In the ever-evolving terrain of professional League of Legends, regional strength has always been a point of fiery debate. While the LCK, LEC, and even the LCS have had their moments of glory, the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) from China has consistently made headlines with explosive gameplay, high mechanical ceilings, and deep talent pools. Yet, despite their consistent international success, some fans still hesitate to crown the LPL as the undisputed strongest region. Is it because their style doesn’t align with traditional macro-heavy expectations? Or is the world simply underestimating the true strength of the LPL?
As we dive deeper into recent performances, regional meta evolution, and the league’s unmatched player depth, a compelling case emerges. It may just be time to stop overlooking the LPL and start recognizing it as the most formidable force in the global League of Legends. Here’s why LPL might be the strongest region in the world.
1. Unmatched Depth in Talent and Rosters
When it comes to raw mechanical talent and roster depth, no region rivals the LPL. With 17 teams in the league and a thriving tier-2 ecosystem (LDL), the Chinese scene produces an endless stream of rising stars. From rookies like Leave and Thesnake to established icons like Knight and Meiko, every LPL team is a battleground of talent.
Unlike other regions that rely on imports, the LPL constantly regenerates its player base domestically. The quality of internal scrims, regional tournaments, and sheer competition ensures that players are always tested at the highest level. It’s no surprise that many teams that finish mid-table in the LPL can often hold their own—or even dominate—internationally. That level of internal competition sharpens everyone. The LPL isn’t just a region; it’s a proving ground of greatness.
2. Consistent International Performance
The LPL has quietly built an impressive legacy at Worlds and MSI. Since 2018, LPL teams have won four out of the last six international titles, including back-to-back MSI victories in 2021 and 2022 and Worlds titles in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Even in years they don’t win it all, LPL teams consistently make deep playoff runs, often outperforming their Western and even Korean counterparts.
LPL, Esports (image via Getty)Take JD Gaming in 2023 or Top Esports in 2020—teams that not only reached the knockout stages but often did so convincingly. The “LPL vs LCK” rivalry has become the new standard, replacing the old East vs West narrative. While the LCK is known for structure, the LPL’s chaotic yet calculated aggression often breaks through disciplined defenses. If trophies are the metric of greatness, the LPL’s cabinet is overflowing.
3. A Meta-Defining Playstyle
The LPL doesn’t just follow the meta—they shape it. From fast-paced early skirmishes to creative jungle pathing and flexible drafts, Chinese teams innovate more than they imitate. What many once labeled as “coin-flip aggression” is now seen as proactive gameplay, a style that often exposes slower, macro-reliant teams.
Look no further than how LPL teams use priority lanes to force early objectives or how their bot lanes dominate 2v2 matchups with unrelenting pressure. This aggression isn’t mindless; it’s deliberate, forcing opponents into unfavorable trades and high-pressure situations. Global analysts and even rival regions now study the LPL to adjust their own playbooks.
By constantly pushing the tempo, the LPL sets the pace for international tournaments, forcing others to either match their aggression or get left behind.
LPL, Esports (image via Getty)4. Infrastructure, Investment, and Audience Power
One of the LPL’s most underrated strengths lies off the Rift: infrastructure and audience engagement. The Chinese league enjoys robust financial backing from major organizations like Tencent and Bilibili, with investments going toward player development, advanced analytics, and high-end facilities. This support has fostered an environment where teams can focus on long-term growth rather than short-term results.
Moreover, the Chinese esports audience is one of the most passionate and massive in the world. This creates a high-pressure environment that forges mental fortitude. Players are constantly held to high standards, leading to a competitive edge that many other regions lack.
The combination of infrastructure, fan support, and domestic popularity ensures that the LPL continues to evolve rapidly—never stagnating, always improving.
