The 2020 League of Legends World Championship finals is upon us, bringing the clash of two titans to the Pudong Football Stadium in Shanghai, China. Representing China and the LPL, Suning Gaming will play against South Korean representatives, DAMWON Gaming, in hopes to defend the region’s world champion title.

On Thursday, Oct. 29, Riot Games held a press conference at the iconic China Art Museum, where company executives shared the future of LoL Esports, and the championship finalists answered local and foreign media questions.

Following tradition, the League of Legends World Championship will feature a show-stopping opening ceremony, this year, presented by Master Card. In its 10th year anniversary, on Oct. 31, Riot Games will be launching a fan-focused campaign with in-game rewards and new experiences. 

Riot Games’ CEO Nicolo Laurent opened the conversation about the evolution of entertainment, referring to the World Championship opening ceremonies as a way to push boundaries, try new technology, getting in the crossroads of technology, esports, music, and gaming.

This year’s championship had no audience due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Given the situation in China is considered more stable, around 6,000 fans will be able to enjoy Worlds 2020 live, during the finals. John Needham, Global Head of Esports at Riot Games has shared how the broadcast team made the championship so compelling:

“Very early on, we made the decision that we would fill the void of not having an audience with technology. Our XR studio technology has been really well received by our fans. We have pushed that technology in ways it has never been pushed before, using AR in a live broadcast.”

In the press conference, Riot Games confirmed K/DA will be the leading artistic act to perform at the 2020 League of Legends World Championship. The ceremony begins on Oct. 31, at 3 a.m. PT.

Looking for more Worlds 2020 content? Check out our columns, interviews, and more on our official LoL page!