It’s do-or-die time for the LPL: with Worlds 2025 back on home soil, there is no other region that wants this year’s title more than the Chinese league. Any of the four squads representing the region will want to lift the Summoner’s Cup in China, something that hasn’t been achieved since 2021. But which of the squads really have a shot against the LCK counterparts? Find out in our Worlds 2025 regional preview.
Invictus Gaming – The Biggest Test of the Season
Speaking of LPL teams lifting the world championship, could IG’s presence at Worlds be a sign for the LPL? Coincidence or not, IG are back at Worlds… for the time being. Their return to the international stage, in fact, is entirely dependent on their series against the current world champions T1.
Let’s not beat around the bush: IG are definitely the underdogs in this matchup. While it’s not about the difference between the individual players, it’s more about the lack of consistency the Chinese squad has shown throughout the season. They can have incredible highs but also fumble hard, even across the same series. And having to play a Bo5 against T1 doesn’t seem like good odds for them. Only a good dose of copium would bring us to bet on IG going into this match. Regardless, it’s going to be a must-watch series, even if it’s only play-ins.
Anyone’s Legend – A Dark Horse?
AL ended up at Worlds as the #2 seed thanks to their consistent results throughout the season. Unfortunately, the team looked in its worst form during the last split, which is usually not a good sign for teams preparing for the last tour de force.
It’s also important to point out that we haven’t seen AL play official matches in quite some time and that could give them enough time to make a strong preparation. The individual players have the potential and the squad is still expected to make it to the top eight. Their true test will come around when things get rough in the knockout stage.
Top Esports – Can they break the Worlds curse?
TES is still a mystery to be discovered: they look like the best LPL team domestically, but always fumble at the international stage. It happened earlier this year at First Stand, last year at Worlds, and even in previous editions.
Their volatility is what makes or breaks them, starting off with their jungler Kanavi. When he’s on a good day, he can literally take over games and carry them single-handedly. When he’s not delivering, the whole squad crumbles with him.
Compared to previous years, however, the TES we’ve seen in playoffs was the most consistent it’s ever been. The team can rely on Creme and JackeyLove as the duo carries and with solid laners like Hang and 369, this could be the year TES breaks their curse. Will it be enough to fight for the title?
Bilibili Gaming – Could this be the year?
For the past two years, BLG has been China’s best hope on the international stage. They peaked at last year’s Worlds final, where they came so close to becoming champions. This year, the run has been much rougher, but it could also be a blessing in disguise.
The roster has seemingly now found its dimension with the two rotating junglers in Beichuan and Shad0w. Aside from having two stylistically different players, which can be an extra advantage in Fearless matches, BLG’s players have ramped up well during the last spurt of the LPL finals, which is always a good way to build momentum heading into Worlds. Is BLG a serious title contender? Yes, we do think so… but it could be an even tougher challenge than the 2024 Worlds campaign.
Will Worlds 2025 Belong to China?
With the millions of fans cheering in the country, expectations from the LPL teams at this year’s Worlds cannot be any higher. The pressure will be on and all teams will face major backlash if they don’t deliver strong performances. Winning the Summoner’s Cup is not just about glory for a single organization — it would represent the resurgence of the LPL after four years of efforts in vain. In other worsds, whoever can achieve that milestone would etch their name into history…
