The highly anticipated semifinal match between T1 and JDG at the League of Legends Worlds has surpassed the peak viewership of the 2021 grand finals. Despite a decline in regional viewership, Riot Games’ flagship tournament continues to captivate audiences worldwide. With T1 advancing to the grand finals, fans are eagerly anticipating a potential record-breaking event on November 19th.
The star power of T1 cannot be understated, particularly with the presence of Faker, a legendary figure in the League of Legends community. Despite his evolving playstyle over the years, Faker’s consistent performance and remarkable longevity in the competitive scene make his appearance in the grand finals a truly incredible feat. As the most popular player in esports, Riot Games is fortunate to have him as a focal point in the finals, adding to the excitement and narrative surrounding the event.
While expectations are high for the grand finals, it remains uncertain whether the previous viewership record will be surpassed. The T1 vs JDG matchup was highly anticipated even before the start of Worlds, potentially overshadowing the finals between T1 and Weibo Gaming. However, the semifinals’ peak viewership demonstrates that League of Legends remains strong on an international level, despite regional viewership challenges in the West.
One of the ongoing challenges for esports titles is maintaining consistent viewership throughout the regular season, following the excitement of major tournaments. While attracting a large audience for high-profile matches like Worlds is impressive, the industry’s stability relies on sustaining viewership during regular league play, such as LCK, LCS, or LEC. This question of viewer retention is crucial for the esports industry’s success in the turbulent year ahead.
Source: DOTESPORTS
