top-tier viewing experience.

Moreover, LoL's merchandising, including in-game purchases and branded apparel, continues to generate substantial revenue. 

Final Thoughts

League of Legends remains a dominant force in the esports industry in 2024. Its ability to consistently attract large audiences, maintain a competitive scene, and engage a vast player base shows its enduring appeal. While new esports titles will continue to emerge, League of Legends has established its market and ensured its relevance in the world of competitive gaming.