League of Legends (LoL) is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game.

First released in October 2009, League of Legends has grown in popularity over the last decade and is now one of the most popular games streamed on Twitch.

How does League of Legends work?

The most common game mode is called Summoner’s Rift. In this mode, two teams of five face off against each other, and the goal is to destroy the opposing team’s base, or Nexus. Each player assumes the role of a “champion” who can gradually increase their strength and abilities over the course of a match as they accumulate items and experience.

There are currently over 100 different types of champion spanning a wide variety of roles. Champions can inflict two different types of damage, physical and magic, although some champions deal a combination of both and can choose which to emphasize.

Summoner’s Rift might be the most popular game mode, but there are others as well, each with varying objectives, rules, maps, and structures.

Betting on League of Legends

For the most part, the markets on offer for League of Legends are straightforward and easy to understand for most bettors. However, some are specific to the game’s unique format and do require more specialist knowledge. Within matches, each round is known as a map, so you often will see markets on which team will win individual maps - for example, in tennis you can bet on who will win each set as well as the overall match.

What are the biggest League of Legends events?

The two biggest events are arguably the Mid-Season Invitational and the World Championship both of which are held annually. 

The World Championship is the main event in the League of Legends calendar each year. Taking place over a month, 24 teams compete for the Summoner’s Cup and a share of the $2,225,000 prize pool.

Which teams are the ones to watch?

As League of Legends is split depending on the region in which the game is played, this can vary depending on who is playing where.

Riot games host a very comprehensive list of this on a dedicated website: https://watch.lolesports.com/

Where can I watch League of Legends?

If you are looking to gain a deeper understanding of the game and mechanics then the best place is most likely YouTube and its numerous tutorials. 

However, should you prefer to watch a fast-paced live game, most League of Legends fans watch it on Twitch.

Or if you’re more interested in what events Smarkets has to offer, then visit our esports betting page.