LoL Worlds 2023: Here's everything you need to know
The upcoming 2023 League of Legends World Championship (Worlds) is just around the corner. This year, the tournament is making its return to South Korea, and we've got all the essential details you need to know.
The anticipation is notable as Worlds 2023 promises to make history once again. This year, the premier tournament returns to its roots in South Korea, a nation with a rich history of hosting crucial moments in League of Legends esports. South Korea had previously welcomed the later stages of the 2014 edition and, notably, hosted the entirety of the 2018 event. This return to South Korea signifies a nostalgic nod to the tournament's roots and the passionate fan base that has initially supported it.
Moreover, Worlds 2023 marks a departure from the format of the 2022 competition, which spanned across Mexico and the United States. This time, the tournament embraces the tradition of a single host nation, rekindling the sense of unity and camaraderie that comes from gathering esports enthusiasts under one roof.
The event's schedule is nothing short of epic, unfolding over a month, from October 10 to November 19, and encompassing four distinctive venues throughout South Korea. These locations set the stage for thrilling matchups, unforgettable plays, and moments that will etch themselves into the annals of League of Legends history:
Play-Ins: From October 10 to October 15, LoL Park in Seoul will play host to the initial clashes as lower-ranked teams give their all to secure two coveted spots in the Swiss Stage.
Group Stage: The excitement continues from October 19 to October 29 at KBS Arena, Seoul, where the surviving teams from the Play-Ins, as well as the major regions' seeds, come together to battle in the Group Stage.
Quarter-finals: The action intensifies as we move to the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium in Busan, from November 2 to November 5, where the contenders will fight tooth and nail to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Semi-finals: November 11 and 12 will see the Sajik Indoor Gymnasium in Busan come alive with the fervor of competition as the remaining teams clash for a chance to reach the ultimate showdown.
Finals: The culmination of this grand spectacle unfolds on November 19 at the majestic Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul. Here, the world's best League of Legends teams will face off in an epic battle for glory, honor, and the coveted Summoner's Cup.
Worlds 2023 boasts a lineup of 22 teams hailing from diverse corners of the globe, representing the pinnacle of League of Legends talent. The tournament's journey begins with the Play-In Stage, where lower-ranked teams strive to prove their mettle and claim one of the two prized spots in the Swiss Stage. There, they will stand shoulder to shoulder with the 14 seeded teams representing the major regions, including the LCK, LPL, LCS, and LEC.