2021 World Championship
Single Elimination
The 2021 World Championship is the crowning event of League of Legends esports for the year. The tournament welcomes 24 teams from all regions of the game in a months-long race for the Summoner's Cup.
This year's World Championship was planned to be held in China, with various stages being held in Shanghai, Qingdao, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Shenzhen--who would have also hosed the finals. China would have been a back-to-back host for Worlds due to the COVID-19 pandemic disallowing spectators from 2020's event. They have also previously hosted it in 2017. North America's Worlds event has been pushed to 2022. The starting prize pool for the tournament is $2.225 million, which is expected to grow with in-game item sales.
Due to the changing COVID-19 situation and epidemic control policies in China, the LoL Esports team announced on August 24th that the event has been moved to an as of yet unannounced location in Europe.[1]
On September 9th, the LoL Esports team reveals that the 2021 World Championship will take place in Reykjavík, Iceland.[2]
Format[edit]
- Qualification
- 24 teams from professional leagues will qualify for the event.
- Note: Unfortunately, due to travel restrictions, the two teams from the VCS will still not be able to attend this year's Worlds.[2]
- Play-In Round 1 - October 5th - 7th
- Ten teams are divided into two groups where they play a Single Round Robin format.
- All matches are played in a Bo1.
- Top teams in each group advance to Group Stage.
- 2nd, 3rd and 4th teams in each group advance to Play-In: Round 2.
- Bottom team in each group is eliminated.
- Play-In Round 2 - October 8th - 9th
- Six teams from Play-In: Round 1.
- The 3rd and 4th placed teams of the same group of Round 1 face each other, winners compete against the 2nd placed team of the other group.
- All matches are played in a Bo5.
- Two winners will advance to Group Stage.
- Four losers will be eliminated.
- Group Stage - October 11th - 13th and 15th - 18th
- Four teams from the Play-In Stage join twelve teams with direct entry from China, South Korea, Europe, Southeast Asia and North America.
- All sixteen teams are divided into four groups where they play a Double Round Robin format.
- All matches are played in a Bo1.
- Top two teams in each group advance to Playoffs.
- Bottom two teams in each group are eliminated.
- Click here for information about tiebreaker rules
- If teams are tied and competing for 3rd and 4th place, there will not be any additional matches, the placement will be determined by their head-to-head result. If teams an identical head-to-head record, they will share the 3rd place.
- No tiebreaker game will be played if the tiebreaker would not decide either the first or second place position in the group.
- In other circumstances:
- If there are two teams have an equal amount of points, an additional tiebreaker match will be played.
- If there are three teams have an equal amount of points, five circumstances will be considered based on the records against each of the other teams in the tie:
- Each team in the tiebreaker has a record of 2-2: the two teams with highest winning time will play against each other, winner will face the other team. (Group A)
- The teams have 3-1, 2-2 and 1-3 records: the 2-2 and 1-3 teams will play against each other, winner will face the 3-1 team.
- The teams are with two 3-1 and one 0-4 records: the team that is 0-4 will be awarded the lowest standing being decided by the tiebreaker and a new tiebreaker is declared amongst the two teams with an aggregate record of 3-1 utilizing the two-way tie procedure set.
- One team has 4-0 and the others are 1-3: The team that is 4-0 is automatically granted the highest seed available in the tiebreaker, and a new tiebreaker is declared amongst the two teams with an aggregate record of 1-3 utilizing the two-way tie procedure set.
- The teams are with 4-0, 2-2 and 0-4 record: the tie will be broken by the aggregate record.
- If there are four teams have an equal amount of points, the teams will be drawn into a single elimination bracket based on the cumulative game victory time for the individual teams.
- The seeds will be given in order to the teams that won their games the quickest. The four teams will be split into two first-round matches: quickest team faces slowest team and 2nd team faces 3rd team.
- The losing teams will be eliminated from the tournament. The winning teams play a match to determine the first and second seeds of the group.
- Side selection for a head-to-head tiebreaker matchup will be awarded to the team with the lower total game victory time.
- All tiebreaker matches are Bo1
- Playoffs - October 22nd - 25th, October 30th - 31st and November 6th
- Eight teams play in a single elimination bracket where 1st placed team of each group faces 2nd placed team from another group.
- Side Selection Privilege
- Teams with Side Selection Privilege can choose the side in game 1, after that, the team lost can choose the side in the next game.
- In Quarterfinals, 1st placed team from each group will have the Side Choice Previlege.
- In the following matches, the Side Choice Previlege will be determined by coin flip.
- All matches are Bo5.
- Patch Information
Worlds Draw Show[edit]
The Worlds Draw Show was held on September 22, 2021 - 12:00 GMT to place teams into groups for the Play-In Stage and the Group Stage of the 2021 World Championship.
Broadcast Talent[edit]
Prize Pool[edit]
The initial prize pool of the tournament is $2,225,000 USD.
Participating Teams[edit]
Group Stage Teams[edit]
DNP Jenkins | |
DNP Armao | |
9th - 12th | (2020)
Kold | |
H4xDefender | |
9th - 12th | (2020)
Alphari | |
Santorin | |
Jensen | |
Tactical | |
CoreJJ | |
9th - 12th | (2020)
LCS Championship |
Play-In Teams[edit]
- 1 October 8th - Maoan is suspended for the remainder of the 2021 World Championship, due to him violating Rule 9.3 of the 2021 World Championship Ruleset. [5]
DNP Brayaron | |
DNP Kz | |
17th - 20th | (2018)
Von | |
Snok | |
17th - 20th | (2018)
Buggax | |
SolidSnake | |
cody | |
Whitelotus | |
Ackerman | |
17th - 20th | (2018)
LLA Closing |
- 1 Apii and LeeSA cannot attend due to visa issues during COVID-19 pandemic. [6] Vizicsacsi stood for Apii. [7]
- 2 Lived was loaned from Chiefs Esports Club as a substitute. [8]
- 1 The two VCS representatives were not selected due to COVID-19 regulations in Vietnam and a lengthy delay of the VCS 2021 Summer season.
Results[edit]
Play-In: Round 1[edit]
Group A | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | LNG Esports | 4-0 | ||||
2. | Hanwha Life Esports | 3-1 | ||||
3. | PEACE | 2-2 | ||||
4. | RED Canids | 1-3 | ||||
5. | Infinity | 0-4 |
Group B | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | DetonatioN FocusMe | 3-1 | ||||
2. | Cloud9 | 3-1 | ||||
3. | Galatasaray Esports | 2-2 | ||||
4. | Beyond Gaming | 1-3 | ||||
5. | Unicorns Of Love | 1-3 |
Click here for more information about the Play-In: Round 1 matches.
Play-In: Round 2[edit]
Group Stage[edit]
Group A | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | DAMWON Gaming | 6-0 | ||||
2. | Cloud9 | 2-4 | ||||
3. | Rogue | 2-4 | ||||
4. | FunPlus Phoenix | 2-4 |
Group B | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | T1 | 5-1 | ||||
2. | EDward Gaming | 4-2 | ||||
3. | 100 Thieves | 3-3 | ||||
4. | DetonatioN FocusMe | 0-6 |
Group C | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Royal Never Give Up | 4-2 | ||||
2. | Hanwha Life Esports | 4-2 | ||||
3. | PSG Talon | 3-3 | ||||
4. | Fnatic | 1-5 |
Group D | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Gen.G Esports | 3-3 | ||||
2. | MAD Lions | 3-3 | ||||
3. | LNG Esports | 3-3 | ||||
3. | Team Liquid | 3-3 |
Click here for more information about the Group Stage matches.
Knockout Stage[edit]
Additional Data[edit]
Streams[edit]
Viewership Statistics[edit]
Viewership Stats | ||
---|---|---|
Peak Viewers | 4 018 728 | |
Average Viewers | 1 298 219 | |
Hours Watched | 174 826 793 |
Statistics[edit]
Picks | Blue Side | Red Side | Bans | Picks & Bans | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Champion | ∑ | W | L | WR | %T | ∑ | W | L | WR | ∑ | W | L | WR | ∑ | %T | ∑ | %T | Played By | Played With | Played Vs. | ||
1 | Miss Fortune | 79 | 38 | 41 | 48.10% | 65.29% | 33 | 16 | 17 | 48.48% | 46 | 22 | 24 | 47.83% | 18 | 14.88% | 97 | 80.17% | 9 (5-4) 9 (3-6) 7 (3-4) 5 (4-1) 5 (3-2) | |||
2 | Lee Sin | 58 | 33 | 25 | 56.90% | 47.93% | 34 | 19 | 15 | 55.88% | 24 | 14 | 10 | 58.33% | 60 | 49.59% | 118 | 97.52% | 7 (5-2) 6 (6-0) 5 (5-0) 5 (4-1) 5 (2-3) | |||
3 | Leona | 56 | 30 | 26 | 53.57% | 46.28% | 21 | 12 | 9 | 57.14% | 35 | 18 | 17 | 51.43% | 31 | 25.62% | 87 | 71.90% | 9 (4-5) 6 (3-3) 5 (4-1) 5 (3-2) 5 (3-2) | |||
4 | Xin Zhao | 45 | 15 | 30 | 33.33% | 37.19% | 22 | 6 | 16 | 27.27% | 23 | 9 | 14 | 39.13% | 39 | 32.23% | 84 | 69.42% | 6 (3-3) 5 (1-4) 4 (2-2) 4 (2-2) 4 (2-2) | |||
5 | Rakan | 43 | 24 | 19 | 55.81% | 35.54% | 26 | 11 | 15 | 42.31% | 17 | 13 | 4 | 76.47% | 24 | 19.83% | 67 | 55.37% | 5 (4-1) 4 (3-1) 4 (3-1) 4 (2-2) 3 (3-0) | |||
121 games played | 59W - 62L (48.76%) | 62W - 59L (51.24%) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Click here for complete statistics table |
Pentakills[edit]
Date | Stage | Team | Vs. | Champion | Player | KDA | VOD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021-10-15 | Group Stage | Lucian | Khan | 10/3/6 | VOD |
Country Representation[edit]
# | Country / Region | Representation | Players |
---|---|---|---|
1 | South Korea | 34 / 113 (30%) | Alive, Aria, Bdd, BeryL, Burdol, Canna, Canyon, Chovy, Clid, CoreJJ, Crazy, Deft, Doinb, Faker, Gaeng, Ghost, Gumayusi, Keria, Khan, Life, Morgan, Nuguri, Oner, Rascal, River, Ruler, Scout, ShowMaker, Ssumday, Steal, Tarzan, Viper, Vsta, Willer |
2 | China | 15 / 113 (13%) | Ale, Crisp, Cryin, Flandre, GALA, icon, Iwandy, Jiejie, Light, Lwx, Meiko, Ming, Tian, Wei, Xiaohu |
3 | Taiwan | 8 / 113 (7%) | Doggo, Hanabi, Husha, Kino, Liang, Maoan, Maple, PK |
4 | Brazil | 6 / 113 (5%) | Aegis, Avenger, Grevthar, Guigo, Jojo, TitaN |
5 | Australia | 5 / 113 (4%) | Aladoric, Babip, FBI, Fudge, Tally |
6 | Russia | 4 / 113 (4%) | AHaHaCiK, BOSS, Nomanz, SaNTaS |
6 | Turkey | 4 / 113 (4%) | Armut, Closer, Mojito, Zergsting |
8 | Denmark | 3 / 113 (3%) | Jensen, Santorin, Zven |
8 | Germany | 3 / 113 (3%) | Abbedagge, Bean, Kaiser |
8 | Hong Kong | 3 / 113 (3%) | Kaiwing, Unified, Violet |
8 | United States | 3 / 113 (3%) | Blaber, huhi, Tactical |
12 | Argentina | 2 / 113 (2%) | Ackerman, Whitelotus |
12 | Belgium | 2 / 113 (2%) | Bwipo, Nisqy |
12 | Czechia | 2 / 113 (2%) | Carzzy, Humanoid |
12 | France | 2 / 113 (2%) | Adam, Hans Sama |
12 | Japan | 2 / 113 (2%) | Evi, Yutapon |
12 | Poland | 2 / 113 (2%) | Inspired, Trymbi |
12 | Sweden | 2 / 113 (2%) | Bolulu, Larssen |
19 | Bulgaria | 1 / 113 (1%) | Hylissang |
19 | Canada | 1 / 113 (1%) | Vulcan |
19 | Chile | 1 / 113 (1%) | cody |
19 | Croatia | 1 / 113 (1%) | Perkz |
19 | Hungary | 1 / 113 (1%) | Vizicsacsi |
19 | Peru | 1 / 113 (1%) | SolidSnake |
19 | Romania | 1 / 113 (1%) | Odoamne |
19 | Spain | 1 / 113 (1%) | Elyoya |
19 | Ukraine | 1 / 113 (1%) | Argonavt |
19 | United Kingdom | 1 / 113 (1%) | Alphari |
19 | Uruguay | 1 / 113 (1%) | Buggax |
Worlds Appearances[edit]
- Click here for the complete list.
Additional content[edit]
Announcements[edit]
- 2021-09-23 | Introducing Your Worlds 2021 On-Air English Talent! by Riot Games
- 2021-09-15 | Worlds 2021 Primer by Riot Games
- 2021-09-15 | Worlds 2021 Format Explainer by Riot Games
- 2021-09-09 | Worlds 2021 Location and Format Announcement by Riot Games
- 2021-09-09 | Worlds 2021 Location Update by Riot Games
- 2021-08-24 | Worlds 2021 Update from John Needham by Riot Games
- 2021-05-22 | 2021 League of Legends Worlds Final Date, Venue Set by Riot Games
- 2021-01-08 | NEXT STARTS NOW by Riot Games
- 2020-07-31 | 2020 World Championship Starts Sept. 25 by Riot Games
- 2018-11-01 | 2019–2021 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HOST REGIONS by Riot Games
Official song[edit]
Community player rankings[edit]
Peter Dun & IWDominate's ranking[edit]
# | Player | Team |
---|---|---|
1 | Doinb | FunPlus Phoenix |
2 | ShowMaker | DAMWON Gaming |
3 | Canyon | DAMWON Gaming |
4 | Viper | EDward Gaming |
5 | Ming | Royal Never Give Up |
6 | Chovy | Hanwha Life Esports |
7 | Wei | Royal Never Give Up |
8 | Meiko | EDward Gaming |
9 | Humanoid | MAD Lions |
10 | Xiaohu | Royal Never Give Up |
11 | Tarzan | LNG Esports |
12 | Keria | T1 |
13 | Crisp | FunPlus Phoenix |
14 | Scout | EDward Gaming |
15 | Elyoya | MAD Lions |
16 | Faker | T1 |
17 | Kaiser | MAD Lions |
18 | Flandre | EDward Gaming |
19 | Iwandy | LNG Esports |
20 | Hylissang | Fnatic |
21 | Ale | LNG Esports |
22 | CoreJJ | Team Liquid |
23 | Gumayusi | T1 |
24 | HuSha | Beyond Gaming |
25 | Nisqy | Fnatic |
Source: [9]
Storylines[edit]
EDG's quarter final curse[edit]
2-3 against Star Horn Royal Club in 2014, 0-3 against Fnatic in 2015, 1-3 against KOO Tigers in 2016, a group stage exit in 2017 and 1-3 against Fnatic in 2018. EDward Gaming has had a rough time at Worlds so far. With a line-up almost completely different, they'll be looking to make it far this year with only Meiko and Scout remaining from these rosters.
Khan's final tournament[edit]
Khan announced the possibility of retirement after the 2021 season, which means this might be his last tournament. [10] He will be playing with DAMWON Gaming as one of the tournament favourites, but the player he replaced, FunPlus Phoenix's Nuguri, could just be one of the strong competitors trying to deny this chance. With a title win, Khan would potentially end his career on a high with his first ever international title.
From NA Academy to representing the LCO at Worlds[edit]
Babip and Tally qualified for Worlds on PEACE, the Oceanic entry for 2021. Following the announcement of the disbandment of the LCO in 2020, both players moved to North America to continue their careers. Babip joined TSM Academy, placing just 5-6th at the Proving Grounds Tournament, while Tally joined Golden Guardians Academy, not making it further than 7-8th. With a return to Australia for the summer season, the two put any doubts to bed with PEACE's incredible run through the LCO Lower Bracket to secure the title.
Vizicsacsi's return[edit]
Vizicsacsi retired in 2019 after finishing top 8 at Worlds 2019 with Splyce. After 1,5 years of inactivity, he returned, competing in the Magyar Esports Kupa 2021. From here on, he announced that he was interested in competing again, and even coached MAD Lions for a brief period of time. On September 22nd, Vizicsacsi was announced as stand-in for Oceanic team PEACE, replacing Apii who is unable to attend the event. This means a return to competition at the event he ended in 2019, where he could potentially prove himself for LEC teams ahead of 2022. [7]
Redemption for Europe[edit]
At Worlds 2020, MAD Lions and Rogue performed below the expectations of many. MAD Lions became the first European team to be eliminated from the play-ins tournament, after losing 2-3 against SuperMassive Esports, while Rogue placed 13-16th, winning just a single game in their group with DAMWON Gaming, JD Gaming and PSG Talon. Both teams are looking to redeem themselves, but it could be hard as Rogue has been placed in the group of the 2019 and 2020 world champions FunPlus Phoenix and DAMWON Gaming.
References[edit]
- ↑ LoL Esports (2021-08-24). "#Worlds2021 Update from John Needham." (in English). Twitter.com.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 LoL Esports (2021-09-09). "Worlds 2021 is heading to Iceland!" (in English). Twitter.com.
- ↑ Summoner's Rift Team (2020-08-19). "/dev: Balancing for Pro Play" (in English). Riot Games.
- ↑ Fnatic (2021-10-10). "Following an urgent family matter, Upset is forced to return to home and will until further notice not start for our team in the group stage" (in English). Twitter.com.
- ↑ LoL Esports (2021-10-08). "Competitive Ruling: Chien "Maoan" Mao-An" (in English).
- ↑ PEACE (2021-09-22). "An update on our #Worlds2021 campaign:" (in English). Twitter.com.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 PEACE (2021-09-22). "Please join us in welcoming the replacement Top Laner for our #Worlds2021 campaign:" (in English). Twitter.com.
- ↑ PEACE (2021-09-24). "At the final hour, we add some more firepower to our #Worlds2021 arsenal" (in English). Twitter.com.
- ↑ Nick Geracie (2021-09-21). "FunPlus Phoenix mid laner Doinb tops Peter Dun & IWDominate's top 25 players at Worlds 2021 list" (in English). InvenGlobal.
- ↑ Xportsnews (2021-02-08). "I think this year might be the last... I think pentakill would be okay" (in Korean). Naver.