Did you know 80% of League of Legends players are ranked below Gold? This fact shows how competitive League of Legends ranking system is. Millions of players aim to climb the ranks. In this guide, we’ll explore the LoL ranking system, helping you move from Iron to Challenger.
League of Legends has over 80 million monthly players, all seeking victory. The game’s competitive nature relies on a system that matches players of similar skill. Knowing the ranks in LoL is key for success on Summoner’s Rift, whether you’re new or experienced.

The ranking system in League of Legends is more than just a way to show off. It’s the foundation of fair matchmaking, ensuring you face opponents who will challenge and help you grow. From bronze to Challenger, each rank is a milestone in your LoL journey.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- League of Legends has 10 distinct ranks, from Iron to Challenger
- Each rank up to Diamond has four divisions
- Silver and Gold are the most populated ranks
- Your rank is determined by LP (League Points) and MMR (Matchmaking Rating)
- Seasonal resets and rewards keep the ranking system dynamic
Introduction to League of Legends Ranked Play
League of Legends ranked play is a thrilling way for players to test their skills. It’s the core of competitive play, where players aim to climb the ranks. To join, you must reach level 30 and have at least 20 champions.
Why Ranking Systems Matter
The ranking systems in LoL ranked play measure your skill and progress. They set clear goals and milestones, making the journey exciting. The system matches you with players of similar skill, ensuring fair and challenging games.
Prerequisites for Ranked Games
Before playing ranked matches, ensure you meet these requirements:
- Reach summoner level 30
- Own at least 20 different champions
- Complete placement matches to determine your initial rank
The Evolution of LoL’s Ranking System
The League of Legends ranking system has evolved to better reflect player skill. It now includes ten tiers, each with four divisions (except for the top three tiers). This change provides a more accurate view of the player base and enhances the competitive environment.

Tier | Player Distribution |
---|---|
Iron | 8.1% |
Bronze | 18% |
Silver | 17% |
Gold | 19% |
Platinum | 18% |
Emerald | 13% |
Diamond | 4% |
Master | 0.64% |
Grandmaster | 0.051% |
Challenger | 0.021% |
LoL Rank: Complete Tier Overview
League of Legends ranks show your skill and progress. The game has 10 ranks, each showing a different level of skill.
From Iron to Challenger
Starting in Iron, you learn the basics. Moving up to Bronze and Silver, you get better at strategy and knowing the map. Gold and Platinum require better decision-making and knowing where to be.

Understanding Divisions
Each tier from Iron to Diamond has four divisions (IV to I). The higher the division, the closer you are to the next tier. Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger tiers are the best in the game.
The Significance of Each Tier
Every tier in the LoL tiers system is important:
- Iron to Silver: Mastering the basics
- Gold to Platinum: Getting better at big strategies
- Emerald: Keeping the game balanced
- Diamond: You’re in the top 1.5%
- Master and Grandmaster: You might make money from playing
- Challenger: You’re at a pro level
Rank | Player Distribution | Key Focus |
---|---|---|
Challenger | 0.017% | Competitive gaming |
Grandmaster | 0.051% | High-level strategy |
Master | 0.26% | Advanced mechanics |
Diamond IV | 1.4% | Consistent performance |
Emerald IV | 3.5% | Balanced gameplay |
Silver IV | 7.9% | Anticipating strategies |
Your journey through these ranks will test your skills, strategy, and dedication. Each tier brings new challenges and chances to grow in your LoL career.
How the League Points (LP) System Works
League Points (LP) are key to climbing the ranked ladder in League of Legends. You earn or lose LP based on your match results. Usually, you need 100 LP to move up to the next rank.
Your LP gains are linked to your hidden Match Making Rating (MMR). A higher MMR means more LP for wins and less for losses. Beating stronger opponents can lead to bigger LP gains, helping you climb faster.
LP decay is important to remember. If you’re not active for a long time, your LP will decrease. In some cases, you might only gain 2 LP per win because of decay. The decay rate changes by league and region, so stay active to keep your progress.

At 0 LP, losing a game can drop you to a lower rank. For example, from Gold IV to Silver I. But, reaching 100 LP starts a promotion series. Win at least 3 out of 5 games to move up to the next rank or division.
“Climbing the ranked ladder is a test of skill and consistency. Every LP gained is a step towards your goals.”
There’s no limit to how much LP you can earn. Keep going, and you could become one of the top players in ranks like Platinum, Diamond, or even Challenger!
Climbing the Ranked Ladder: Promotions and Demotions
Climbing the ranked ladder in League of Legends is an exciting journey. You’ll face ups and downs as you move through the divisions. Here’s how the system works and what you need to know to succeed.
Promotion Series Mechanics
When you hit 100 LP in your current division, you start a promotion series. For division promotions, you need to win 2 out of 3 games. Tier promotions are tougher, requiring 3 wins out of 5 games. This makes sure you’re ready for the next level before advancing.
Demotion Protection
Demotion happens when your LP drops to 0 and you keep losing. But there’s a grace period after promotion. This means you can’t demote right away. It gives you time to adjust to your new rank without worry.

Rank Change | Games Required | Win Rate |
---|---|---|
Division Promotion | 2 out of 3 | 66.7% |
Tier Promotion | 3 out of 5 | 60% |
Demotion | Varies | <50% |
Understanding MMR and Matchmaking
League of Legends uses a hidden rating system called Matchmaking Rating (MMR) to assign players fairly in ranked games. This system aims to create balanced matches by pairing you with teammates and opponents of similar skill levels.

Hidden Rating System
MMR is a numerical value between 0-2500+ that represents your skill level. It’s calculated based on factors like win rate, performance, and opponent skill. While MMR is hidden, it plays a crucial role in matchmaking and impacts your LP gains.
Impact on LP Gains and Losses
Your MMR directly affects the amount of LP you gain or lose after each match. If your MMR is higher than your current rank, you’ll earn more LP for wins and lose less for defeats. This system helps push players towards their true skill level over time.
MMR vs Visible Rank
While your visible rank (Iron to Challenger) is what you see, MMR is the behind-the-scenes metric that determines your matchmaking. This can lead to situations where you’re paired with players of different visible ranks but similar MMR.
Aspect | MMR | Visible Rank |
---|---|---|
Visibility | Hidden | Public |
Purpose | Matchmaking | Progress Tracking |
Calculation | Complex Algorithm | LP-based System |

Understanding MMR helps you grasp how the ranking system works to create fair matches. By focusing on improving your skills and performance, you can boost your MMR and climb the ranks more effectively.
Current Rank Distribution and Statistics
Understanding the lol rank distribution helps players see where they stand in the League of Legends community. Let’s look at the latest stats to see how players are spread across different ranks.
In solo queue, most players are in the middle ranks. Gold I has the most players at 18%. Silver IV is close with 8.3% of players. The new Emerald tier has made the skill levels more balanced.
Rank | Solo Queue % | Flex Queue % |
---|---|---|
Challenger | 0.024 | 0.010 |
Grandmaster | 0.061 | 0.027 |
Master | 0.47 | 0.22 |
Diamond | 4.1 | 3.9 |
Emerald | 12 | 16 |
Platinum | 19 | 19 |
Gold | 20 | 16 |
Silver | 18 | 17 |
Bronze | 18 | 18 |
Iron | 6.9 | 6.9 |
The top tiers are rare, with only 0.024% of players in Challenger. About 56% of players are in Bronze, Silver, or Gold. Platinum is a key rank that divides the game into two parts.
Ranked Seasons and Resets
League of Legends ranked seasons keep the competitive spirit alive all year. In 2025, Riot Games is introducing a single annual rank reset on January 6. This change aims to make the game less grindy and improve the ranked experience.
Season Timeline
The new system replaces the old multi-split format, which was tiring for players. Now, you have a full year to climb the ranks and show off your skills. This longer timeline helps you progress naturally and reduces reset pressure.
Placement Matches
At the start of each season, placement matches set your initial rank. These games are key for starting your climb. The new system includes a softer MMR reset, aiming to make early-season matches fairer and less volatile.
Seasonal Rewards
Earning seasonal rewards is now easier. To get the base Victorious skin, you need to win 15 ranked games in each thematic season. This change makes rewards more accessible to players of all skill levels, encouraging everyone to participate.
Year | Rank Resets | Victorious Skin Requirement |
---|---|---|
2024 | Three splits | Gold rank or 1000 SP below Gold |
2025 | One annual reset | 15 wins per thematic season |
These changes aim to make ranked play more balanced and fun. With less frequent resets and more achievable rewards, you can focus on improving and climbing the ranks all year.
Special Rules for High Elo Play
At the top of the ranked ladder, League of Legends has special rules for high elo play. These rules are for Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger tiers. They make the game super competitive for the best players.
Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger Dynamics
In these top tiers, players compete for total LP, not just moving up divisions. To get to Master, you must win Diamond promos and reach 100 LP. Grandmaster needs 200 LP, and Challenger asks for about 500 LP, more than the lowest-ranked player in your area.

Decay System
Rank decay is key in high elo play. If you’re Diamond or higher, you lose LP if you’re inactive. The decay rates change by tier, with Challenger players needing to play often.
Daily LP Updates
Rankings in Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger update every day. This daily update makes the competition at the top of the ranked ladder more dynamic. Your rank can change fast, showing how intense high elo play is.
These special rules keep the top ranks in League of Legends super competitive. They show the current skill levels of the best players. It pushes them to always play at their best to stay at the top.
Solo/Duo vs. Flex Queue: Understanding the Differences
In competitive League of Legends, you have two main options for ranked queues: solo/duo queue and flex queue. Each offers a unique experience and caters to different playstyles.
The solo/duo queue is the primary battleground for individual skill assessment. You can enter this queue alone or with one partner. It’s known for its intense competition and is often seen as the true test of a player’s abilities.
Flex queue, on the other hand, allows for teams of up to five players. It’s more casual and team-oriented, perfect for practicing with friends or experimenting with different strategies.
Feature | Solo/Duo Queue | Flex Queue |
---|---|---|
Team Size | 1-2 players | 1-3 or 5 players |
Competitiveness | High | Moderate |
Queue Times | Shorter | Longer |
Skill Gaps | Smaller | Larger |
Focus | Individual skill | Team coordination |
Remember, your rank in solo/duo queue is separate from your flex queue rank. This allows you to track your progress in both individual and team-based play. Choose the queue that best fits your goals and playstyle to climb the ranks in League of Legends!
Tips for Ranked Success and Progression
Climbing the ranks in League of Legends needs skill, strategy, and mental strength. Here are some key tips to boost your ranked success and progress through the tiers.
Mental Approach to Ranked Games
Your mental approach is key to ranked success. Staying positive and resilient can greatly improve your game. Focus on getting better yourself, not blaming teammates. The best players stay calm and learn from mistakes.
Setting Realistic Goals
Setting achievable goals is vital for climbing the ranks. Instead of aiming for Challenger right away, focus on improving specific areas:
- Increase your CS per minute
- Improve your vision control
- Master a small champion pool
- Communicate effectively with pings
Practice | Impact on Ranked Success |
---|---|
Minimap Awareness | Improved decision-making |
Strategic Warding | Better objective control |
Positive Communication | Enhanced team performance |
Adaptable Playstyle | Higher win rates |
Mental Resilience | Consistent progression |
By using these strategies and keeping a growth mindset, you’ll be on your way to climbing the ranks and reaching your goals in League of Legends.
Conclusion
The League of Legends ranking system is an exciting journey. It takes you from Iron to Challenger, showing your growth. You’ll face tough challenges, celebrate wins, and learn from losses as you move up.
Knowing the lol ranking system is crucial for success. There are ten main tiers and four divisions in each. Gold is now the average rank, with about 20% of players there. As you get better, you’ll join the top 2.7% in Diamond or the rare 0.02% in Challenger.
Your ranked journey begins at level 30 with five placement matches. Then, it’s all about earning LP and improving your hidden MMR. Whether you play solo, duo, or flex, the path to betterment is always open. So, get ready, stay positive, and start your climb. The competitive world of League of Legends is waiting for you!
FAQ
What are the different ranks in League of Legends?
League of Legends has nine main ranks. These are Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Diamond, Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger. Each rank from Iron to Diamond has four divisions. Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger have no divisions.
How do I start playing ranked games in LoL?
To play ranked games, you must be at least level 30 and own 20 champions. Once you meet these requirements, you can queue up for ranked matches. You can choose from Solo/Duo or Flex queue.
How does the League Points (LP) system work?
You earn or lose League Points (LP) based on your wins and losses. Winning games gives you LP, while losing takes it away. The amount of LP gained or lost depends on your opponent’s skill and your hidden MMR. Reaching 100 LP in a division starts a promotion series.
What is MMR and how does it affect my rank?
MMR stands for Matchmaking Rating. It shows your true skill level. It affects your LP gains and losses. Higher MMR means bigger LP gains and smaller losses. MMR also ensures you’re matched with players of similar skill, not just your visible rank.
How do promotions and demotions work?
To move up divisions, you must win 2 out of 3 games in a promotion series. For tier promotions, you need to win 3 out of 5 games. Demotion happens when your LP drops to 0 and you keep losing. But, there’s a grace period after promotion where demotion is impossible.
What’s the difference between Solo/Duo and Flex queue?
Solo/Duo queue is for playing alone or with one partner. Flex queue allows teams of up to five players. Each queue has its own rank and MMR. Solo/Duo is seen as more competitive and is the main queue for skill assessment.
How often do ranked seasons reset?
Ranked seasons in League of Legends run from January to November or December. At the start of each season, players must complete placement matches to find their initial rank. Soft resets happen between seasons, slightly lowering ranks to start fresh.
What are the special rules for high-elo play?
Master, Grandmaster, and Challenger tiers have special rules. Players in these tiers compete for total LP, not divisions. Rankings update daily, and a decay system is in place. Players lose LP if inactive, with rates varying by tier. Challenger players need to play more often to keep their rank.
How can I improve my rank in League of Legends?
To improve, focus on mastering a few champions, communicating well with teammates, and staying positive. Set goals like improving your CS or vision score. Work on your gameplay, not blaming teammates. Practice regularly and play strategically to climb the ranked ladder.
What rewards do I get for playing ranked?
Riot Games gives out seasonal rewards based on your highest rank. These rewards include exclusive skins, icons, and other items. The higher your rank, the better the rewards at the end of the season.