LPL

The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) is the top-tier professional league for the video game League of Legends in China. It is one of the most prominent regional leagues in the competitive League of Legends ecosystem and its teams compete for places at international events such as the World Championship and the Mid-Season Invitational.

History and scope: The LPL was established in 2013 to organize and sanction professional play in China. It has grown to include a stable structure of annual seasons and a system of promotion and relegation with lower divisions, producing a steady pipeline of professional talent. The league is widely regarded for its high level of competition and for producing several world-class teams and players.

Format: Each year typically features Spring and Summer splits, with a regular-season round-robin followed by playoffs. Teams earn points or seeding based on their performance, with the top teams advancing to the World Championship or other international events. The lower-performing teams may face relegation to lower divisions or participate in promotion tournaments to retain LPL status.

Notable teams and impact: The LPL has housed many well-known organizations, including Invictus Gaming, Royal Never Give Up, FunPlus Phoenix, Edward Gaming, Top Esports, and JD Gaming. Over the years, LPL teams have achieved strong results on the world stage, contributing to the league’s reputation for depth and talent.

Broadcast and reception: LPL matches are widely streamed and broadcast in China and internationally, with platforms associated with Tencent and other partners providing coverage. The league has a large fanbase and has played a significant role in shaping professional esports in China.