The 2025 League of Legends World Championship, affectionately known as Worlds 2025, is set to be an electrifying culmination of the year's esports season. Hosted across the vibrant cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu in China from October 14 to November 9, this prestigious tournament will feature 17 elite teams battling for the coveted Summoner's Cup. With a staggering $5 million prize pool and the introduction of the innovative Fearless Draft format, Worlds 2025 promises to push the boundaries of competitive League of Legends.
This year marks a significant evolution in the competitive landscape. Following Riot Games' structural changes, the Americas and APAC regions have unified into the League of Legends Championship of The Americas (LTA) and the League of Legends Championship Pacific (LCP), respectively. Each of these new panregional leagues will send three teams directly to the Swiss stage. Meanwhile, the dominant performers from the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI)—the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) and the League of Legends Pro League (LPL)—have earned four slots apiece, with their fourth seeds vying in a high-stakes play-in matchup for the final Swiss stage entry. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["154ee5"]})
As of September 6, 2025, the qualification process is well underway, with major splits like Summer or Season Finals in full swing across regions. While not all 17 spots are locked in yet, several powerhouse teams have already secured their invitations based on championship points, split performances, and MSI results. The defending champions, T1 from the LCK, enter as two-time title holders, but the field is stacked with hungry contenders ready to dethrone them. Below, we break down the regions and the teams that have punched their tickets so far, along with insights into the ongoing battles for the remaining slots.
LCK (League of Legends Champions Korea): 4 Slots
The LCK, renowned for its mechanical prowess and strategic depth, secured an extra seed thanks to topping MSI 2025. Gen.G, the MSI champions, are a lock for direct entry if they advance to playoffs, but their dominance throughout the season suggests they'll be a top seed. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["fcb24f"]}) Currently qualified teams include:
- T1: As perennial favorites and back-to-back Worlds winners, T1 has likely clinched a top seed through consistent excellence.
- Gen.G: MSI victors and LCK powerhouses, heading straight to the Swiss stage.
- Hanwha Life Esports (HLE): Strong performers in domestic splits, securing an early qualification.
The fourth slot remains contested, with teams like Dplus KIA or KT Rolster in the mix as the Summer split concludes. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["aea657"]})
LPL (League of Legends Pro League): 4 Slots
China's LPL, the second-best region at MSI, brings explosive macro play and star power. Their fourth seed will join the LCK's in play-in. Qualified teams to date:
- Bilibili Gaming (BLG): Consistent top finishers, locked in via championship points.
- Anyone's Legend (AL): Steady performers with international pedigree from MSI and EWC.
Teams like JD Gaming and Weibo Gaming are frontrunners for the remaining spots, with the LPL's intense competition ensuring only the best advance. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["ce7ad4"]})
LEC (League of Legends EMEA Championship): 3 Slots
Europe's LEC emphasizes creativity and adaptability. With three direct Swiss entries, the "fantastic four" are battling it out. Currently qualified:
- G2 Esports: Despite a dip from their grand slam days, G2's experience makes them a safe bet.
- Movistar KOI: Rising stars with strong peaks in recent splits.
- Karmine Corp: Fan favorites showing consistency throughout the season.
Fanatic could still challenge, but these three appear set. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["986bfc"]})
LTA (League of Legends Championship of The Americas): 3 Slots
The newly formed LTA merges North and South American talent, promising fresh rivalries. Direct entries based on split results:
- FlyQuest: North conference leaders, carrying NA's hopes.
- FURIA: South American contenders with aggressive playstyles.
The third slot is up for grabs, with teams like Team Liquid vying in the final stretch. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["cdf4cf"]})
LCP (League of Legends Championship Pacific): 3 Slots
The LCP unifies APAC's diverse scenes, blending Southeast Asian grit with Oceanic and Japanese flair. Qualified so far:
- GAM Esports: Vietnamese powerhouses, consistent international threats.
- PSG Talon: Experienced campaigners from the former PCS.
Team Secret Whales emerges as a dark horse for the last spot, adding unpredictability. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["04601a"]})
Looking Ahead: The Road to Chengdu
With only about a month until the play-in stage kicks off in Beijing, the race for the remaining qualifications is heating up. The LCK and LPL's extra seeds highlight Eastern dominance post-MSI, but the unified LTA and LCP could introduce new narratives and upsets. Expect intense regional finals to finalize the roster, setting the stage for a tournament where innovation meets tradition under the Fearless Draft.
Worlds 2025 isn't just a competition—it's a celebration of League of Legends' global evolution. As more teams lock in, the hype builds. Stay tuned for updates, as the full 17-team field promises epic clashes en route to the Grand Finals at Chengdu's Dong'an Lake Sports Park Multifunctional Gymnasium. [](grok_render_citation_card_json={"cardIds":["93f11c"]})
Note: Qualifications are fluid until regional finals conclude. This summary reflects the landscape as of September 6, 2025.