With the 2022 League of Legends World Championship underway, fans are eager to get their hands on tickets to see the best teams in the world battle it out live. As one of the biggest esports events of the year, Worlds attracts thousands of fans to the host city and millions more watching online. But attending the event in person can come with a hefty price tag.
Ticket Prices
Riot Games, the company behind League of Legends and the World Championship, has not released specific pricing for Worlds 2022 tickets yet. However, looking at ticket prices for previous Worlds events can give us a good idea of what to expect this year.
In 2021, Worlds was held in Iceland. Here were the approximate ticket prices for different stages of the tournament:
- Play-In Stage: $53 USD per day
- Group Stage: $85 USD per day
- Quarterfinals: $106 USD per day
- Semifinals: $159 USD per day
- Finals: $212 USD
These prices were for general admission tickets. VIP packages with additional perks like premium seating, food, and drinks were also available for a higher price.
In 2019, the last time Worlds was held in Europe, prices were fairly similar:
- Play-In Stage: $56 USD per day
- Group Stage: $85 USD per day
- Quarterfinals: $113 USD per day
- Semifinals: $170 USD per day
- Finals: $226 USD
Given these past ticket costs, it’s reasonable to expect pricing for Worlds 2022 to be in the same ballpark, with maybe a slight increase over 2021 prices for inflation.
Ticket Availability
Another key factor in Worlds ticket pricing is availability and demand. Riot Games has historically released tickets in batches, with sales starting several months before the event. The first batch often sells out almost immediately, especially for playoff stages later in the tournament.
For example, the 2021 Worlds semifinals and finals matches in Reykjavík sold out within minutes after ticket sales began. Riot then released more batches sporadically in the weeks and months leading up to the event.
This staggered ticketing approach allows Riot to assess demand and potentially adjust pricing accordingly. Play-in and group stage tickets are usually available in abundance. But tickets to the knockout stage matches featuring fan favorites like T1, EDG and G2 often sell out within minutes.
Riot has not announced an on-sale date for 2022 Worlds tickets yet. But when sales do open up, fans will again need to act quickly to secure seats, especially for the finals in San Francisco.
Estimated Ticket Costs
Given what we know about previous years, here are some estimates for what 2022 Worlds tickets may cost in U.S. dollars:
| Stage | Estimated Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Play-Ins (4 days) | $50-60 per day |
| Group Stage (8 days) | $80-100 per day |
| Quarterfinals (2 days) | $100-130 per day |
| Semifinals (2 days) | $130-180 per day |
| Finals (1 day) | $200-250 |
These are rough ballpark ranges, and actual prices could end up higher or lower depending on venue capacity and ticket demand. There’s also the option for VIP packages that could run $400 or more per day.
Estimated Total Trip Cost
For fans wanting to attend Worlds 2022 in person, the ticket price is just one piece of the overall costs. Here are some other expenses to factor in:
- Flights/transportation to North America
- Hotel costs for the duration of the event
- Food, drinks and incidentals in the host cities
- Event merchandise
For the group and playoff stages held in New York City and Atlanta, overall trip costs including lodging could easily run $2,000 to $4,000+ per person for foreign travelers. The finals in San Francisco will likely command even higher premiums given its destination status.
Dedicated League of Legends esports fans have shown time and again they’re willing to pay up to follow Worlds live. But the considerable time and money investment means it’s out of reach for many.
How to Get Cheaper Tickets
For those looking to save on Worlds tickets, here are some tips:
- Buy early – First release tickets are almost always the cheapest
- Aim for less popular days/matches – Play-ins and group stages have more affordable tickets
- Skip VIP packages – General admission seats keep costs down
- Buy in bulk – Groups of 4+ can sometimes get discounts
- Look for promos and giveaways – Riot sometimes runs ticket contests on social media
- Consider resellers – Riskier but can yield deals closer to event
With any major event, costs go up for last minute purchases. Fans who plan ahead and purchase early will have the best shot at deals.
Other Ways to Experience Worlds
For those who can’t make it to Worlds in person, there are a few alternative ways to get in on the action:
- Watch online – The matches stream free on LoL Esports sites
- Attend local watch parties – Bars or gaming centers may host viewing events
- Play fantasy esports – Draft teams and win prizes
- Meet pros at fan meets – Riot sets up fan/player events around Worlds
The live Worlds environment is incredible for hardcore fans. But it’s not the only way to engage with top-level League of Legends competition.
Conclusion
League of Legends Worlds 2022 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and eagerly anticipated esports events of all time. While tickets can be pricey, particularly for the finals, fans have options to experience Worlds in person or online.
The costs reflect the ever-growing production values and prestige of the World Championship. For the teams battling it out, the Summoner’s Cup is priceless. But for fans, catching even a small piece of Worlds magic in person remains a bucket list experience.
Riot continues to look for ways to improve access and affordability for esports fans. But the costs also ensure Worlds remains a premium, premium event for years to come.
Whether watching from the stands or through a screen, Worlds 2022 promises to deliver unforgettable moments and legendary matchups. With stakes and storylines higher than ever, it’s an event no League of Legends fan will want to miss.
So start making plans, set aside some money, and get ready for Worlds fever. The journey to crown the next world champion begins on November 3rd.
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League of Legends is one of the most popular video games in the world, boasting over 100 million monthly active players globally. It’s a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where two teams of 5 players compete to destroy the opposing team’s nexus.
Players choose from over 150 different champions, each with unique abilities and playstyles. They must work together to secure objectives, take down turrets, get kills and push minion waves in order to gain advantages over the enemy team.
League first launched in 2009 and quickly attracted a huge player base thanks to its free-to-play model, vibrant art style and competitive gameplay. By 2012, it became the most played PC game in North America and Europe.
Developer Riot Games regularly releases new champions and skins to keep gameplay fresh. They also balance champions through patches and reworks in order to maintain competitiveness.
League of Legends helped popularize esports, establishing an official competitive scene early on. Riot launched the League Championship Series (LCS) in 2013, giving pro teams a regular schedule of matches and tournaments.
Top League of Legends players can earn millions in salaries and prize money. Star players like Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok are treated like celebrities by fans.
The pinnacle of competitive League is the annual World Championship. Teams from leagues around the globe compete for the Summoner’s Cup and title of world champion.
Past winners include Invictus Gaming, Samsung Galaxy and Faker’s team, T1. The 2021 Worlds finals drew over 4 million peak viewers.
League requires quick reflexes and mastery of many champions and roles like ADC, mid lane and jungler. The endless combinations of champions and strategies make each match unique.
Strong teamwork and communication are essential to success in League. Players use pings and chat to call plays and coordinate attacks with teammates.
Despite its popularity, League of Legends also has a reputation for a toxic community. Riot has implemented systems to improve behavior, like the Honor Initiative.
League’s thriving esports scene shows no signs of slowing down. Major events continue to break viewership records on Twitch and YouTube.
Dedicated fans flock to places like South Korea and China to watch LCK and LPL matches live and in-person. Tickets sell out within minutes.
Cosplaying as favorite champions is popular at League events. Fans spend hours crafting elaborate costumes and props.
Fantasy esports apps have added new layers of engagement for League fans. Just like fantasy football, fans can pick pro players for their lineups and win prizes.
League of Legends remains one of the powerhouses of the gaming industry. Riot continues supporting the game with new updates, merchandise, esports events and more.
After over a decade, League shows incredible staying power both as a casual game and competitive esport. The World Championship promises to only grow in size and spectacle each year.
