League of Legends Worlds 2020 finals: Start time, opening ceremony and how to watch

After another year of intense competition, the League of Legends World Championship final is nearly upon us to deliver another spectacle. 

Riot Games has led the industry in regards to staging spectacular esports events, with their prestigious Worlds finals consistently the biggest event on the esports calendar. 

What can people expect this year however from the teams and opening ceremony? Here’s what we know about the League of Legends Worlds 2020 final. 

• Read more: TSM’s Bjergsen announces retirement as a player

For a detailed breakdown of the teams and the final check out our Worlds 2020 primer.

When is the Worlds 2020 final and what time does it start? 

This year’s bash takes place on Saturday 31st October at Shanghai’s Pudong Football Stadium in China, in time for Halloween spooks too. 

You can check the start times for the event below depending on your region. 

• UK - 10am GMT
• Europe -  11am CET
• West Coast US - 3am PT
• East Coast US - 6am ET

Who is facing off in the final and what is the prize pool?

Damwon Gaming are the favourites to win (Picture: Riot Games) 

Following a month of Play-ins, the group stage and semi-finals, Chinese team Suning will face South Korea's DAMWON Gaming for the Summoner’s Cup. 

The total prize pool for the event has yet to be announced, although the minimum prize pool is $2.5 million (£1.9 million) which increases through a percentage from in-game sale revenue. 

For DAMWON Gaming, this is the first time a South Korean team has made the final in three years. They beat G2 Esports in the semi-finals with a record-breaker last game too, beating them in just 19 minutes and 3 seconds, the fastest game in Worlds history. 

• Read more: 10 years, 10 Worlds: A countdown of League of Legends' 10 greatest esport moments

Suning have been seen as underdogs throughout, despite taking out favourites Top Esports in their semi-final. They have history on their side however, with fellow Chinese teams FunPlus Phoenix and Invictus Gaming taking the title over the past two years. 

What can we expect from the Opening Ceremony?

Much like the Olympics, Worlds has become synonymous with stunning opening ceremonies to kick off each year - boasting their own theme songs and highly technical performances. 

This year’s event will bring back virtual K-pop girl group K/DA to perform their new single The Baddest, after their previous single POP/STARS proved a worldwide smash. Riot has teased their performance will similarly use AR technology to bring the girl group to life.

• Read more: DAMWON vs Suning - The ultimate Worlds 2020 Finals primer

A performance of the official theme song titled Take Over is expected too, by A Day To Remember frontman Jeremy McKinnon, US singer Max Schneider aka MAX and Henry Lau.

How can I watch the Worlds 2020 final?

The event will be streamed on the lolesports YouTube and on their official website. We will update this page with a link once it’s live.