The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) posted the strongest viewership numbers in its 13-year history in 2025, following the league’s shift to a unified season format and expanded competitive structure. Riot Games announced the results this week, highlighting sharp increases across domestic and global audiences.

The league’s Average Minute Audience (AMA) reached 634,000, a 42% year-over-year jump and the highest on record. Domestic viewership also surpassed a major milestone, averaging more than 200,000 viewers per broadcast for the first time, marking 31% growth compared with 2024. Riot attributed the rise to the new season structure as well as boosted engagement from co-streamers on platforms such as Naver Chzzzyzik and SOOP.

The updated annual format began with Rounds 1–2 under the previous ruleset before shifting to a “Road to MSI” qualification stage and later splitting into the Legend and Rise groups for Rounds 3–5. The season concluded with Play-Ins and Playoffs. According to Riot, the changes were designed to stabilize long-term scheduling and sustain viewer interest throughout the year.

42% Year-Over-Year Growth, Expanding Global Viewership

Global metrics also climbed significantly, driven by increasing interest in China and Vietnam. Riot reported that unofficial co-streams on China’s Huya platform grew 61% year over year, restoring viewership lost during the absence of an official broadcast deal. Vietnam’s viewership rose 62%, buoyed by in-person events and active participation from LCK teams.

Overall global audience numbers for the 2025 season exceeded those from the 2024 Summer Split and finished 15% higher than the already successful 2024 LCK Cup.

Rounds 3–5, featuring the new two-group split, generated an AMA of 564,000, up 25.6% from the same period in 2024. The structure placed the top five teams in the Legend Group and the bottom five in the Rise Group, reducing low-stakes matchups and increasing high-profile rivalries.

The postseason drew additional momentum as Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, and T1 delivered strong playoff runs. KT Rolster’s late-season push to qualify for the 2025 World Championship and BNK FearX’s upset victories further fueled interest.

Riot says the league’s performance reflects growing international reach, supported by Korea’s long-standing success at global League of Legends events.