In the industry of gaming, no competition is as renowned for starting the rise of esports as Worlds, Riot Games’ international tournament.

Starting in June of 2011 with a main prize of $50,000, the championship now has a prize pool of $2,225,000, just showing the massive amount of growth in the past eight years.

The play in stage is complete with Edward Gaming (China, LPL), G2 Esports (EU, EULCS), Cloud 9 (NA, NALCS), and G-Rex (Hong Kong, LMS), moving into the group stages, which will begin October 10th.

Here is a list of notable teams that will be participating in this years competition.

Gen G

Region- LCK (South Korea)
Group B

The defending champions come into this tournament with a strong lineup after failing to make it deep into Korea’s summer split playoffs. Even though this team is playing on their home soil, they will face some challenges in the toughest group, but with Jae Hyeok “Ruler” Park at AD carry and Yongin “CoreJJ” Jo at Support, they are the pillars that look to bring this team back to the finals.

KT Rolster

Region- LCK (South Korea)

Group C

After becoming the 2018 Summer Split champions, KT Rolster is looking to go all the way in Worlds, especially since this year, they will play on their home turf. With top laner Song “Smeb” Kyung-ho, jungler Go “Score” Dong-bin, mid laner Son “Ucal” Woo-hyeon, AD carry Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu, and support Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong, KT has one of the best rosters Worlds has ever seen and no one would be surprised if this was the team to win.

Royal Never Give Up

Region- LPL (China)

Group B

After winning the other international tournament, the Mid Season Invitational, RNG looks to complete one of the greatest seasons of all time. With the current greatest player in the world, Jian “Uzi” Zi-hao at AD carry, this team has never looked better. From domestic success to international wins, their organization is primed for a deep run into the playoffs and potentially, world champions.

Fnatic

Region- EULCS (Europe)

Group D

The European champions have returned better than ever. After winning the spring and summer splits, this is the premier team to represent the EULCS. With the greatest AD carry in Europe with Martin “Rekkles” Larsson, and EULCS MVP Mid laner Rasmus “Caps” Borregaard Winther, make sure to keep your eye on this team for some major upsets.

Team Liquid

Region- NALCS (North America)

Group C

The NALCS champions are looking for their shot at international glory. After participating in the Mid Season Invitational and being knocked out in the group stages, this team, although dominating domestically, will have to defy the odds that have prevented North America from making a deep run in the playoffs. If there is any team to break the long standing streak through, it would be this team. With AD carry Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng at the helm, the MVP of the Summer Split is ready to lead his team to the top.