One of esports biggest global events, the League of Legends World Championship finals, will take place at London’s O2 Arena today – boosting the capital’s
economy and cementing its position as leading destination for sports and esports. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today welcomed the finals to the capital and celebrated the impact of the growing industry. It will be the largest esports event ever to take place in the UK and will
London is set to host the League of Legends World Championship this weekend, one of the world’s most prominent and highly anticipated esports events. Tickets for the finals at The O2 arena sold out within minutes, while millions more are expected to tune in from around the globe.
This major event will not only thrill esports fans but also deliver a substantial economic boost to the city. London & Partners, the capital’s business growth and destination agency, projects a £12 million boost to London’s economy from hosting the finals. This reinforces London’s status as a prime destination for major sporting and esports events.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting the positive impact of the games and esports industry on the city. He emphasized how this growing sector continues to create new opportunities, drive investment, and support job creation. As the largest esports event ever held in the UK, the League of Legends World Championship will also help develop skills and opportunities for young Londoners.
The tournament, known as "Worlds," showcases League of Legends, a multiplayer online battle arena game where two teams of five players compete. Since its inception in 2009, the event has grown into the most eagerly awaited esports competition of the year. Last year, the finals were hosted in South Korea, while London previously welcomed the League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational at the Copper Box Arena in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
With the largest concentration of game studios in Europe, London continues to be a growing hub for the games and esports sector. Mayor Sadiq Khan is a strong supporter of this industry, which contributes significantly to the local economy. His efforts include funding initiatives like Games London, which organizes the UK’s only Games Production Finance Market and the annual London Games Festival. Additionally, through collaborations with London & Partners, Sadiq has helped attract high-profile esports events to the city.
In preparation for the championship, City Hall hosted a panel discussion earlier this week, featuring industry leaders and partners, including the prominent esports organization Fnatic and London & Partners. The Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber, opened the event at Fnatic’s headquarters, underscoring London’s commitment to esports. City Hall has also commissioned research from Arena Consultancy to explore further strategies for establishing London as a global esports hub.
This championship is part of a series of high-profile events hosted in London this year, including the UEFA Champions League final, European Professional Club Rugby Finals, NFL games, Major League Baseball, and Diamond League athletics.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted that the League of Legends World Championship finals are taking place in the capital this weekend. The event brings together gamers and fans from across the globe, boosting our economy by £12m and showing that London is a leading destination for sports and esports. Gaming is a hugely exciting and fast growing industry, and I will continue to do all I can to support its development and growth in the capital, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Ailsa Buck, Head of Major Events and City Experience at London & Partners, said: “We’re thrilled to host the League of Legends World Championship Finals. The excitement is electric and we can’t wait for fans to have an unforgettable experience in the capital. Hosting such a huge esports event shows that London is a top destination for the industry. Tickets flew off the shelves in minutes. That tells us there’s a huge demand for more esports in the city. We’re ready to make this day special for everyone.”
Sam Mathews, CEO at Fnatic, said: "Partnering with the GLA and London & Partners to bring this event to life is an exciting step for Fnatic and esports in London. As one of the world's leading esports organizations, Fnatic has always pushed boundaries—and there's no better place to showcase that than in our home city. London’s support shows a real commitment to making this city a global hub for gaming. We’re looking forward to creating an unforgettable experience for our fans and the community right here and forging the future of esports in the city." Photo by Amanda Slater from Coventry, West Midlands, UK, Wikimedia commons.