League of Legends has long been one of the most played online games in the world, and North America has been a part of that story since day one. But in a game with over 150 million global accounts and major player bases across Asia and Europe, how many of those players are still logging in from NA?
While Riot Games no longer publishes official regional player counts, several indicators can help paint a picture of the North American player population—and what it means for the region’s status in the League of Legends ecosystem.
A Legacy Region with Slowing Growth
North America was one of the first regions to embrace League of Legends when the game launched in 2009. It quickly built a large player base and became home to Riot Games’ global headquarters. For years, NA remained a dominant force in terms of player engagement and infrastructure.
However, in recent years, growth has slowed. The rise of mobile-first regions like China and Southeast Asia, along with an aging Western player base, has shifted the center of gravity away from NA. Many new players are coming from other parts of the world, while North America is experiencing a more stable—or slightly declining—population of active users.
Estimating the Numbers
While exact figures are elusive, estimates suggest that North America accounts for roughly 10% of the global player base. With the game boasting around 130 million monthly active players worldwide, that would place NA’s active population somewhere between 10 and 15 million monthly players.
However, daily activity is likely lower. Competitive queues and ranked match data indicate that several hundred thousand NA players are active on any given day, particularly during peak hours on the East and West Coasts.
Ranked and Esports Reflections
One way to gauge activity in NA is by looking at ranked player data. NA has consistently fewer players in high-ELO (Diamond and above) compared to regions like Korea or Europe. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of skill, but of participation. Fewer people grinding ranked means a smaller competitive core—one reason why NA often underperforms on the international stage despite its infrastructure.
That said, League still enjoys a passionate following in NA, particularly around its franchised league, the LCS. While live event attendance has dipped post-pandemic, streaming viewership remains strong, and community engagement during events like Worlds continues to thrive.
The Community Today
The North American League of Legends community is diverse and loyal. While it may not be growing at the explosive pace seen in some other regions, it continues to support streamers, content creators, amateur tournaments, and professional play.
Many players in NA are veterans—people who have been playing for 5, 10, even 15 years. This gives the community a unique flavor: less about novelty, more about mastery, nostalgia, and long-term engagement.
Looking Forward
The future of League of Legends in North America may not be about rapid expansion, but about sustainability and innovation. Riot’s continued investment in the LCS, collegiate play, and regional tournaments suggests that North America remains an important market.
Even if NA doesn’t hold the largest share of the global player base, it remains a critical part of the League of Legends ecosystem—a region full of history, heart, and players who’ve been there since the very beginning.
Written by:
Christian