LPL at a Crossroads: Can the League Regain its Former Glory?
The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) is facing a critical juncture in its history, with a significant decline in popularity and viewership. Despite being one of the most successful esports leagues in the world, the LPL has struggled to maintain its momentum, with the last championship win being three years ago. The league's reliance on a few top teams, such as Invictus Gaming (IG), has created an uneven competitive landscape, leading to a decrease in interest and engagement from fans. According to recent data, only two matches featuring IG have exceeded 1 million viewers, while other teams, including Top Esports (TES) and Bilibili Gaming (BLG), have struggled to reach even 70,000 viewers.

31 March 2025
The lack of new talent and the dominance of a few top teams have contributed to the decline in popularity. Many top players, such as TheShy and Rookie, are nearing the end of their careers, and there is a lack of new talent to replace them. Commentators, like Jièdé, have expressed concerns about the league's declining viewership and the lack of attention towards other teams. Jièdé mentioned that even during his own live streams, the viewership has decreased significantly, with peak viewership numbers dropping from over a million to just 60,000. He attributed this decline to the lack of interest in the league, citing that even top teams like TES and BLG are struggling to attract viewers.
Other esports leagues, such as the King Pro League (KPL), have drawn attention away from the LPL. The KPL has been able to attract a significant following, with many fans tuning in to watch the league's matches. In contrast, the LPL has struggled to maintain its viewership, with many fans losing interest in the sport. To reverse the decline in popularity, the LPL needs to focus on developing new talent, retaining veteran players, and improving the overall quality of the league. This can be achieved by reducing the number of teams, increasing the competitiveness of the league, and providing more opportunities for new players to develop.
Some commentators have expressed optimism about the current state of the LPL, noting that this year may be the most hopeful one yet. TheShy and Bin are considered to be among the best top laners in the world, and their performances could potentially bring excitement back to the league. However, others have pointed out that the LPL's problems run deeper, with a lack of investment in infrastructure and a shortage of skilled commentators and analysts. The gap between the LPL and the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) is also a significant concern, with the LCK's disciplined and strategic gameplay setting a high standard for the rest of the world.
Ultimately, the future of the LPL depends on its ability to adapt to the changing esports landscape and address its current challenges. With the right strategies and investments, the league can regain its momentum and become a leading force in the esports industry once again. The development of new technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, is expected to revolutionize the esports industry, creating new opportunities for commentators and hosts to engage with audiences and provide more immersive experiences. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how the LPL and its commentators adapt and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape. Despite the challenges ahead, there are still many who believe in the potential of the LPL, and with the right approach, the league can overcome its current struggles and achieve greatness once again.
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