It comes as no surprise that Dota 2 struggles to match the monumental success of League of Legends, which continues to be the most prominent esports title globally. The game’s influence and reach are evident in its record-breaking viewership and financial metrics, positioning it as the dominant force in the industry.
The 2023 League of Legends World Championship drew an astonishing peak viewership of over 6.4 million, not even accounting for the substantial audience in China. This impressive figure highlights the game’s unparalleled global appeal, solidifying its status as the premier esports title worldwide.
The financial impact of League of Legends is equally compelling. According to Shikenso, a German company specializing in AI-driven sponsorship analytics, the total global media value generated by sponsors for the 2023 World Championship reached a remarkable $143.24 million. This substantial sum reflects the game’s ability to attract high-value sponsorships, providing lucrative opportunities for brands seeking to engage with its vast audience.
For comparison, other major esports events fall significantly short in terms of media value. The Blast Paris Major 2024, a leading Counter-Strike event, generated $49.56 million, while the MSI London 2024, another League of Legends tournament, achieved $71.12 million. These figures underscore the vast disparity in financial clout between League of Legends and its competitors.
League of Legends’ dominance was further evident at The Esports World Cup 2024, where it led the field in viewership. The tournament attracted an average of 566,478 viewers, comfortably outpacing other titles. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, its closest rival, managed an . In contrast, other popular games like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG Mobile recorded average viewership figures of and , respectively, illustrating the significant gap that persists.
League of Legends’ sustained success can be attributed to its strategic marketing, engaging content, and a loyal fan base cultivated over the past 15 years since its debut. Its approach to esports has set a standard for the industry, challenging other titles to replicate its model of success.
While many have attempted to mimic its achievements, most, including Dota 2, have struggled to match its impact. However, one title has successfully narrowed the gap, and emerged as a formidable contender: Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
