League Worlds 2021 returns to China with Shenzhen final, multi-city tour

The League of Legends World Championship is returning to China for the second year running in 2021, with Shenzhen announced as the host of the Grand Final. Riot also plans on bringing back the multi-city tour, depending on the current global crisis.

Riot has unveiled their esports plans for League of Legends in 2021, with the World Championship set to return to China. It’s the third time it’s been held in the country, and the second in as many years.

North America was previously expected to host the 2021 World Championship. However, Riot pushed the region’s fourth run as host until 2022 back in July.

Riot promised Chinese fans they would get a second crack at attending the World Championship after players were forced into a “bubble” until the Grand Final in 2020, which was held in Shanghai’s Pudong Football Stadium in front of 6,000 people.

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Shenzhen will be the host of the Grand Finals of Worlds 2021 ⁠— the hallmark match of the tournament. The city on China’s south coast has never hosted any leg of the big dance before. It’s also home to LPL team Victory Five.

With travel restrictions pending, the League of Legends World Championship will return to a “grand multi-city tour” this year as well. Usually there’s four stops on the tour, but Riot are yet to release details on where Play-Ins, Groups, and Knockouts will be played.

After Korea’s DAMWON Gaming took home the Summoner’s Cup in 2020, there could be changes to the seeding for the World Championship too.

Historically, regions have been given seeds based on recent performances, and DAMWON’s win could secure Korea a fourth spot.

24 teams are still expected to attend the World Championship. Dates for the World Championship are yet to be confirmed. Traditionally, the event is held in October and November.