Visitors to gamescom will be treated to top-class eSports this year: The Prime League final will be held on the last day of the trade fair in Cologne – will there be a record number of spectators?
The previous record could be broken: More than 2,000 spectators attended last year’s Prime League final in Neu-Ulm. Now organizer Freaks 4U Gaming is aiming for a new record – and bringing the German LoL final back to gamescom.
The new League of Legends (LoL) champion of the DACH region will be determined in Hall 1 on August 24. The Event Arena will be used for this purpose, where “up to” 3,000 spectators are expected, according to a press release. The local league final last took place at gamescom in 2019 – at that time, the competition was still called Premier Tour.
“This is exactly where a LoL final belongs.”
The winner will receive €8,000 in prize money and a place in the EMEA Masters. The runner-up will also travel to the European tournament and receive €5,000. The teams that will face each other in the final round will be decided in the Season Finals on August 14 and 19.
“A final at gamescom is one of the biggest highlights we can offer the Techniker Prime League and its community,” says Matthias Remmert, Senior Vice President Product, TV & Media Production. “A huge stage, thousands of fans on site and the full attention of the gaming world – this is exactly where a League of Legends final belongs.”
According to gamescom Director Tim Endres, the trade fair and eSports “have always gone hand in hand. As an essential part of gaming culture, eSports stands for more than just competition and emphasizes values such as team spirit, fair play, and high-class performance. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome the Prime League to gamescom this year.”
Pro Arena: eSports on the rise
The return of the Prime League is just one measure to further focus attention on eSports at the highlight trade fair in Cologne. The organizers recently announced that gamescom 2025 will be expanded to include a Pro Arena. Covering more than 2,500 square meters, it will “combine community experience and top-class eSports on a new level.”
“The Pro Arena is intended as an interactive experience space for everyone who wants to not only watch eSports, but also help shape it,” says Freaks 4U in response to a question from eSport. ‘We are creating a place where visitors can not only cheer on the action, but also get actively involved themselves. Whether through participatory formats, direct exchanges with professionals, or hands-on stations set up by publishers.’
