League of Legendsis one of the most successful games in the world, and, as such, boasts one of the biggest professional scenes in all of eSports. Each year, millions of fans around the world tune into globalLoL Esports, to watch their favorite teams and players battle it out in various leagues and two major international tournaments.
RELATED:The Most Popular eSports Leagues
With adjustments to certain leagues and highly anticipated changes to international tournaments on the way, 2023 promises to be another outstanding year for esports inLeague of Legends.As always, there are new teams ready to prove their mettle on the rift and a plethora of rookies eager to make a name for themselves.
6Another Big Year For Korea And The LCK?
After the conclusion of Worlds, it seems safe to say that 2022 was a massive year for Korea and the LCK. With all four representatives making it out of groups and three of those making up the four semi-finalists, the result was an all-Korean final which underdogs DRX won. It was a year of Korean dominance, the likes of whichhad not been seen in quite some time.
The only thing left for the LCK to do now is to continue to dominate in 2023. In particular, both fans and players will have their eyes on the MSI trophy in spring, which, despite finishing as runners-up for two years straight, has alluded them since 2017. As Korea is known for producing the best players in the world and many teams have opted to bring in fresh blood this season, it will also be exciting to see which rookies rise to the top. The LCK will also be getting a double-elimination bracket for playoffs, which will make the end of each split even more entertaining.
5Exciting Changes For The LEC
2023 is going to be a massive year for the LEC and the announced changes to the premier European league could not have been received better by fans. The LEC will be switching to a three split system, and each of these mini-seasons will feature three rounds. This means there will be fewer best-of-ones, to be replaced by best-of-threes and more best-of-fives between the top teams. With elimination between rounds and more nail-biting series on the way, players and fans will be sweating alike.
Beyond changes to the format, the LEC will welcome a completely new team in Team Heretics, as well as the rebranding of reigning champions Rogue into KOI. As KOI is owned by one of thebiggest streamers in the world, Ibai, a large influx of mainly Spanish fans is expected. Furthermore, with so many players switching teams or joining the league, it is impossible to predict any outcomes.
4China’s LPL Will Want Revenge
The LPL is the biggest league in the world, but despite RNG picking up the MSI trophy in spring, the four Chinese representatives ultimately fell short at Worlds 2022. Fans will be eager to see their region back on top in 2023, and the grueling seventeen-team league will ensure that only the best are sent to international events.
RELATED:League Of Legends: The Most Hated Champions, Ranked
With a seemingly unlimited number of top teamsand available talent, every LPL season succeeds in offering the most chaotic yet competitive series, and 2023 promises to be no different. With monumental roster reshuffles and old partnerships between world champions being reformed, it is anyone’s guess who will come out on top.
3Big Players Return
Pro players by themselves are a massive deal inLoL Esports, with many fans supporting individuals and the team they currently happen to play for, instead of simply following one team. The most popular players boast huge fanbases, often due to them doubling as streamers. If these players ever happen to return to an old team they found fame on, or even come out of retirement, waves of hype are expected to follow.
In 2023, fans will see the return of LCS legend Doublelift after his two-year retirement, where he willplay as the bot lanerfor 100 Thieves. Equally exciting is the return of Swedish superstar Rekkles, not only to the height of European play in the LEC but more specifically to the team he is synonymous with, Fnatic. Other notable returns include former world champion Viper, who is hungry to win his first LCK title to celebrate his Korean homecoming.
2New Champions In The Hands Of Pros
Every year, a handful of new champions are released inLeague of Legends,and watching them in the hands of the best players in the world can be an incredibly exciting experience. This is also true for champions who have undergone major reworks, and evenmidscope updates or simple buffscan bring old champions back into the fray.
Heading into 2023, fans are eager to see the reworked Udyr, and, of course, the Pride of Nazumah K’Sante, both of whom have yet to be seen in pro play. During the course of the year, more champions will be released and reworked. For example, Aurelion Sol could make a triumphant return to the stage with new abilities that are better suited to a cosmic dragon.
1Changes To MSI And Worlds
The two major international tournaments, MSI and the World Championship are the highlights of the year for mostLoL Esportsfans. However, despite theongoing success of these events,viewers have been asking for improvements to the format for a number of years now. More specifically, fans would like to see more best-of-fives played between the best teams from around the world.
Although specifics are unknown, Riot has announced that they will be making changes to the formats of both tournaments in 2023, making it likely that fans will get to see more reverse sweeps and clutch plays from the best of the best. With this in mind, 2023 promises to be an exciting year for fans ofLoLeSports.
League of Legendsis available for PC and Mac.
MORE:League Of Legends: Updates And Additions To Look Forward To In 2023
