Caedrel’s Los Ratones Shatters NLC Viewership Records on League Debut

A Historic Debut

On January 15, 2025, Marc Robert ‘Caedrel’ Lamont’s team, Los Ratones, made their competitive debut in the Northern League of Legends Championship (NLC), and the impact was nothing short of phenomenal. Founded in November 2024, Los Ratones boasts a roster of popular League of Legends players and content creators, including Simon ‘Thebausffs’ Hofverberg and Carl Martin Erik ‘Rekkles’ Larsson.

Record-Breaking Viewership

Los Ratones’ debut matches against NORD and Lundqvist Lightside were highly anticipated, and the team did not disappoint. They handily defeated both teams, starting their NLC Winter 2025 campaign with a perfect 2-0 record. However, the real story was the unprecedented viewership numbers. Caedrel’s stream alone peaked at 105,432 viewers, but when combined with the streams of other Los Ratones players, the total concurrent viewership soared to over 160,000. This figure is a staggering improvement from the NLC’s previous peak of 14,023 viewers during the NLC Summer 2024.

Impact on NLC Viewership

The inclusion of Los Ratones has significantly boosted the NLC’s viewership. The league, which typically draws modest audiences, saw its numbers skyrocket. For instance, during the NLC Summer 2024, the peak viewership was just 1,818 viewers for a group match between the UK’s Verdant and the Scandinavian organization, NORD. In contrast, Los Ratones’ debut attracted an audience that was more than ten times larger than any previous NLC match.

Broader League Impact

The increased viewership is not limited to Los Ratones’ matches. The team’s presence has generated a surge of interest in the entire league. Sami Cunningham, owner of fellow NLC team Verdant, expressed his amazement at the figures, noting that Verdant saw around 30,000 concurrent viewers across all streams during their recent matches. Additionally, Verdant had an estimated 650,000 unique viewers, a number Cunningham described as “quite surreal.”

Community Reaction

The excitement around Los Ratones is palpable across social media platforms. Fans are eagerly anticipating what this team will achieve, with many speculating about their potential to rival teams in the League of Legends European Championship (LEC). Thebausffs has already tipped his team to make it to the LEC and beyond, adding to the hype.

The Power of Personalities

The significant viewership boost is largely attributed to the engaging personalities of the team members rather than just their gaming skills. Caedrel, known as League of Legends’ biggest streamer, has brought a massive following to the NLC. The team’s roster, filled with well-known and charismatic players, has created a ripple effect, drawing in viewers who are as interested in the players’ stories and antics as they are in the gameplay.

Future Prospects

As Los Ratones continues their NLC campaign, all eyes are on them. The team’s ability to maintain this high level of viewer engagement will be crucial. With their debut matches setting such a high bar, fans are curious to see if they can sustain this momentum. The broader impact on the NLC and the League of Legends esports scene could be significant, potentially redefining expectations for regional competitions.

NLC and Its Regional Significance

The NLC is a regional League of Legends esports competition that allows organizations from Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland) and the United Kingdom & Ireland to compete against each other. The league offers a total prize pool of €10,000. While it has historically drawn modest viewership, the arrival of Los Ratones has brought unprecedented attention, highlighting the potential for regional competitions to attract large audiences when the right teams and personalities are involved.

Community Engagement and Nostalgia

The debut of Los Ratones has also sparked nostalgia among fans, reminiscent of previous eras in League of Legends where unique and charismatic players drew large crowds. The community is buzzing with discussions on strategies, player backstories, and the unfolding narrative of the team. This engagement goes beyond just viewership numbers; it reflects a deeper connection between the fans and the team, driven by the personalities and stories of the players.

In conclusion, Caedrel’s Los Ratones has not only shattered NLC viewership records but has also brought a fresh wave of excitement and interest to the league. As they continue to compete, their impact on the League of Legends esports scene will be closely watched, and their ability to sustain this momentum could redefine the dynamics of competitive gaming.