League of Legends, the globally acclaimed MOBA from Riot Games, is fueled by fierce competition — and the ranked ladder is at the heart of that challenge. Whether you’re a casual gamer tracking your improvement or a future pro eyeing the highest tiers, knowing how the ranked system works is crucial. But what are the ranks in League of Legends, and how does the system operate?
The Basics: Tiers and Divisions
League’s ranked system is divided into ten tiers, each representing a different level of skill. From beginners to elite players, each tier is designed to group summoners of roughly equal performance.
Here’s the current tier structure, from lowest to highest:
- Iron
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
- Emerald
- Diamond
- Master
- Grandmaster
- Challenger
Each of the first seven tiers (Iron through Diamond) is divided into four divisions, with IV (4) being the lowest and I (1) being the highest. For example, a player might be placed in Gold III or Platinum IV.
Once players reach Master tier and above, divisions are dropped. Instead, players compete for LP (League Points) and are ranked on a ladder system where only the top-performing players per region can hold a spot — making Challenger the pinnacle of competitive League.
How Players Are Ranked
Players must complete placement matches at the start of a season or when entering ranked for the first time. Based on their performance (and hidden matchmaking rating, or MMR), they’re placed in a tier and division.
After that, wins and losses affect LP:
- Winning games earns LP.
- Losing games deducts LP.
- Reaching 100 LP in a division results in automatic promotion to the next division or tier, provided your hidden matchmaking rating (MMR) supports the advancement. Promotion series (e.g., best-of-three or best-of-five) were removed in a previous season.
- Dropping to 0 LP and losing again can result in demotion to a lower division.
- Master and above tiers do not use divisions; advancement is purely based on LP and competitive ranking on the leaderboard.
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Solo/Duo vs. Flex Queue
League offers two ranked modes:
- Solo/Duo Queue: The primary competitive mode, with strict matchmaking rules.
- Flex Queue: A more team-focused ranked system that allows groups of up to five players, often used for coordinated play or less competitive environments.
Each queue has its own separate rank — meaning a player could be Gold in Solo and Platinum in Flex, or vice versa.
Rank Distribution and Climbing Difficulty
As of the latest data:
- The majority of players fall into Silver and Gold, representing the average skill level.
- Platinum and above is considered above-average.
- Less than 1% of players ever reach Master tier or higher.
Climbing through the ranks requires a mix of mechanical skill, game knowledge, consistency, and mindset. Riot continuously tunes the system to make progression feel rewarding while maintaining competitive integrity.
Why Ranks Matter in LoL
Ranks in League of Legends aren’t just for bragging rights. They influence several aspects, for example:
- Matchmaking quality
- Seasonal rewards like skins, borders, and icons
- Prestige in the community
- Pathways into amateur and pro scenes
For many, each season becomes a personal journey — and hitting a milestone like Gold or Diamond can be a major achievement.
In Summary
The ranked system in League of Legends is a structured and evolving competitive environment that divides players based on skill. With ten tiers, straightforward promotion mechanics, and constant updates, it offers both challenge and reward for players across all skill levels.
Whether you’re grinding out of Silver or eyeing the Challenger leaderboard, understanding the ranking system is your first step toward climbing the ladder.
Written by:
Christian