Cover-Credits:
Riot Games
The League of Legends World Championships have already etched their place in esports history. They’re one of the premiere esports tournaments and always have tens of millions of people tuning into the event every year. And just as the competition has grown to monumental proportions, so too has its musical legacy. Each year, Riot Games releases an official League of Legends Worlds theme song to accompany the world championships. As we journey through the annals of Worlds history, we're reminded of the power these anthems hold in uniting players and fans across the globe.
2014 – Warriors by Imagine Dragons
The inaugural Worlds anthem, "Warriors" by Imagine Dragons, was the first time Riot Games released a theme song for the world championship. With its electrifying beats and soaring vocals, the song captured the essence of the competitive spirit, becoming an anthem for players and fans alike. It is still the most viewed Worlds theme with over 400 Million views.
The animated music video, depicting players' transformation from home gamers to world-class contenders, solidified its place as one of the de facto gaming anthems of our times.
2015 – Worlds Collide by Nicky Taylor
"Wake the dust and wake the wild," beckoned the haunting lyrics of "Worlds Collide." While lacking a traditional animated video, the song's fusion of synth and bass set the stage for Riot's diverse musical ventures.
Though criticism arose due to the absence of a captivating visual counterpart, the song's allure remained undiminished. This melody laid the foundation for future Riot music projects, including the sensational K/DA phenomenon.
2016 – Ignite by Zedd
"Ignite" ignited the scene with its unprecedented blend of electronic beats and orchestral grandeur. The song's vibrant animation, showcasing both players and stylized champions, pushed the boundaries of Worlds-themed videos. The track's simplicity in lyrics belied its ability to stick in fans' minds, ensuring a sing-along experience that echoed in stadiums and Discord voice channels alike.
Unfortunately, much like the previous iteration, the song just didn’t manage to capture the ‘vibe’ of world anthems like “Warriors” or the songs that followed.
2017 – Legends Never Die by Against the Current & Chrissy Costanza
"Legends Never Die" marked a return to form for Worlds anthems with an incredible chorus that transcends esports boundaries. Catchy and unforgettable, it found favor even among non-League enthusiasts.
The 3-minute long song was the anthem for Worlds 2017 and features League of Legends champions Ashe, Lee Sin, and Garen. The visuals of the song portray the whips and pangs that these heroes endure to emerge victorious by vanquishing enemies. Legends Never Die’s description on Youtube perfectly summarizes the theme, “The pursuit of mastery is an endless journey, but those who persevere etch their names in history.”
The beautifully animated video transported viewers to diverse realms, mirroring the champions' lore-rich journeys. Though it diverged from the player-centric narratives, its musical prowess and captivating visuals solidified its place as a perennial favorite.
2018 – Rise by The Glitch Mob, Mako, and The Word Alive
At its core, "Rise" is an homage to ambition, depicted through Kang "Ambition" Chan-yong's clash with three other illustrious pros: Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, Jian "Uzi" Zi-Hao, and Luka "Perkz" Perković. The collision of these titan players, each representing their unique path, propels the song into a crescendo of determination and resolve.
The true magic of "Rise" lies in its breathtaking animation. Melding modern 3D computer graphics with traditional 2D artistry, the video's visual fusion is an unparalleled wonder. This synergy, combined with an art style that harmonizes seamlessly with the game's universe, delivers characters that resonate with uncanny realism.
For many, this song remains as the pinnacle of League of Legends World Championship anthems.
2019 – Phoenix by Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza
"Phoenix" soared above adversity, overcoming production delays to emerge as a dazzling anthem. Blending pop and rock power with electronic nuances, the anthem delivered a subtly charged auditory experience.
The music video, although distinct from its predecessor "Rise," maintained Riot's focus on players' World Championship journey. Melding pro players and animated champions, the video visually mirrored the anthem's theme of rising above adversity. With 100 Million views on YouTube, the popularity of Phoenix’s powerful lyrics prompting every League of Legends player to "tear down the ceiling and fly, Phoenix, fly."
2020 – Take Over by Jeremy McKinnon, MAX, and Henry
In 2020, "Take Over" took the crown for its references, vocals, and vibrant video. A journey guided by the iconic Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok saw players battling champions personified by those who mastered them.
The collaboration of Jeremey McKinnon, MAX, and Henry Lau also produced a grungy, dynamic track where punk, pop, and K-pop threads intertwine seamlessly, crafting yet another unforgettable anthem.
The music video also sparked intrigue with easter eggs and nods to League of Legends culture peppering every second of the video, cementing its status as one of the Worlds' anthems with the best visuals.
2021 – Burn It All Down by Riot Music Team ft. PVRIS
"Burn It All Down" blazed onto the scene, a prelude to Worlds 2021's fiery competition. The music video mirrored its predecessor's style, guiding us through the preparations of players like Heo "ShowMaker" Su.
The song emerged as a pulsating anthem, seamlessly blending electronic elements and a captivating, danceable-yet-potent beat that aligns harmoniously with Gunn's artistic flair. This fusion of musical elements resulted in a track that exudes both charisma and power, making it an ideal accompaniment to rally anticipation for the Worlds 2021 competition.
2022 – Lil Nas X – Star Walkin'
Lil Nas X's "Star Walkin'" ushered in Worlds 2022 with a unique charm. A short teaser of Lil Nas X as League's president preceded the song's release, setting the tone for an anthem with a distinct vibe.
This lively collaboration, while different from the usual Worlds anthems, succeeded in delivering a catchy and invigorating experience that resonated with both fans of the artist and the League of Legends community.
The video wove together narratives of Worlds 2022 and its host cities, culminating in a climactic showdown in San Francisco while the song's gaming-inspired lyrics, especially the line "Why worship legends when you know that you can join 'em?", bridge the gap between Lil Nas X's style and the ethos of League of Legends competition.
Lil Nas X's distinctive vocals shined in the melodic chorus, setting the tone for a dynamic journey. The production, helmed by Cirkut and Omer Fedi, also elevated the track with its rhythmic synths and engaging drill beat, adding layers of excitement to the soundscape.
