Chinese League of Legends: A Look into the Top Teams and Players

The Chinese League of Legends (LoL) scene has been rapidly growing over the past few years. China is one of the biggest markets for the game, with millions of players and a thriving esports scene. The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) is the top-level professional league for LoL in China, featuring some of the best players in the world.

The LPL was established in 2013 and has since grown to become one of the most competitive and prestigious leagues in the world. The league features 17 teams, each with their own unique playstyle and strategies. The LPL is known for its aggressive and fast-paced playstyle, which has helped it produce some of the best players in the world. The league has also been home to some of the most iconic moments in LoL esports history, including the 2018 World Championship finals, which saw Invictus Gaming become the first Chinese team to win the championship.

The Chinese LoL scene is not just limited to the LPL. The country also has a thriving amateur scene, with many talented players looking to make a name for themselves. The Chinese Super Server is one of the most prominent and well-known LoL servers in China, and is home to some of the best amateur players in the world. The server is known for its high level of competition, which has helped many players improve their skills and eventually go on to play professionally.

History of Chinese League of Legends

Early Years

League of Legends was first introduced to China in 2011 when Tencent, a Chinese multinational conglomerate, acquired the rights to distribute the game in the country. The game quickly gained popularity, and Tencent established the Tencent Games Pro League (LPL) in 2013, the top-level professional league for League of Legends in China.

In the early years, Chinese teams struggled to compete on the global stage, with Korean teams dominating the international tournaments. However, Chinese teams continued to improve and gain experience, and in 2018, Invictus Gaming became the first Chinese team to win the League of Legends World Championship.

Rise to Global Prominence

Since then, Chinese teams have continued to rise in prominence, with multiple Chinese teams reaching the finals of international tournaments. The Chinese League of Legends scene is known for its intense competition and passionate fanbase, with millions of Chinese fans tuning in to watch LPL matches.

Tencent has played a significant role in the growth of Chinese League of Legends, investing in the development of the game and supporting the LPL. Tencent has also acquired foreign companies, such as Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, and allowed them to remain autonomous.

In conclusion, the history of Chinese League of Legends is marked by its rapid growth and the rise of Chinese teams to global prominence. The Chinese League of Legends scene is known for its passionate fanbase and intense competition, and Tencent has played a significant role in the growth of the game in China.

Major Chinese Teams

China has a thriving League of Legends scene, with many talented teams competing on the international stage. Here are three of the most successful and well-known Chinese teams:

Royal Never Give Up

Royal Never Give Up (RNG) is a powerhouse in the Chinese League of Legends scene. The team was founded in 2015 and has since won numerous domestic and international titles. In 2018, RNG won the Mid-Season Invitational, and in 2021, they won the LPL Spring Split. The team’s star player is Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao, who is widely considered one of the best ADCs in the world.

Edward Gaming

Edward Gaming (EDG) is another top Chinese team that has had a lot of success in recent years. Founded in 2013, EDG has won multiple LPL titles and has also performed well at international events. In 2015, they won the Mid-Season Invitational, and in 2018, they made it to the semifinals of the World Championship. The team’s most notable player is Jeon “Ray” Ji-won, a top laner from South Korea.

Invictus Gaming

Invictus Gaming (IG) is a well-known Chinese team that has been around since 2011. The team has won multiple LPL titles and has also had success on the international stage. In 2018, IG won the World Championship, and in 2019, they won the Mid-Season Invitational. The team’s star player is Song “Rookie” Eui-jin, a mid laner from South Korea.

These three teams are just a few examples of the many talented and successful teams in the Chinese League of Legends scene. With so much talent and competition, it’s no wonder that China is one of the strongest regions in the world of League of Legends.

Notable Chinese Players

China has produced some of the best League of Legends players in the world, and many of them have made a name for themselves on the international stage. Here are a few notable Chinese players:

Uzi

Uzi, also known as Jian Zi-Hao, is one of the most famous Chinese League of Legends players of all time. He is known for his exceptional mechanical skill and his ability to carry games from the bottom lane. Uzi has played for several top Chinese teams, including Royal Never Give Up and OMG. He has also represented China in several international tournaments, including the World Championship. In 2018, Uzi led Royal Never Give Up to victory in the World Championship, cementing his status as one of the best players in the world.

Rookie

Rookie, whose real name is Song Eui-jin, is a Chinese League of Legends player who was born in South Korea. He is known for his exceptional mid-lane play and his ability to outplay opponents in one-on-one situations. Rookie has played for several top Chinese teams, including Invictus Gaming and Edward Gaming. He has also represented China in several international tournaments, including the World Championship. In 2018, Rookie led Invictus Gaming to victory in the World Championship, earning himself the title of tournament MVP.

TheShy

TheShy, whose real name is Kang Seung-lok, is a Chinese League of Legends player who was born in South Korea. He is known for his exceptional top-lane play and his ability to dominate opponents in team fights. TheShy has played for several top Chinese teams, including Invictus Gaming and WE. He has also represented China in several international tournaments, including the World Championship. In 2018, TheShy helped lead Invictus Gaming to victory in the World Championship, earning himself a spot on the All-Star team.

Tournament Structure

League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular esports in China, with a well-established tournament structure that consists of several major events throughout the year. The tournament structure is designed to provide players with ample opportunities to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the region.

LPL

The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) is the premier LoL tournament in China. It is a professional league that features 17 teams from across the country. The teams are divided into two groups, with each group playing a double round-robin format. The top eight teams from each group advance to the playoffs, with the winner being crowned the LPL champion.

Demacia Cup

The Demacia Cup is a bi-annual tournament that features the top teams from the LPL and other Chinese leagues. The tournament is named after the fictional region of Demacia in the game. It is played in a single-elimination format, with the winner receiving a cash prize and a spot in the next international tournament.

Worlds Participation

The League of Legends World Championship is the most prestigious tournament in the LoL esports scene. The tournament features the top teams from around the world, including China’s LPL. The LPL has been a dominant force in the tournament, with Chinese teams winning the championship in 2018 and 2019. The tournament is played in a group stage and knockout format, with the winner being crowned the world champion.

Overall, the LoL tournament structure in China is well-established and offers players ample opportunities to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the region. The LPL, Demacia Cup, and Worlds are the most prestigious events in the tournament structure, and winning these tournaments is the ultimate goal for any LoL player in China.

Impact on Global Esports

China’s success in League of Legends has had a significant impact on the global esports scene. The country’s dominance in the game has influenced the meta and had a financial impact on the industry.

Influence on Meta

Chinese teams have consistently performed well at international tournaments, which has led to their strategies and playstyles being adopted by teams from other regions. This has resulted in a shift in the meta, with champions that were previously considered weak becoming popular picks due to their success in the Chinese meta.

For example, in the 2021 League of Legends World Championship, the Chinese team Edward Gaming (EDG) won the tournament using a composition that included the champion Senna, who was not considered a strong pick in other regions. However, after the tournament, Senna became a popular pick in other regions due to EDG’s success with her.

Financial Impact

China’s success in League of Legends has also had a significant financial impact on the esports industry. The country has a large player base and a strong esports ecosystem, which has led to increased investment in the industry.

Chinese companies such as Tencent, which owns Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, have invested heavily in esports. Tencent has acquired several esports organizations, including Riot Games, and has also invested in other esports titles such as PUBG and Fortnite.

This investment has led to the growth of the industry, with increased prize pools, sponsorship deals, and media rights. The League of Legends World Championship, for example, had a prize pool of $6.5 million in 2021, with the winning team taking home $2.4 million.

Overall, China’s success in League of Legends has had a significant impact on the global esports scene, influencing the meta and leading to increased investment in the industry.

Controversies and Issues

Match Fixing Scandals

In 2018, the Chinese League of Legends Pro League (LPL) was hit by a match-fixing scandal involving several players and coaches. The scandal led to the suspension of several players and coaches, including the former world champion, Uzi. The LPL responded by implementing stricter regulations and harsher penalties for those found guilty of match-fixing.

In 2020, another match-fixing scandal rocked the Chinese League of Legends scene, this time involving the LDL, the LPL’s secondary league. The scandal involved several players from the same team, who were caught betting against their own team. The players were subsequently banned from competitive play and fined by the league.

Player Treatment

The treatment of players in the Chinese League of Legends scene has been a topic of controversy in recent years. In 2019, former LPL player, Uzi, spoke out about the harsh training conditions and lack of support for players in the league. Uzi revealed that he had developed several health issues due to the rigorous training schedules and lack of rest.

The issue of player treatment was further highlighted in 2020, when the LPL was forced to postpone matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the delay, players were forced to continue training in isolation, without access to proper training facilities or equipment. The situation drew criticism from fans and players alike, with many calling for better support and treatment for players in the league.

In response to the criticism, the LPL has implemented several changes aimed at improving player welfare, including the introduction of mandatory rest days and the establishment of player associations to represent the interests of players in the league.

Future of Chinese League of Legends

Chinese League of Legends (LoL) has a bright future ahead. With the country’s massive player base, strong esports infrastructure, and talented players, China is expected to continue dominating the global LoL scene.

One major event to look forward to is the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2024, which will reportedly be returning to China for the first time since 2016. Chinese teams have been dominating the competition in recent years, with the last three MSI championships won by Chinese teams. The return of MSI to China is a testament to the country’s strength in the LoL scene and will provide a platform for Chinese teams to showcase their skills on home turf.

Another exciting event is the LoL Asian Games 2023, which will feature teams from across Asia competing for gold. The Chinese LoL roster for the Asian Games has already been confirmed, with a strong lineup of players and coaches. The team is expected to perform well and potentially bring home the gold medal for China.

In addition to major events, the Chinese LoL scene is also expected to continue developing and growing. The Chinese Super Server, known for its high-quality and competitive gameplay, is home to a massive player base and is expected to continue producing top-tier players. Chinese teams are also investing heavily in esports infrastructure, with many organizations building state-of-the-art training facilities and investing in player development.

Overall, the future of Chinese LoL looks bright, and fans can expect to see continued dominance from Chinese teams in the global LoL scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LPL and how does it differ from other League of Legends leagues?

The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) is the top-level professional league for League of Legends in China. It is one of the major leagues in the world, and it differs from other leagues in terms of its format and the number of teams that participate. The LPL consists of 17 teams, which is more than any other major league. Additionally, the LPL uses a double round-robin format, which means that each team plays against every other team twice in a season.

How has the Chinese League of Legends scene evolved over the years?

The Chinese League of Legends scene has undergone significant changes over the years. In the early days, Chinese teams were not considered to be among the best in the world. However, in recent years, Chinese teams have become much stronger, and the LPL has become one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Chinese teams have won several international tournaments, including the Mid-Season Invitational and the World Championship.

What is the current state of the Tencent League of Legends Pro League standings?

As of the current date, the LPL standings are constantly changing due to ongoing matches. Fans can check the official LPL website for the latest standings and match results.

Who are the top players to watch in the Chinese League of Legends scene?

There are many talented players in the Chinese League of Legends scene, but some of the top players to watch include Uzi, Rookie, and Doinb. These players have consistently performed at a high level and have helped lead their teams to victory in many matches.

What is the Chinese super server and why is it important in the League of Legends community?

The Chinese super server is a server that is used by some of the best League of Legends players in China. It is considered to be one of the most competitive servers in the world, and many top players use it to practice and improve their skills. The server is important in the League of Legends community because it is a place where players can test themselves against some of the best players in the world.

How has the Chinese League of Legends community responded to accusations of ripoff and plagiarism?

The Chinese League of Legends community has been accused of ripoff and plagiarism in the past, but many members of the community have strongly denied these accusations. Some have argued that the accusations are unfounded and that the Chinese League of Legends scene has developed its own unique style and culture. Others have acknowledged that there may be some similarities between Chinese and Western League of Legends content, but they have argued that this is a natural result of the global nature of the game.