LCK Achieves Record Average Viewership of 714,000
Written with artificial intelligence.
The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) has reached an average viewership of 714,000 per minute for the first time, marking a 13% increase from last year. The league's franchise model has contributed to a significant growth in viewership since its introduction in 2021.
Historic Viewership Milestone
The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) has set a new record, with an average of 714,000 viewers per minute during its recent season, which ran from April 1 to September 13, 2026. This figure is more than double the average viewership of 326,000 recorded at the time of the franchise's introduction in 2021.
Notable Increases in Viewership
The peak concurrent viewers for the finals also saw a 24% rise from the previous year. The finals featured a rematch between Gen.G and Hanwha Life Esports, similar to last year's championship.
New Broadcasting Partnerships
Beginning this year, LCK broadcasts are handled by Naver Chijijik and SOOP, which secured broadcasting rights for five years. This shift has reduced the viewership share from the LCK's official YouTube channel. Despite concerns over potential viewer losses, Riot Games reports that both platforms have successfully attracted more YouTube viewers through simultaneous broadcasts and collaborations with streamers.
Growth in International Audience
The international viewership is also on the rise, with a 20% increase in viewers from English, Chinese, and Vietnamese broadcasts, now totaling 504,000. This represents over 70% of the overall average minute audience. Riot Games attributes this growth to various factors, including events like the LCK Cup in Hong Kong and the successful performance of Hanwha Life Esports at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).
Commitment to Fans
Lee Jung-hoon, the LCK Secretary General, acknowledged the record-breaking viewership as a testament to the fans' love and ongoing support. He emphasized the league's commitment to delivering global premium content enjoyed by multiple generations, alongside the ten participating teams.