League of Legends: A Lasting Legacy in China's Gaming World

League of Legends, the multiplayer online battle arena game developed by Riot Games, has maintained its preeminent position as the most popular PC game in China for nearly a decade and a half. This remarkable longevity in an industry characterized by rapid shifts and evolving player preferences can be largely attributed to the game's robust and vibrant esports ecosystem.

The recent League of Legends World Championship, hosted in Chengdu, China, served as a testament to the game's enduring appeal. The event drew tens of thousands of enthusiasts to witness the culmination of the tournament, where T1, a South Korean team, clinched their third consecutive title. The fervor surrounding the event was palpable, with dedicated fans like Sandy Xiao and Li Momo making significant financial and logistical commitments to participate in the experience.

Despite the absence of Chinese teams in the final match, the domestic enthusiasm remained undiminished. This unwavering support is reflected in the game's staggering player base of over 70 million monthly active users in China alone. The sustained popularity of League of Legends can be attributed to a synergistic relationship between competitive gaming and fan engagement, fostered by strategic investments from industry giants like Tencent and bolstered by governmental support for the esports sector.

The esports industry in China has exhibited consistent growth, with revenues increasing by 4.6% in 2024 and a further 6.1% in the first half of 2025. This growth is underpinned by a viewer base of nearly 500 million, representing over 70% of the country's total gaming population. The confluence of passionate community involvement, corporate investment, and regulatory support has created a resilient ecosystem that continues to propel League of Legends to new heights of popularity, even as it enters its fifteenth year in the Chinese market.