Where is the LPL being played?

The League of Legends Pro League is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and prestigious esports leagues. Created in 2013, the LPL has seen many of the best teams in LoL's history competing in its arenas, offering spectacular gameplay with a unique aggressive playstyle.

Most LPL games take place at the League Arena of Shanghai, in the heart of Shanghai, China's largest city. The facility seats 2,000 people and includes various leisure spaces for the fans. It has hosted numerous international events, attracting large crowds and cementing its status as a symbol of China’s growing influence in the esports industry. The arena has witnessed countless legendary rivalries and intense clashes between top Chinese teams like Top Esports, JD Gaming, and Edward Gaming.

While most esports competitions around the world take place in studios (LEC Studio in Berlin, Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles) and are organized by the editor, China is among the pioneers in adopting home venues. There are four team venues in addition to the main LPL arena in Shanghai:

The home stadium of LNG Esports, this place is a very high-tech and complete venue, with a permanent boot camp, including a gym for staff and players' physical maintenance, a scrim room, a restaurant, and 2,000 seats for fans to cheer for their favorite team.

Team WE, one of the oldest teams in China, plays its home matches at the Xi'an Qujiang Esports Center. The facility displays Team WE's deep roots inside the scene, with a capacity of 1,500 seats. As one of the few home venues in the LPL, the Xi'an Qujiang Esports Center highlights China's commitment to regional esports development.

Inactive for the LPL 2025 Split 1, but still worth listing, the Shenzhen Home Arena will be undergoing renovations. Therefore, Ninjas in Pyjamas will be playing their games from the Shanghai League Arena. With Shenzhen being a major tech hub, the venue aligns with the city's technological growth, providing fans with a premium experience while reinforcing NIP’s presence in China’s competitive scene.

Located in Beijing, the JDG Intel Esports Center opened in June 2023, covering a total construction area of over 14,000 square meters. The facility features a main arena with 2,000 seats that hosts 40 to 50 LPL matches annually. It also includes a 1,000 square meter lobby, restrooms, and 1,800 square meters of commercial space outside the venue. Of the remaining surface, the esports organization utilizes office space for its 200 employees, along with player accommodations and a match information center on the fourth and fifth floors, respectively.

Potentially having LEC teams with venues of their own could be a great thing for EMEA, as teams could have dedicated spaces for events and matches, creating a strong connection with their local fanbase and enhancing the live experience. Karmine Corp has already taken a step in that direction with "Les Arènes" and the KCX. However, hosting LEC games is not currently on the table.