League of Legends clash in Paris leaves thousands spellbound

The tickets are sold out and the excitement is reaching a crescendo at the League of Legends championships underway in Paris for fans of the immensely popular online battle arena video game. The final will be held on Sunday and Riot Games, which developed the product, claims that over 67 million people play it every month with 7.5 million people battling it out during peak hours. The tournament started in the indoor multi-purpose Zenith area in the city's east on Thursday and more than 20,000 spectators are due to attend the event. "The tickets sold out very quickly," an organiser told AFP. The contestants for the "All-Star 2014" come from five continents and are treated as "electronic athletes" with each team having its own jerseys. Seven teams, comprising five players each, are battling for the top prize of $50,000 (36,000 euros). The finals will be held on Sunday. "They have brought together the best players in the world," gushed a 19-year-old spectator who identified himself as Thomas at the venue. "Like football, each team has its own style," added Antoine, 33, who described himself as an "occasional player". "For example, the team from China is known for often taking the offensive," he added.