When Was League of Legends Season 1?
League of Legends, one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, has a rich and long history. The game was first released in October 2009 as a beta version, and since then, it has become a global phenomenon with over 100 million active monthly users. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore when was League of Legends season 1?
The Concept of Seasons
Before we answer the question, let’s understand the concept of seasons in League of Legends. The game features a competitive season, which typically begins in January and ends in November. A season is divided into several phases, including three splits, each lasting around six weeks. The first split usually kicks off in January, followed by the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) around May, and the second split that begins in June. The World Championships usually take place in October to conclude the season.
The First Official Season
Now, going back to the question, when was League of Legends season 1? It’s important to note that the term "season" was not officially implemented until Season 1 that started in February 2011. This was the first periodization of the game, marking a milestone in the game’s development.
Key Dates and Events:
• February 2011: First official season of League of Legends launched
• March 2021: League of Legends celebrates 10th anniversary
• Mid-Season Invitational (MSI): Takes place around mid-season, usually in May, to determine the best teams of that period
• World Championships: Concludes the season, usually around October, to determine the best team from around the world
Early Competitions and Events
Before Season 1, League of Legends was still in its beta phase and major tournaments were not organized. However, online competitions and events did take place:
• Season 0 Champions: A small tournament held during the beta phase, featuring teams sponsored by Riot Games
• World Cyber Games (WCG): League of Legends took part in the WCG 2009 Finals, a global esports tournament
Early League of Legends Teams:
| **Team Name** | **Region** | **Notes** |
|---|---|---|
| **Fnatic Academy** | European Union | Ran by Fnatic, a professional esports organization. |
| **Team SoloMid (TSM)** | North America | Founded by Keith “Keane” Thompson and later became a prominent team in LoL esports. |
FAQs
Q: What does "Season 0" mean?
A: "Season 0" was a period of time before the official debut of the game, during its beta phase.
Q: When did online competitions start in League of Legends?
A: Online competitions started during the game’s beta phase, around 2008.
Q: What was the first competitive tournament in League of Legends?
A: The first competitive tournament was the WCG 2009 Finals in December 2009.
Q: When did the first official season launch?
A: Season 1 launched in February 2011, marking the first periodization of the game.
Q: What is the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI)?
A: The MSI is a tournament organized by Riot Games, where the top teams from each region participate to determine the best team of the midpoint of the season.
Q: Why are seasons divided into three splits?
A: The three-split format ensures a balanced schedule, allowing each team to play a similar number of games across the season.
Q: What’s the significance of the World Championships?
A: The World Championships is the culmination of each season, where the best teams from around the world compete to be crowned the champions, with the winner receiving the Summoner’s Cup.
Q: How have League of Legends seasons changed over the years?
A: Seasons have evolved from a simple periodization to incorporate more competitive events, such as the MSI, split playoffs, and the World Championships. League of Legends has also introduced new tournaments, like the All-Star Games, and changed the format of existing competitions, such as the Worlds Semi-Finals.
Conclusion
League of Legends has come a long way since its inception in 2009, marking the beginning of a new era in esports history. From its humble beginnings to today’s global phenomenon, the game’s ever-evolving competitive scene has driven innovation and excitement among fans and participants alike.