Worlds 2025: Everything We Know — Start Date, Format, Prize Pool, Pick’Ems

All regional championships have come to an end, and it’s finally time for the main event of the year — the World Championship 2025. This year’s Worlds is especially significant for both players and organizers, as it marks the 15th anniversary of the tournament. That means we’re in for an unforgettable show.

Throughout the year, teams have been honing their skills to fight for the most prestigious title in League of Legends — the one that defines the game itself. The Summoner’s Cup is the ultimate dream for every player and every team.

In this blog, we’ve gathered all the key details about Worlds 2025 to make sure you have everything you need for the best viewing experience. So, let’s dive in!

Worlds 2025 Format and Dates

This year, the World Championship 2025 will take place in China from October 14 to November 9. The tournament will be divided into several stages. The Play-In Stage will feature a single match — T1 vs Invictus Gaming — an incredibly exciting Bo5 showdown where the loser is immediately eliminated from the tournament before reaching the next stage.

After the Play-In, we move on to the Swiss Stage, which will run from October 15–19 and October 22–25. Sixteen teams will compete across five rounds using the Swiss format. Teams that manage to secure three victories will advance to the Knockout Stage, while those who suffer three losses will be eliminated. Matches that determine qualification or elimination will be played in Bo3 format with Fearless Draft, while all other matches will follow a Bo1 format.

Finally, we’ll reach the Knockout Stage, taking place from October 28 to November 2, concluding on November 9. At this stage, eight teams will face off in a Single Elimination bracket. All matches will be played in Bo5 format, once again using the Fearless Draft system.

Worlds 2025 Teams

A total of 17 teams from various regions will compete in the tournament: 4 from the LCK (Korea), 4 from the LPL (China), 3 from the LTA (North and South America), 3 from the LEC (Europe), and last but not least, 3 teams from the LCP (Asia-Pacific).

Let's meet the teams that will make history:

• Gen.G
• T1
• Hanwha Life Esports
• KT Rolsters
• Top Esports
• Bilibili Gaming
• Anyone`s Legend
• Invictus Gaming
• FlyQuest
• Keyd Stars
• 100 Thieves
• G2 Esports
• Fnatic
• KOI
• CTBC Flying Oyster
• Secret Whales
• PSG Talon

All of these teams have rightfully earned their place at the tournament. Each of them fought through the toughest qualifiers in their respective regions and proved themselves in international competitions to reach the biggest event of the year. You can learn more about them in our blog Worlds 2025: A Complete Overview of All Teams, where we’ve provided a detailed look at every team, their current form, and their latest achievements.

World Championship 2025 Prize Pool

The fifteenth World Championship boasts an impressive prize pool of $5,000,000 USD, which will be distributed among the participating teams.

• 1st place - $1,000,000 (20%)
• 2nd place - $800,000 (16%)
• 3rd–4th place - $400,000 (8%)
• 5th–8th place - $300,000 (6%)
• 9th–11th place - $175,000 (3.5%)
• 12th–14th place - $125,000 (2.5%)
• 15th–16th place - $112,500 (2.25%)
• 17th place - $75,000 (1.5%)

But when it comes to this tournament, money takes a back seat. For the players, the true goal is to leave their mark in history — to etch their name as someone who once conquered the world and proved themselves to be the best of the best.

What to Expect from the Worlds 2025?

What can we expect from Worlds 2025? In my opinion, this is one of the most competitive and unpredictable Worlds in history. During the 2025 season, every team has proven that they can stand toe-to-toe with any opponent, and all are ready to fight until the Nexus falls.

But as with every tournament, there are clear favorites and dangerous underdogs. The absolute favorites for the championship title this year are Gen.G, who have won every major event since the Winter Split, except for First Stand, which they didn’t attend. I also recommend checking out the World Championship 2025 ADC Tier List, where you can see which players and teams are currently in the best form — and maybe even decide who your personal favorite for the title is.

As for the dark horses of this tournament, I’d say G2 Esports and CTBC Flying Oysters fit that role perfectly. Both teams had an incredible season, so don’t miss their matches — it’s going to be exciting.

Worlds 2025 Betting

League of Legends tournaments never fail to impress with their scale and atmosphere. Over the years, massive fan communities have formed around them, just like in other popular games. To make the matches even more exciting, you can place a bet on your favorite team and experience the thrill of competition even more intensely.

Confident that your team will claim the title of the first Worlds 2025 champion? Then lock in your prediction with a bet and feel the full rush of victory alongside them! Not into gambling? No problem — just sit back and enjoy the show, because world-class esports battles and a fight for a one-million-dollar prize don’t happen every day!

And of course, don’t forget about Worlds 2025 Pick’Ems — the event launched this year where you can make your own predictions for free, guessing which team will win, who will advance from groups, and with what score. Use your intuition and game knowledge to earn valuable rewards in League of Legends!