Riot Games didn’t let the grass grow under their feet after releasing League of Legends back in 2009. By 2011, the first ever World Championship was held at the DramHack Summer event in Sweden. Since then, Worlds has become an annual event, regularly attracting thousands of live attendees and millions more online viewers. Planning on becoming a spectator for the first time? Read on for our beginner’s guide on how to enjoy a League of Legends tournament.
Set a Budget
Generally speaking, tickets for League of Legends tournaments are affordable. However, you’ll need to consider how much of the match you want to see to determine how much you should spend. A ticket for the League of Legends World Championship is going to set you back around $130 if you opt for premium seating. If you’re not bothered about securing a front-row seat, you can save yourself around $20. If you want to watch an event in person, get your tickets early. Ticket touts and reseller services charge a huge premium.
Beat the Crowds and Watch Online
If budget is a concern or you simply can’t make it to a distant location, you can always watch online. Riot Games have made it easier than ever to follow the action remotely. You can head to the official Riot Games website or follow the action on their Twitch channel. Looking to follow second-tier tournaments? Check out the latest League of Legends schedule on 1337pro to plan your viewing.
Riot Games didn’t let the grass grow under their feet after releasing League of Legends back in 2009. By 2011, the first ever World Championship was held at the DramHack Summer event in Sweden.
Get to Grips with Playing Formats
There’s more to a League of Legends tournament than a grand final. The Worlds tournament alone is a month-long affair that’s made up of several stages. These include the play-ins, the group stage, and the playoffs.
Each of these tournament stages adopts a different playing format. You can usually follow most matches online, so ensure you’re clued up about other forms. If you can’t follow the action live, the good news is that most of these matches are recorded and uploaded for later viewing.
Show Your Support
As with any spectator sport, you’ll want to show your support. Thankfully, this is easy enough at a League of Legends tournament. Heading off to rally behind your favorite team? Why not see what merchandise they’re offering on their official site? Getting kitted out with the latest jersey is an easy way to find like-minded League fans. Alternatively, consider going all out and cosplaying as your go-to LoL champion.
Report from the Venue
Depending on what tournament you’re heading to, there are rules about what spectators can actually do as they watch their favorite teams do battle. Recording the action with a camera phone is usually frowned upon.
However, there are other ways you can keep fellow fans updated on what’s going on. Do you have an active social media presence? Why not live-tweet the goings-on to keep other LoL lovers in the loop?
Enjoy a Bet
The esports gambling market is booming. By the end of 2028, the global betting market is expected to be worth more than $2.8 billion. Betting on the outcome of a League of Legends match is a little different than wagering on a game of soccer, but the fundamentals remain the same. Keep it simple by betting on an outright winner, or investigate other options like MPV bets.
Use it as Learning Experience
Are you considering a career in esports? There’s no better classroom than a live LoL tournament. Playing online from the comfort of your home is one thing, but battling in front of a packed-out arena is another. Some ex-pro players and league boosters use this opportunity to get an idea of pro play and if it’s the career for them.
Depending on what tournament you’re heading to, there are rules about what spectators can actually do as they watch their favorite teams do battle. Recording the action with a camera phone is usually frowned upon.
See how the pros cope with the pressure of thousands of pairs of eyes trained upon them. What kind of errors are pro-level players making? What coping mechanisms are they using to get them through a round? All of this will help you become a better player.
Don’t Forget to Network
If you do have your sights set on a career in esports, you’re in the perfect place to network. Try and connect with coaches and managers for invaluable advice on how to climb the ranks. Not yet part of a team? There will be hundreds of aspiring esports players milling around in an average stadium.
