For over a decade, League of Legends has stood as a titan in online gaming, captivating millions and building one of the most iconic Esports legacies in history. In 2025, despite some turbulence, its influence remains undeniable.
Its massive, global player base isn’t just impressive – it’s cultural. In certain regions, League of Legends isn’t just a game. It’s a lifestyle. Yet, like any long-standing title, it sees ups and downs in user engagement and popularity.
How Many People Play League of Legends in 2025?
Monthly Active Users (MAU)
If you want to measure the true pulse of League’s popularity, forget about registered accounts – those numbers are bloated with inactive and smurf accounts. The real metric? Monthly Active Users.
| Year | Active Monthly Users | Growth % |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 15 Million | +200% |
| 2012 | 32 Million | +113% |
| 2013 | 67 Million | +110% |
| 2014 | 70 Million | +4.5% |
| 2015 | 90 Million | +28% |
| 2016 | 100 Million | +11% |
| 2017 | 81 Million | -18.9% |
| 2018 | 75 Million | -7.5% |
| 2019 | 116 Million | +54.5% |
| 2020 | 137 Million | +18% |
| 2021 | 149 Million | +8% |
| 2022 | 152 Million | +2% |
| 2023 | 152 Million | -0.7% |
| 2024 | 132 Million | -12.5% |
| 2025 | 131 Million | -0.7% |
In 2025, League hovers between 117 and 135 million monthly active users – still a behemoth in the gaming landscape. While it saw a minor drop in the past two years, the numbers are hardly indicative of a dying game.
Back in 2016, it shattered the 100M MAU barrier. Though 2017–2018 saw a dip, the game made a roaring comeback, climbing above 150M MAU in 2022. Since then, there’s been a slight decline, but the community remains strong.
Daily Active Users
Daily engagement paints another picture of loyalty. Despite fewer monthly users, daily activity in 2025 remains impressively steady – 35 to 45 million players log in each day.
One highlight? March 2024. On a single day, League spiked to 35 million daily users, reflecting just how deeply entrenched it still is in gaming culture.
The Most Active Regions in 2025
China
Home to the Super Server, China’s scene is unmatched. Over 70 million monthly players log in from here alone. With one of the most densely skilled player pools and the highest volume of players globally, China leads the pack.
Europe West
Europe West is the crown jewel of the West. Covering players from the UK, France, Germany, and beyond, this server is fiercely competitive -second only to China and Korea in individual player talent. It also serves as the powerhouse of European Esports.
South Korea
Historically dominant and culturally significant, South Korea’s LoL community defies its small population. With over 20 million monthly users, it’s only a third the size of China’s player base, despite the country having 30 times fewer people.
North America
The NA server – home to the U.S., Canada, and nearby regions – boasts 15 million+ monthly players. While not as dominant as its Eastern counterparts, it plays a critical role in the global Esports ecosystem and maintains a competitive rivalry with Europe.
Rank Distribution in 2025
While League attracts well over 100 million players each month, only a small elite reach the game’s highest tiers.
| Rank | Estimated Players |
|---|---|
| Challenger | 3,200+ |
| GrandMaster | 10,700+ |
| Master | 81,000+ |
| Diamond | 893,000+ |
| Emerald | 3.52 Million+ |
| Platinum | 8.28 Million+ |
| Gold | 14.96 Million+ |
| Silver | 23.59 Million+ |
| Bronze | 47.58 Million+ |
| Iron | 41.03 Million+ |
The introduction of the Emerald rank helped resolve distribution imbalances among mid-tier players. Today, over 80 million players fall between Silver and Platinum – finally creating a healthier, more realistic skill curve.
Is League of Legends Dying in 2025?
Not quite – but it’s evolving.
While MAU has dropped slightly in 2024 and 2025, it’s not a nosedive. Still, some recent changes haven’t gone over well with the community. Players voiced frustration over:
The elimination of free Hextech chests
Lower-quality skins with higher prices
Reduced battle pass rewards
Introduction of gacha-style skin systems
These shifts in monetization strategy – likely designed to offset a plateauing player base – have sparked backlash. Some longtime fans feel alienated, accusing Riot of chasing profits over player satisfaction.
Even so, with more than 130 million monthly players, League of Legends is far from irrelevant. It still stands tall alongside global giants like Fortnite, Counter-Strike, and Minecraft.
Conclusion: Still a Titan, Just Older
Yes, League is no longer the rapidly expanding juggernaut it once was. But make no mistake: it’s still a giant.
A passionate player base, a deep Esports legacy, and a core gameplay loop that continues to captivate ensure that League of Legends is far from dead in 2025 – it’s just growing older, a little wiser, and perhaps a bit more complicated.
