League of Legends: The Best Worlds Songs

Every year, the League of Legends World Championship, known as Worlds, captivates millions of viewers worldwide. A highlight of this annual event is the release of a new Worlds anthem—a song paired with an animated video that fuels the excitement and spirit of the competition.

These anthems are not just songs; they are powerful narratives that weave the essence of League with the personal triumphs and trials of its top players. The videos combine stunning animation with the unique abilities of the game’s champions, creating an immersive experience that resonates with fans. Working with famous artists, Riot Games crafts these anthems to not only energize the community but also to enhance the storytelling of the esports season.

In this article, we dive into the best Worlds anthems, celebrating the songs that have become legendary within the League of Legends community. Let’s explore these musical masterpieces that bring the World Championship to life.

#7: 2015 - Worlds Collide (ft. Nicki Taylor)

The 2015 anthem, “Worlds Collide,” performed by Nicki Taylor, stands out as a musical tour de force within the League of Legends Worlds anthologies. The song resonates deeply with fans, especially long-time players, thanks to compelling lyrics like “Can we bring to fall the giants” and “We are the ones,” which echo through the League’s storied history.

“Worlds Collide” encapsulates the dramatic buildup to the intense clashes on Summoner’s Rift, capturing the essence of competition among the world’s top players. Although it serves its purpose brilliantly as an anthem, the song’s visual presentation in the form of simplistic animation—primarily featuring rotating rocks around a red crystal and intermittent views of European landmarks (a nod to the tournament’s location)—falls short of providing a full music video experience. This minimalistic approach, while effective, leaves a bit more to be desired in terms of visual storytelling.

#6: 2023 - GODS (ft. NewJeans)

The 2023 Worlds anthem, “GODS,” performed by the popular K-pop group NewJeans, returns to the foundational intensity that characterized the earliest Worlds songs. This track stands out not only for its musical vitality but also for its narrative depth, which brilliantly captures the journey of Deft, a legendary ADC player. Along with his DRX teammates, Deft achieved what many consider the greatest upset in Worlds history by clinching the title in 2022.

Musically, NewJeans brought a fresh and modern twist to the anthem, blending their unique style with the epic and exhilarating atmosphere that fans anticipate with each Worlds season. This combination of fresh energy and a compelling player storyline makes “GODS” a memorable addition to the roster of Worlds anthems.

#5: 2019 - Phoenix (ft. Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza)

The 2019 Worlds anthem “Phoenix” features artists Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza and presents a subtler form of inspiration compared to other Worlds tracks. While it may lack the explosive impact of its predecessors, “Phoenix” cultivates its hype through a more reflective approach. The music video uniquely blends real-life footage with animation, featuring fans converging on the Worlds stadium alongside notable mid-laners like Caps, Faker, and Rookie.

This integration of reality and fantasy underscores the personal struggles and triumphs of these players, illustrating their journey to rise anew from past defeats. The song’s narrative and visual storytelling combine to evoke a sense of resilience and rebirth, resonating deeply with viewers and participants alike.

#4: 2018 - RISE (ft. The Glitch Mob, Mako, And The World Alive)

“RISE,” the 2018 Worlds anthem, stands out as a fan favorite for its compelling integration of music and animation, crafted by the team behind Arcane, Fortiche. The song not only energizes with its powerful lyrics and dynamic beats but also captivates with a narrative-driven animation that features real-life esports legends like SSG Ambition, who is depicted on his victorious path through the 2017 World Championship.

As Ambition battles past representations of famed players such as Faker, Uzi, and Perkz, who are depicted as League champions obstructing his ascent, the theme of “RISE” resonates as an empowering call to action. This anthem inspires fans and players alike with the belief that any obstacle can be overcome—echoing the potential for triumph at Worlds or personal victories in their gaming pursuits.

#3: 2024 - Heavy Is The Crown (ft. Linkin Park)

“Heavy Is The Crown” for Worlds 2024 delivers an impactful anthem, perfectly aligning with the anticipation surrounding Linkin Park’s collaboration. Themed around the concept of enduring greatness, the song mirrors the continued dominance of Faker, fresh off his latest championship win. The lyrics and tone encapsulate the burden and glory of maintaining the top spot in competitive play.

The music video enriches this narrative, centering on Faker while also featuring cameos from top contenders vying for his throne. This marks a significant moment as it includes Linkin Park within the animated sequence, a nod to Imagine Dragons’ integration in the Arcane series, blending musical artistry directly into the visual storytelling of the League universe.

#2: 2017 - Legends Never Die (ft. Against The Current)

“Legends Never Die” from the 2017 Worlds is a track that resonates deeply with League of Legends fans, creating a visceral reaction with its powerful chorus. Performed by Against The Current, the anthem celebrates resilience, echoing the enduring spirit of the game’s title.

The music video weaves a narrative of perseverance, featuring champions like Ashe and Lee Sin who confront and overcome adversity. Iconic lines from the song, such as “When the world is calling you” and “Can you hear them screaming out your name?” encapsulate the essence of the Worlds experience, inspiring players to strive for greatness. This anthem not only matches the intensity of the competition but also serves as a motivational call that echoes throughout the community.

#1: 2014 - Warriors (ft. Imagine Dragons)

“Warriors,” released in 2014 by Imagine Dragons, set an unprecedented standard for Worlds anthems in League of Legends. This track captured the essence of the competitive spirit inherent in the game and quickly became a beloved anthem for the esport community.

The accompanying music video is as impactful as the song, illustrating the journey of ordinary players navigating the challenges of solo queue, ultimately ascending to compete on the grand stage of Worlds. The enduring popularity of “Warriors” was cemented when it was featured again in the cinematic for the 2020 Season, reaffirming its status as the quintessential hype song for the League of Legends community.

Conclusion

This rundown of the best Worlds anthems in League of Legends celebrates not only the thrilling journey of the annual tournament but also showcases how music and esports converge to amplify the excitement and emotional resonance of the competition. From the groundbreaking collaboration with Imagine Dragons in 2014 to the epic tunes of recent years, each song uniquely captures the spirit of competition and the personal trials of players and fans alike. As we look forward to future Worlds, these anthems will undoubtedly continue to inspire and energize both players and viewers, reminding everyone of the passion and determination that define the League of Legends community.