2023 Professional League of Legends Season is Underway
The 2023 professional League of Legends season has finally arrived after a long offseason. Teams from around the world have revamped their rosters and lineups in hopes of achieving victory and lifting the Summoner’s Cup in Korea this year.
Our preseason power rankings are based on the strength of teams’ rosters and their performance in previous seasons. Although no official games have been played yet in 2023, we have taken into account the potential of these teams based on their offseason acquisitions.
This season, there is a chance for Western teams to make a mark on the global scene. In previous rankings, only one Western team cracked the top 10, but this season three LEC and LCS teams have secured spots alongside their Eastern counterparts. The LCK and LPL still dominate, but Western teams have the potential to surprise after going through significant restructuring in the offseason.
Preseason Power Rankings
The following are the top 10 teams at the beginning of the 2023 League of Legends season:
| Rank | Team | Home Region |
| 1) | T1 | LCK |
| 2) | JD Gaming | LPL |
| 3) | Dplus KIA | LCK |
| 4) | Hanwha Life Esports | LCK |
| 5) | Top Esports | LPL |
| 6) | Royal Never Give Up | LPL |
| 7) | Weibo Gaming | LPL |
| 8) | KOI | LEC |
| 9) | Fnatic | LEC |
| 10) | Evil Geniuses | LCS |
10) Evil Geniuses
Evil Geniuses, the 2022 LCS Spring Champions, have reinforced their roster with veteran stars Ssumday and FBI. With Inspired, Jojopyun, and Vulcan still bringing their confident playstyle, Evil Geniuses is expected to compete for victory once again this season.
9) Fnatic
Fnatic has made a strong comeback this year by bringing back their franchise player, Rekkles. Joining a squad that almost made it out of Worlds groups last year, Rekkles has consistently led Fnatic to success. With a roster that has proven its international potential, Fnatic is expected to be a formidable team this season.
8) KOI
KOI, formerly known as Rogue, was the only Western team to advance out of the group stage at Worlds last season. With minimal roster changes, KOI remains a strong contender in the LEC and is poised to make a strong showing in the upcoming season.
7) Weibo Gaming
Weibo Gaming brings together former rivals Xiaohu and TheShy on the same team. Although they may not have reached the same heights as before, this talented roster, including a defending MSI champion, has the potential to surprise in the LPL this season.
6) Royal Never Give Up
Royal Never Give Up lost two key players in the offseason but still boasts a strong lineup. With formidable topside players and skilled carries, Royal Never Give Up has the talent to compete for championships both domestically and internationally.
5) Top Esports
Top Esports, despite recent disappointments, has added the experience of Rookie, a Worlds-winning mid laner. Alongside a core of veteran players, Top Esports is a consistent threat in both domestic and international competitions.
4) Hanwha Life Esports
After a decline in performance, Hanwha Life Esports has revitalized its roster with players from DRX’s previous Worlds lineup. With a formidable trio of players, Hanwha Life Esports is ready to challenge the top teams in the league this season.
3) Dplus KIA
Dplus KIA, despite a questionable rebrand, secures its position as one of the strongest teams globally with the addition of Deft, the main character of the 2022 World Championship. With a talented mid-jungle duo, Dplus KIA aims to dominate the competition and achieve further success.
2) JD Gaming
JD Gaming boasts a lineup of mechanically talented players and is considered a superteam for 2023. With star players in their respective roles, JD Gaming is a favorite to win the LPL championship and compete on the international stage.
1) T1
T1 maintains its roster from the previous season, where they narrowly missed winning an international tournament. With the legendary Faker leading the team and a talented group of players, T1 is expected to strive for international victories and potentially lift the Summoner’s Cup at the end of the year.
The domestic seasons for major pro League regions are starting on the following dates:
LPL: Jan. 14
LCK: Jan. 18
LEC: Jan. 21
LCS: Jan. 26
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