As the calendar pages turn, the anticipation among the global League of Legends community intensifies, with pro teams having battled through the year for the honor to represent their regions at the 2024 World Championship. Come October, Europe will play host to this prestigious event, witnessing the clash of titans vying not only for glory but also for a significant slice of the tournament's lucrative prize pool.
Since its inception, the Worlds prize pool has seen occasional adjustments, notably influenced by a portion of revenue generated from in-game item sales. This ensures that every team, regardless of their final standing, receives a share of the prize, though the amount escalates significantly the further a team advances.
The base prize pool of $2,225,000 has remained unchanged since 2017 but is subject to increase with a percentage of sales from Championship skins, wards, and other Worlds-themed in-game items. Distribution is heavily weighted towards the top performers, with the champion team pocketing 20% of the total pool. The runner-up receives 16%, while third and fourth place teams each secure 8%. The distribution scale tapers down for teams placing fifth and below, with the lowest-ranked teams earning around 1% of the pool, reflecting their brief participation in the event.
The pursuit of the Worlds title is as much about financial gain as it is about prestige. Over the years, several teams have distinguished themselves not just through their prowess in regional and international arenas but also through substantial earnings from their victories. Eastern teams have traditionally dominated the earnings chart, though Western teams have also made their mark, underscoring the global nature of the competition's elite.
With the 2024 chapter yet to unfold, the League of Legends community is already eyeing the horizon, with Worlds 2025 scheduled from September 25 to November 2. As teams gear up for another year of intense competition, the promise of glory and the lure of riches continue to fuel their quest for supremacy.
In conclusion, the League of Legends World Championship is more than just an esports event; it's a battleground where dreams are realized, legends are born, and financial rewards are substantial. As teams from around the globe prepare to descend upon Europe for Worlds 2024, the stakes have never been higher, both in terms of prestige and prize money.
