While there has remained a constant argument about whether Dota 2 is a better game than League of Legends, the question of their popularity has never been in doubt. League is the more popular title across the planet, and like a long-time Dota 2 fan recently realized, for good reason, too.
Reddit user u/JunsBaseball recently posted on the League of Legends subreddit, stating they finally understood why League is more popular than Dota 2 by visiting their first esports event for the Riot title, MSI 2025. They confessed that the electric atmosphere and fast-paced gameplay are the primary reasons that would make them want to tune in to watch this instead of Dota 2.
What is behind LoL’s popularity over Dota 2?
“The stadium was packed from the beginning to the end. So many people donned jerseys and showed humorous banners in multiple languages,” according to JunsBaseball. They added that while Dota 2 also has packed stadiums and massive crowds for esports tournaments, the environment at MSI “felt much more electric.”
From roaring cheers to vibrant fan signs and synchronized chants, the event felt like a global celebration, far bigger than typical Dota crowds. As the fan observed, Riot’s stadiums consistently sell out and pull massive global audiences, especially for rivalry matchups like T1 vs. GenG, which routinely rack up viewership in the millions.
They also pointed out the in-game difference between the two regarding the tempo at which the teams play. Dota 2 features “long farming phases” with the games extending beyond the 40-minute mark, often taking away the constant action and excitement. But “In League, engagements are constantly happening whether it is slaying Dragon/Baron or ganking,” the fan explained.
Unlike modern Dota 2, League still features a lot of regional rivalry, especially when it comes to the LCK and the LPL. “The fierce, spicy, and long-standing rivalry between LCK and LPL, along with other dark horse teams rising, adds another [level of] fun to the game,” the fan said.
“In Dota 2, the majority of dominant players are from Eastern Europe, mostly Russia,” they added. “The recent tournaments have also been dominated by European teams, so it has not been a diverse competition. NA teams and Chinese teams are slowly fading away when it comes to international stages, but Fly Quest seems like they are about to make consistent appearances as an NA representative, though. It is also cool to see Korean players playing in the Chinese team, along with many diverse teams having mixed nations.”
They also admired the quality and wide range of merchandise available for League compared to Valve’s title. “The figure quality is top notch, and hats, plushes, and clothes are also well-made and designed. I wish Dota 2 had the same quality as League. I think I will find myself watching the League games more,” they said.
This experience highlights how much League has grown and developed as a global spectacle. While Dota 2 remains a complex and strategic title with a deeply loyal community, the game’s slower pace and comparatively lower international reach can be difficult for casual viewers to get into.
League, on the other hand, has grown massively thanks to Riot’s focus on stadium atmosphere, rapid matches, and cross-region showdowns, which deliver an entertaining and competitive viewing experience even for those who don’t play the game regularly.
