The 2024 League of Legends World Championship is predicted to generate an additional £12m to the London economy.
According to business growth and destination agency London & Partners, the boost is a ‘direct economic impact’ from the city hosting the event and doesn’t include the potential of those attending the finals revisiting in the future.
The figure is also based on evaluations generated for previous international League of Legends World Championship events. The finals of the annual competition takes place at the O2 Arena on November 2nd.
2024 has seen London host a variety of esports events including the BLAST Premier Spring Finals and the Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) Major. Outside of competitive esports events, Esports Insider has hosted its esports industry event at Boxpark’s Wembley venue.
The 2024 Worlds final isn’t the first time England’s capital has hosted a portion of the biggest League of Legends event on the calendar. In 2015, the quarterfinals took place at Wembley Arena. More recently, the title’s Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) was held in 2023 at the Copper Box Arena.
In October 2024, City Hall hosted a panel discussion with a number of UK-based esports industry stakeholders to discuss methods on how London can support esports events and the wider industry in the city.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, spoke on the news: “I am delighted that the League of Legends World Championship finals are taking place in the capital this weekend.
“The event brings together gamers and fans from across the globe, boosting our economy by £12m and showing that London is a leading destination for sports and esports. Gaming is a hugely exciting and fast-growing industry, and I will continue to do all I can to support its development and growth in the capital, as we build a better London for everyone.”
