Every year, as the anticipation for the League of Legends World Championship builds, fans eagerly await the release of the official Worlds song. These songs have become an integral part of the Worlds experience, setting the tone for the competition and capturing the essence of the game’s spirit.
The thrill of the game, the roar of the crowd, and the heart-pounding moments of victory and defeat. But what amplifies this experience? The music. The League of Legends Worlds songs have become anthems, uniting players and fans worldwide. But how did we get here?
TL;DR:
- “Rise” from 2018 is one of the most viewed eSports songs ever.
- Riot Games has been releasing Worlds songs since 2014, collaborating with top artists.
- The songs capture the essence of the game and resonate with fans globally.
The Legacy of Worlds Songs
2014 – Warriors by Imagine Dragons
The journey began with “Warriors” by Imagine Dragons. This song, accompanied by an animated video, showcased players transitioning from home gamers to world stage competitors. It was a symbolic representation of every player’s dream and quickly became an iconic anthem for the community.
2015 – Worlds Collide by Nicky Taylor
This year marked a shift. While the song was pivotal, it lacked an animated video, leading to mixed reactions. However, it laid the foundation for future non-Worlds musical projects by Riot.
2016 – Ignite by Zedd
A unique blend of electronic beats and orchestral arrangements, “Ignite” was accompanied by a vibrant animated video, showcasing gamers and in-game characters in epic battles.
2017 – Legends Never Die by Against the Current & Chrissy Costanza
One of the most recognized LoL Worlds songs, it resonated even with non-League fans. The animated video was a departure from the norm, focusing solely on game characters.
2018 – Rise by The Glitch Mob, Mako, and The Word Alive
This song celebrated the journey of Kang ‘Ambition’ Chan-yong to becoming a world champion. The video was filled with symbolic battles, culminating in Ambition’s legacy being engraved among the League legends.
2019 – Phoenix by Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza
A visual masterpiece, the video combined animation with real-life footage, featuring pro players transforming into game characters.
2020 – Take Over by Jeremy McKinnon, Max, and Henry
An exhilarating experience, the video was packed with easter eggs and humorous messages, representing the League culture in its entirety.
2021 – Burn It All Down by Riot Music Team ft. PVRIS
Guided by Heo “ShowMaker” Su, the video showcased various players preparing for Worlds 2021.
2022 – Star Walkin’ by Lil Nas X
A mellower tune, the video revolved around Worlds 2022, culminating in an epic brawl in front of the Chase Center.
2023 – TBA by ATEEZ
With ATEEZ’s visit to Riot HQ, fans are buzzing with anticipation for the next Worlds anthem.
Why These Songs Matter
Christian Linke, the genius behind many of these anthems, once said, “We want to create music that breaks boundaries, that can be its own standalone thing. We want to build something that’s deeply integrated into the game and also something that’s just a great piece of music on the radio.” This sentiment captures the essence of why these songs resonate so deeply with fans.
FAQs
Which song had the most views? “Rise” from 2018 has garnered over 200 million views on YouTube.
Who are some of the famous collaborators for the Worlds songs? Past collaborators include Imagine Dragons, The Glitch Mob, and Against the Current.
Why are these songs released? Each year, Riot Games releases a theme song for the League of Legends World Championship to set the tone for the competition.
What can we expect in 2023? There’s speculation about a collaboration with K-pop group ATEEZ for the 2023 Worlds song.
Have all songs had animated videos? Most of the songs have had animated videos, but there have been exceptions like “Worlds Collide” in 2015.
Conclusion
The League of Legends Worlds songs are more than just music; they are the heartbeat of the competition. They capture the spirit, the passion, and the dreams of every player and fan. As we await the 2023 anthem, we celebrate the legacy of the songs that have come before.
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Sources:
- Riot Games Official YouTube Channel
- League of Legends Esports Wiki
