NLC breaks viewership records in 2025 with Los Ratones

The NLC just broke its viewership records after an impressive 2025 Winter Grand Final involving popular streamer team Los Ratones.

League of Legends esports is in a rather bizarre state in 2025. It’s best described as a series of great highs and disappointing lows. Competitive scenes in Europe and Asia continue to see strong fan support, both boasting solid viewer counts throughout their respective Winter events.

On the other side of the world, the North and South American scenes haven’t fared quite as well. The LTA Winter Grand Final 2025 saw disappointing viewer counts, with reports showing that last year’s LCS Summer Final reached far greater audiences.

In light of these numbers, many were surprised at the performance of the Northern League of Legends Championship.

How many viewers did the NLC Winter Grand Final 2025 get?

The NLC Winter Grand Final 2025 peaked at over 365,000 viewers. Despite its status as a B-tier league, the NLC Winter Grand Final 2025 shattered expectations with its organic growth. Beginning in January 2025 with a strong peak of over 177,000 concurrent viewers, the numbers only got higher as the finals approached. The climactic match saw fan favorite team Los Ratones win 3-0 against NORD Esports.

LOS RATONES GRAND FINALS OF THE NLC – WINNER GOES TO EU MASTERS

The finals reached over 365,000 viewers, more than many expected given the circumstances. The NLC finals took place on the same day as LEC’s own finals. The LEC Winter Grand Final garnered over 801,000 peak viewers who tuned in to see Karmine Corp sweep 3-0 against G2 Esports in what was a surprise result. The Valorant’s VCT Masters Bangkok 2025 grand final was also on air as G2 and T1 played a memorable, back-and-forth series there, which may have split the general viewership of Riot fans that much further.

Besides competing shows, the NLC also suffered from pauses, delays, and late start times. Despite these hurdles, the league still broke records with its first major 2025 showing. The NLC notably attracted more viewers than the LTA Winter Finals 2025, which peaked significantly lower at over 166,000 viewers.

As for the main reason behind the rise in viewership, many point to all-star team Los Ratones.

Los Ratones is one of the most hyped teams in 2025 LoL esports

Formed in November 2024, Marc Robert “Caedrel” Lamont’s all-star team Los Ratones is drawing more eyes to LoL esports. Caedrel, a beloved color commentator in the esports scene turned popular streamer, founded Los Ratones as a team composed of popular former pro players and current streamers in the LoL esports scene.

BAUS WINS THE CREATOR OF THE YEAR!!!

Members such as Simon “thebausffs” Hofverberg, Tim “Nemesis” Lipovšek and Carl “Rekkles” Larsson notably have huge followings in the LoL community. With Caedrel’s rapport with fans, that meant a strong base for increasing viewership of the NLC.

Despite some doubts about the team’s effectiveness at the top pro level, it has performed well. The team has participated in two league events this far, handily obtaining first place in both the NNO Cup and the NCL. Caedrel’s consistent support and marketing of the team has also gone a long way in building up hype for the squad. Regular public scrims and behind-the-scenes looks at the team’s dynamic meant they could form a connection with fans more readily.

Many fans wonder if Los Ratones can keep the momentum all the way up to S-tier events such as Worlds. Regardless of its future, there’s no denying that Los Ratones is on the right path.