In Williamsport, Pennsylvania, they are setting up hydration stations and cold air chambers, because from August 13 to 24, summer will be hotter than ever with the start of the 2025 Little League World Series.
The most emblematic baseball tournament returns in 2025 with a modified double-elimination bracket, until the final dates of each bracket. The overall champion will be determined on Sunday, August 24 at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
How many teams play in the Little League World Series?
The voice of “Play Ball!” will be heard from August 13 to 24, as 20 teams –10 from the United States and 10 international– will seek to kiss glory.
Representatives of the United States:
Each U.S. region already has its champion. Some are newcomers and others are regulars on this stage.
- Great Lakes: Clarendon Hills Little League (Illinois) is having a historic year. It won its first state title and is making its debut in Williamsport. Illinois is looking for its first championship in the history of the tournament.
- Metro: Fairfield National Little League (Connecticut) returns to the LLWS for the first time since 2017, now as the representative of the new Metro bracket. Connecticut has four titles, the last in 1989.
- Mid-Atlantic: Glenmoore Eagle Little League (Pennsylvania) arrives on fire after 14 straight wins and with the advantage of being only 160 miles from Williamsport. The last title for their state was in 1960.
- Midwest: Sioux Falls Little League (South Dakota) repeats its presence after 2024 and has four appearances since 2017. However, its state has not yet lifted the trophy.
- Mountain: Summerlin South Little League (Nevada). Nevada has never won the tournament and wants the trophy. It is the third consecutive representative from the south of the state.
- New England: Braintree American Little League (Massachusetts). Watch out for this team. They are making their debut after winning their first state title in 72 years of history. Massachusetts has never been champion.
- Northwest: Bonney Lake/Sumner Little League (Washington) secured its spot with a 6-1 triumph. Washington won its only title in 1982.
- Southeast: Irmo Little League (South Carolina) earned their ticket to the big event after eliminating the defending champion with a decisive double in the sixth inning. The state is still without a title.
- Southwest: Lamar Little League (Texas) will play in its third LLWS. Texas has two championships, the last one in 1966.
- West: Honolulu Little League (Hawaii) arrives with a historic 15-1 record in Williamsport. Who said baseball is not played in Hawaii? Hawaii is tough. Honolulu has won four times (2018, 2022).
The Spanish national team has been crowned champions of the 2023 UEFA Nations League after beating Croatia in the final. The match ended in a goalless draw, but La Roja won 5-4 in the penalty shootout
International representatives of the Little League World Series
The other half of the bracket brings together teams from around the world, with comeback stories and unfinished business. Here Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) is the favorite. It is the country with the most international titles in the LLWS (17), although its last championship was in 1996.
- Puerto Rico: Juan A. Bibiloni Little League (Yabucoa) returns after 26 years. In 1999, it reached the International Championship Game against Japan, the best Puerto Rican performance in the history of the tournament.
- Panama: Vacamonte Little League (Arraijan) was the first qualifier of 2025. Second appearance since 2018 and the 13th for the country, which is still looking for its first title.
- Asia-Pacific: Tung-Yuan Little League (Taipei, Chinese Taipei) sealed its ticket with a 6-1 record and will be the fourth consecutive representation from Chinese Taipei. A historic powerhouse with 17 titles, it has not won since 1996.
- Australia: Brisbane North Region Little League (Queensland) returns after its debut in 2022. It is the third team from Queensland to reach Williamsport. No Australian has lifted the trophy.
- Canada: Little Mountain Little League (Vancouver, British Columbia) returns for the second time in four years. In 2022, it played in the 75th anniversary of the LLWS. Canada is still chasing its first championship.
- Caribbean: Aruba Center Little League (Santa Cruz) revalidated the regional title and added its third participation. The 2024 team went 2-2.
- Europe-Africa: South Czech Republic Little League (Brno) qualifies for the third consecutive edition and fifth in the country’s history. The Czech Republic is still looking for its first crown.
- Japan: Joto Little League (Tokyo) is making its LLWS debut. Japan is a powerhouse with 34 appearances and four titles, the last in 2017.
- Latin America: Cardenales Little League (Barquisimeto, Venezuela) repeats as champion and will be its fourth appearance. Venezuela has two titles, the last in 2000.
- Mexico: Swing Perfecto Little League (Chihuahua) qualified for the first time just a year after it was founded. Mexico has not won since 1997.
Little League World Series has been played since 1947
Since 1947, the Little League World Series has turned Williamsport into the center of youth baseball. There are 38 games in 11 days, thousands of fans and the shared dream of lifting the most coveted trophy for any child who loves the sport.
This 2025 promises memorable clashes, stories of overcoming adversity and perhaps even a new champion.
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