Summary
The World Championship, known as Worlds, is the highlight of theLeague of Legendscalendar, with the esport tournament attracting millions of viewers from around the globe. Every year to get fans excited, Riot releases a new Worlds anthem, comprised of a song and an animated video.
The Worlds music videos often tell the stories and journeys of key players intertwined with abilities andcharacters fromLeague. Almost every single Worlds song is a complete banger, capable of inspiring players to load up solo queue or tune in for every game. Often in collaboration with renowned artists, the best Worlds songs manage to intertwine the music, lyrics, and visuals to create an epic story.
72015 - Worlds Collide (ft. Nicki Taylor)
An Iconic Song For League Fans, But Lacks Proper Visuals
If all the Worlds songs were being ranked purely on their music, then 2015’s Worlds Collide, featuring Nicki Talor, would be near the very top. Iconic lines such as “Can we bring to fall the giants” and “We are the ones”, hit incredibly hard, and veteranLeagueplayers have fond memories of the song playing in the login menu.
The whole song feels like it is building up to an intense showdown on Summoner’s Rift between the best players in the world. In this way, it achieves its purpose. However, the major downside is that Worlds Collide does not have a proper music video. Instead, while well executed, the animation is little more than rocks rotating around a red crystal.European landmarkscan also be seen, relating to the tournament’s location.
62019 - Phoenix (ft. Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza)
A Great Song & Unique Visuals, But Not As Hype As Others
Phoenix from Worlds 2019, is an interesting one, as it is a great song in its own right, but it doesn’t have the same oomph as the absolute best Worlds songs. This isn’t to say no hype is generated, but rather it is done in a different way. For example, by showing real fans walking toward the Worlds stadium alongside Caps, viewers are able to feel like part of the story, and like they themselves will be attending Worlds.
The music video is also one of the more interesting ones, as it combines real footage of threeMid Laneprotagonists, Caps, Faker, and Rookie, with animations. In the pure animation parts, some of their lowest moments as pro players are depicted, before being given the opportunity to rise from the ashes like phoenixes.
52023 - GODS (ft. NewJeans)
One Of The Best Stories Following Deft & A Song That Gives Chills
GODS from Worlds 2023, felt more like the original Worlds songs in terms of power than those which preceded it. The story also happens to be one of the best forLeaguefans as it follows Deft,a legendary ADC player, who, alongside his DRX teammates, managed to pull off the biggest upset in Worlds history by winning it all in 2022.
In terms of the music, the popular K-pop group NewJeans helped to inject a new style into the storied history of Worlds Anthems, while also delivering on the hype and chill that League fans have come to expect every year.
42024 - Heavy Is The Crown (ft. Linkin Park)
One Of The Hardest Hitting Songs & A Return To The Early Days Of Worlds Songs
The newest Worlds song for Worlds 2024 certainly hits hard, and the power with which the main line is delivered is exactly what fans were hoping for when Linkin Park was announced. With Faker having won in the previous year, the theme of the song fits perfectly for someone who has reigned as the G.O.A.T. for so long.
He is the focus of the cinematic, but fans will also notice many of their favorite players looking to challenge Faker’s reign. It’s also the first time that the band has been present in the animation of a Worlds song, although the precedent was there with Imagine Dragons inArcane.
32018 - RISE (ft. The Glitch Mob, Mako, And The World Alive)
One Of The Best Combinations Between Music & Animation
Beloved by the community, RISE from 2018 is certainly considered one of the best Worlds songs, for both music and animation, and how well they mesh together. The animation, bythe creators ofArcane, Fortiche, was the first to tell a story using real pro players.
It follows SSG Ambition’s journey to the title at Worlds 2017, and players will spot icons of the esport such as Faker, Uzi, and Perkz represented as champions, standing in his way. The song’s title, RISE, is used as a rallying call throughout, and is capable of making fans feel like their team can achieve anything at Worlds, or that they themselves can reach any rank.
22017 - Legends Never Die (ft. Against The Current)
An Inspiring Epic About Never Giving Up
There are a few songs capable of givingLeaguefans around the world chills, and Legends Never Die from Worlds 2017 is one of them. Performed in collaboration with Against The Current, the song’s main line arguably hits harder than any other, especially as it ties into the name ofthe popular MOBA.
In terms of the animation, the story follows champions such as Ash and Lee Sin on journeys of relentless survival, always getting back up after constant setbacks. Lines such as “When the world is calling you” and “Can you hear them screaming out your name” are also perfect for a Worlds song, and doubtless many players have been inspired by them.
12014 Warriors (ft. Imagine Dragons)
The Original Hype Song For Worlds & Arguably Unbeatable
For many, the original hype song for Worlds will always be the best. 2014’s Warriors by Imagine Dragons, blew fans away with what was to become the first of a few collaborations with the popular band and set a new standard.
Not only is the music epic, and perfect for the competitive spirit ofLeague of Legendsas an esport, but the animation is just as good. It follows a handful of normal players who battle throughthe trials and tribulations of solo queueto eventually earn their place on the Worlds stage. The Warriors song was used again for the Season 2020 cinematic.
