LoL World Champions: Complete List of LoL Worlds Winners
Explore the complete history of League of Legends World Championship winners from 2011 to 2023.
League of Legends (LoL) has become a cornerstone of esports, with its annual World Championship serving as the pinnacle of competitive play. Since its inception in 2011, the tournament has grown from a modest event to a global spectacle, attracting millions of viewers and offering substantial prize pools.
This guide delves into the rich history of LoL Worlds, highlighting the champions who have claimed the prestigious Summoner’s Cup.
LoL Worlds Champions Through the Years
The LoL World Championship has undergone significant changes since its humble beginnings. What started as a small tournament with a $100,000 prize pool has transformed into a month-long event with millions of dollars at stake. The competition has been held in various locations around the world, showcasing the game’s global appeal and the passion of its international fan base.
Here’s a table of LoL Worlds winners from 2011 to 2023:
| Year | Winner | Region | Prize Money |
| 2011 | Fnatic | Europe | $50,000 |
| 2012 | Taipei Assassins | Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macao | $1,000,000 |
| 2013 | SK Telecom T1 | Korea | $1,000,000 |
| 2014 | Samsung White | Korea | $1,000,000 |
| 2015 | SK Telecom T1 | Korea | $1,000,000 |
| 2016 | SK Telecom T1 | Korea | $2,028,000 |
| 2017 | Samsung Galaxy | Korea | $1,855,114 |
| 2018 | Invictus Gaming | China | $2,418,750 |
| 2019 | FunPlus Phoenix | China | $834,375 |
| 2020 | DAMWON Gaming | Korea | $556,250 |
| 2021 | Edward Gaming | China | $489,500 |
| 2022 | DRX | Korea | $489,500 |
| 2023 | T1 | Korea | $486,500 |
Notable LoL Worlds Champions and Moments
- Fnatic: Europe’s Pride (2011): Fnatic’s victory in the inaugural World Championship remains the only time a Western team has claimed the title. Led by the iconic mid-laner xPeke, Fnatic set the stage for European ambitions in LoL esports.
- SK Telecom T1: The Dynasty (2013, 2015, 2016): SK Telecom T1, now known as T1, dominated the mid-2010s with three World Championship titles. Central to their success was mid-laner Faker, widely regarded as the greatest LoL player of all time. Their back-to-back victories in 2015 and 2016 cemented their legacy as the most successful organization in LoL history.
- Rise of China (2018-2021): Chinese teams began to challenge Korea’s dominance, with Invictus Gaming, FunPlus Phoenix, and Edward Gaming securing victories for the LPL region. This period marked a shift in the global power balance of competitive LoL.
- DRX: The Underdog Story (2022): DRX’s victory in 2022 is perhaps the most inspiring in Worlds history. As the fourth seed from Korea, they fought through the play-ins and ultimately claimed the title, with veteran ADC Deft finally securing a World Championship after a decade-long career.
The LoL World Championship has played a crucial role in the growth of esports. Its production value, viewership numbers, and prize pools have set new standards for competitive gaming events. The tournament has also fostered national and regional pride, with fans passionately supporting teams from their home regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1: Who won the LoL Worlds season 1?
- A: Fnatic won the first League of Legends World Championship in 2011. They remain the only Western team to have won the title.
- Q2: Who won the LoL Worlds season 2?
- A: The Taipei Assassins from Taiwan/Hong Kong/Macao won the Season 2 World Championship in 2012. This was a significant upset and remains the only time a team from a minor region has won Worlds.
- Q3: Who won the most recent Worlds League of Legends?
- A: T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1) won the most recent World Championship in 2023. This was their fourth World Championship title, further cementing their legacy as the most successful organization in LoL esports history.
- Q4: Who has the most titles in League of Legends?
- A: T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1) has the most World Championship titles with four wins (2013, 2015, 2016, and 2023). Their mid-laner, Faker, has been part of all four championship teams, making him the most decorated player in LoL history.
- Q5: Which region has won the most World Championships?
- A: South Korea (LCK) has been the most successful region, winning 8 out of the 13 World Championships held so far. China (LPL) follows with 3 titles, while Europe and Taiwan have one title each.
- Q6: What is the prize for winning the LoL World Championship?
- A: The prize money for winning Worlds has varied over the years. In recent years, it has been around $489,500 for the winning team. However, the prestige of winning the Summoner’s Cup is often considered more valuable than the monetary prize.
