Which Region is the Best in League of Legends?

League of Legends (LoL) has grown into a global phenomenon since its release in 2009. Developed by Riot Games, the game quickly captured players' attention from all around the world, creating a community that now spans continents. It boasts over 150 million registered users, with around 15 million daily active players, making it one of the most played games in history. The appeal of LoL is multi-faceted: fast-paced gameplay, complex strategies, and a vibrant professional esports scene that draws millions of viewers annually.

The game has transcended its roots in North America and Europe to establish itself as a household name in regions like South Korea, China, and Brazil. With servers in multiple regions worldwide, LoL's presence stretches across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Oceania, ensuring its impact is felt globally.

The Dominance of the LCK (South Korea)

When discussing the best League of Legends region, ignoring South Korea’s LCK is impossible. Historically, this region has been synonymous with dominance. South Korean teams, such as T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1), have claimed five World Championship titles over the years, an astounding feat that no other region has matched.

Last year, LCK teams such as Gen.G and T1 continued to perform at the highest levels, reaching the knockout stages of the World Championship. Gen.G, in particular, has impressed with its ability to control the game, recording the highest gold per minute (2233 GPM) during the tournament. Given this level of performance, it’s no surprise that sportsbooks frequently position LCK teams as the favorites, with odds reflecting their historical dominance. Bettors looking for safer picks often gravitate toward these teams, as they consistently deliver results on the international stage.

For those looking to increase their chances of winning or stretch their betting budgets, promotions like the ESPN Bet promo code offer an opportunity to pad their budgets while sticking with a smart bet on LCK powerhouses. With Korean players like T1’s Gumayusi, who posted a record-setting KDA at Worlds 2023, and the iconic Faker, widely regarded as the best LoL player ever, it’s clear why betting on the LCK is considered the safer option.

LPL (China)

China’s LPL is the only region to challenge South Korea’s dominance. The LPL rose to prominence with its aggressive playstyle, and its teams have consistently been in the conversation for the best region since Invictus Gaming’s Worlds victory in 2018, followed by FunPlus Phoenix in 2019. These victories broke the LCK's monopoly on the World Championship, proving that China could compete and win on the biggest stage.

The LPL continues to be a serious contender for the top region, with multiple teams, such as JD Gaming, LNG Esports, and Bilibili Gaming, advancing deep into the tournament. JD Gaming, in particular, has looked formidable, advancing to the knockout stages without breaking a sweat. Their versatility, adaptability, and the individual prowess of players like Ruler, who maintained one of the best creeps per minute rates (10.2 CSM) at Worlds 2023.

One of the hallmarks of the LPL’s playstyle is its focus on early-game aggression and mechanical outplays. Chinese teams are often seen taking risks that other regions might avoid, and while this approach can lead to dramatic games, it has paid off in spades, especially in high-stakes international matches.

The European Dark Horse: LEC (Europe)

While South Korea and China dominate the spotlight, Europe’s LEC has quietly built a reputation as a region that punches above its weight. G2 Esports and Fnatic have made it to the World Championship finals in the past, with G2 coming tantalizingly close to victory in 2019. Although the LEC has yet to win a World Championship, it has consistently produced teams that can challenge the top regions.

G2 Esports again led the European charge at Worlds, making it to the knockout stages. Their victory over Korean powerhouse Dplus KIA on the Swiss stage highlighted Europe's potential to upset the established hierarchy. G2’s combination of creative drafting and aggressive, unpredictable playstyle continues to make them a threat, even against top-tier teams from the LCK and LPL.

However, the LEC’s depth is still questioned. While G2 performs well, European teams like Fnatic and MAD Lions have struggled on the international stage with inconsistent results. This lack of consistent top-tier performance across multiple teams separates the LEC from the LCK and LPL in the rankings.

North America: A Region in Decline?

Unfortunately, North America’s LCS has consistently lagged behind the other major regions regarding international success. Although teams like Cloud9 and Team Liquid have occasionally made deep runs in Worlds, the region has yet to produce a champion, and in 2023, the struggles continued.

Cloud9 was the only North American team to win a game in the opening rounds of Worlds 2023, while Team Liquid and NRG faltered early. The LCS has faced criticism for importing talent from other regions instead of developing homegrown players, which has led to inconsistent performances internationally. This issue, combined with a slower, less aggressive playstyle, often leaves North American teams outmatched by the high-octane strategies of the LPL and LCK.

The Verdict: LCK or LPL?

So, which region is the best? The answer isn’t entirely clear-cut. The LCK’s long-standing legacy and continued success in 2023, especially with teams like Gen.G and T1 performing at the highest levels, make South Korea a strong candidate. However, the LPL’s recent dominance and aggressive and unpredictable playstyle make China equally formidable.

At the 2023 World Championship, both regions continued to prove their worth. With Chinese and Korean teams regularly making it to the final stages of Worlds, it’s safe to say that the battle between these two regions will continue for years to come. Europe’s LEC, though a consistent dark horse, has yet to break through, and North America’s LCS remains far behind.

Ultimately, it may not be about which region is the best but rather which one can rise to the occasion at the right time. In 2023, both the LCK and LPL remain at the top, and the future of League of Legends esports will likely continue to be defined by the intense rivalry between these two powerhouse regions.