League of Legends World Skins: A Complete Timeline

As of September 23, 2024, League of Legends has unveiled an impressive 1,710 skins, each adding its unique flair to the game. Among these, the LoL World Championship skins stand out as particularly prestigious. Awarded to the victors of the LoL Worlds tournament, these skins are a tribute to the players’ exceptional skill and dedication.

Highly coveted by fans, the World Championship skins not only celebrate individual and team triumphs but also reflect the evolving competitiveness of League of Legends. Spanning from the inaugural Worlds in 2011 to the tournament in 2024, these skins serve as milestones marking the growth and significant moments of professional play. This article provides a timeline that traces the development of professional League of Legends on a global scale, illustrating how integral these skins have been to the game’s rich history. Let’s delve into this timeline and explore the legacy of the World Championship skins.

Champions with Multiple World Championship Skins

Several champions in League of Legends have been honored with multiple World Championship skins, a testament to their recurring dominance in the game’s most prestigious tournament. These skins not only commemorate the champions’ triumphs but also highlight the exceptional skill and strategic mastery of the players who wield them. Each skin serves as a symbol of both the champion’s prowess and the extraordinary talent of the players who guide them to victory on the world stage.

Lee Sin: The Most Decorated Champion

Lee Sin, known as the Blind Monk, holds the distinction of being the champion with the most World Championship skins in League of Legends. Esteemed for his dynamic playmaking potential, Lee Sin is a perennial favorite among professional players. He has been immortalized with three distinctive skins:

• SKT T1 Lee Sin (2013)
• FPX Lee Sin (2018)
• T1 Lee Sin (2023, forthcoming)

The latest skin commemorates T1’s Mun “Oner” Hyeon-jun’s victory at the 2023 World Championship, further cementing Lee Sin’s storied presence in the game’s history. Each skin not only celebrates his competitive success but also symbolizes the significant impact Lee Sin has had on the professional League of Legends scene.

Other League of Legends Champions with Multiple Skins

Several champions in League of Legends boast multiple World Championship skins, each symbolizing a notable team victory and showcasing the extraordinary skill of the players who excelled with them:

• Ezreal: TPA Ezreal (2012), SSG Ezreal (2017)
• Jhin: SKT T1 Jhin (2016), DWG Jhin (2020)
• Rakan: SSG Rakan (2017), iG Rakan (2018)
• Thresh: SSW Thresh (2014), FPX Thresh (2019)
• Vayne: SKT T1 Vayne (2013), FPX Vayne (2019)

These champions stand out not only for their popularity and effectiveness in competitive play but also for the indelible mark they’ve left on the game’s history through their recurring prominence at World Championships. As League of Legends continues to evolve, it remains thrilling to watch which champions will rise to join this esteemed group of multiple skin honorees.

The History of League of Legends World Championship Skins

Since the inaugural League of Legends World Championship, Riot Games has celebrated each tournament’s victors by crafting exclusive skins that commemorate the winning teams’ remarkable performances. These skins serve not only as trophies of triumph but also as treasured items within the community. As years have passed, these World Championship skins have evolved in design and prestige, becoming more intricate and highly coveted by players and fans alike, reflecting the growing legacy and impact of the tournament in the gaming world.

The First LoL World Championship Skins: Fnatic (2011)

The inaugural set of World Championship skins were crafted in honor of Fnatic, the champions of the 2011 League of Legends World Championship. These skins, which were rolled out gradually over the following years, paid tribute to the individual players and their champion choices that led them to victory. The lineup included:

• xPeke’s Karthus
• Cyanide’s Jarvan IV
• Sushei’s Gragas
• Zealot’s Corki
• Mellisan’s Janna

Each skin encapsulated the essence of the respective player’s style and the pivotal role they played in their team’s triumph, setting a precedent for celebrating championship victories in the game’s evolving history.

Taipei Assassins (TPA) Skins (2012)

In 2012, the Taipei Assassins (TPA) emerged victorious at the World Championship, marking the first occasion that World Championship skins were released alongside the Summoner’s Cup. The TPA skins commemorated the championship lineup with designs tailored to the champions played by each key member of the team:

• Stanley’s choice was immortalized with Shen.
• Lilballz was represented by Dr. Mundo.
• Toyz was celebrated through Orianna.
• Baby’s skills were encapsulated with Ezreal.
• MiSTakE was honored with a Nunu skin.

These skins not only celebrated individual prowess but also captured the essence of TPA’s teamwork and strategic execution that led them to their world championship win.

SK Telecom T1 (SKT) Skins (2013)

In 2013, SK Telecom T1 (SKT) secured their place in esports history by clinching their first World Championship title. To commemorate their victory, a special set of skins was released, each celebrating the champions played by SKT’s standout performers:

• Impact was represented with Jax,
• Bengi with Lee Sin,
• Faker with his iconic Zed,
• Piglet with Vayne,
• PoohManDu with Zyra.

These skins not only honored the individual skill of each player but also the team’s landmark achievement in the tournament, marking the beginning of SKT’s legendary status in the League of Legends competitive scene.

Samsung White (SSW) Skins (2014)

Samsung White’s triumph at the 2014 World Championship was a defining moment in their storied history, setting the stage for their subsequent achievements in the League of Legends esports arena. The team’s dominant performance earned them a set of commemorative skins, each reflecting the champion that was pivotal in their victory:

• Looper’s masterful control was encapsulated with Singed,
• Dandy’s strategic prowess showcased through Rengar,
• PawN’s aggressive gameplay immortalized with Talon,
• Imp’s sharpshooting skills represented by Twitch,
• Mata’s tactical genius captured with Thresh.

These skins celebrate not just their individual talents but also the cohesive strength that Samsung White displayed throughout the tournament, marking them as one of the most formidable teams in the history of the competition.

SK Telecom T1 (SKT) Skins (2015)

SK Telecom T1 (SKT) solidified their legacy as a powerhouse in the League of Legends scene with a repeat victory at the 2015 World Championship. Their continued dominance earned them a unique distinction: SKT became the first team to receive multiple sets of Worlds skins, celebrating not only the established starters but also an additional player, Easyhoon, who played a pivotal role and met the qualifications for his own skin.

The 2015 SKT Worlds skins lineup featured:

• Marin, whose prowess with Renekton was unmatched,
• Bengi, masterfully controlling the jungle with Elise,
• Faker, who delivered exceptional performances with Ryze,
• Easyhoon, showcasing strategic brilliance with Azir,
• Bang, demonstrating lethal precision with Kalista,
• Wolf, anchoring the team with his robust play on Alistar.

This collection not only commemorated their individual contributions but also the collective effort that propelled SKT to their second consecutive World Championship, furthering their reputation as one of the most successful teams in esports history.

SK Telecom T1 (SKT) Skins (2016)

SK Telecom T1 (SKT) continued their exceptional record in the League of Legends scene with another championship victory in 2016. This year was particularly notable as Riot Games commemorated their unparalleled success with not only an additional player skin but also a unique ward skin dedicated to their coach, kkOma, in recognition of his strategic guidance and contributions.

The 2016 lineup of SKT skins includes:

• Duke, who delivered standout performances on Ekko,
• Bengi, demonstrating his jungle mastery with Olaf,
• Blank, adding diversity with his impactful Zac,
• Faker, once again showing his versatility and skill with Syndra,
• Bang, whose sharpshooting with Jhin was critical,
• Wolf, supporting the team’s efforts with his adept play on Nami.

These skins celebrate SKT’s sustained excellence and the strategic depth they brought to the tournament, further cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in esports history.

Samsung Galaxy (SSG) Skins (2017)

In 2017, Samsung Galaxy achieved a monumental feat by dethroning SK Telecom T1 with a decisive 3-0 victory in the World Championship finals, signaling the dawn of a new era in League of Legends. This triumph not only showcased their dominance but also led to several champions receiving their second Worlds skins, a testament to their recurring significance in competitive play.

The champions and their corresponding Samsung Galaxy (SSG) skins from the 2017 victory include:

• CuVee on Gnar, demonstrating exceptional tactical gameplay,
• Ambition on Jarvan IV, whose leadership and control were pivotal,
• Haru on Ezreal, adding agility and sharpshooting precision,
• Crown on Taliyah, whose playmaking abilities turned the tides of battle,
• Ruler on Xayah, displaying deadly accuracy and strategic positioning,
• CoreJJ on Rakan, providing crucial support and engagement.

These skins not only commemorate individual excellence but also celebrate the team’s collective strategy and skill that culminated in their world championship title.

Invictus Gaming (IG) Skins (2018)

The 2018 World Championship finals witnessed Invictus Gaming triumph over Fnatic with a commanding 3-0 sweep, effectively ending the longstanding streak of South Korean victories at Worlds. This victory not only elevated Invictus Gaming to the pinnacle of League of Legends esports but also earned them an exclusive set of champion skins, each reflecting the prowess and character of the player who wielded them:

• Duke showcased his skill with Irelia, demonstrating strategic depth and combat precision.
• TheShy wielded Fiora, exemplifying mastery in dueling and split-pushing.
• Ning dominated the jungle with Camille, providing crucial initiations and gank efficiency.
• Rookie manipulated the mid lane with Leblanc, outmaneuvering opponents with deceptive play.
• JackieLove excelled with Kai’Sa, delivering critical damage in team fights.
• Baolan supported effectively with Rakan, ensuring team survivability and engagement.

These skins not only symbolize their victory but also mark a significant shift in the competitive landscape of League of Legends, celebrating a historic moment where a new region rose to dominance.

FunPlus Phoenix (FP) Skins (2019)

In 2019, FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) continued China’s ascent in the global League of Legends scene by dominating the World Championship and clinching the nation’s second consecutive title. This triumph echoed the precedent set by Invictus Gaming in the previous year. The victory led to the creation of unique skins that commemorated the exceptional performances of the FPX players:

• GimGoon demonstrated strategic prowess with Gangplank, masterfully controlling lanes and team fights.
• Tian showcased his jungle expertise with Lee Sin, impacting lanes and securing objectives.
• DoinB, known for his innovative play, brought a unique flair to Malphite in the mid lane.
• Lwx delivered precise and deadly attacks with Vayne, playing a crucial role as the team’s marksman.
• Crisp anchored the team’s efforts with his skillful play on Thresh, setting up plays and protecting allies.

These skins not only celebrate FunPlus Phoenix’s championship but also their players’ distinctive styles and strategic contributions to their historic win.

Damwon Gaming (DWG) Skins (2020)

In 2020, Damwon Gaming (DWG) restored South Korea’s status as a powerhouse in the League of Legends world by winning the championship. The victory inspired a unique set of skins themed around Greek mythology to honor their accomplishment. Each skin represents the mastery and role of its respective player:

• Nuguri was celebrated with a Kennen skin, reflecting his electrifying play and strategic finesse in the top lane.
• Canyon, known for his precision and agility, was immortalized with a Nidalee skin, capturing the essence of his jungle dominance.
• ShowMaker received a Twisted Fate skin, symbolizing his ability to control the game’s flow and fate with sharp decision-making.
• Ghost was awarded a Jhin skin, embodying his lethal accuracy and artistic approach to the marksman role.
• Beryl’s robust and protective support style was encapsulated in a Leona skin, highlighting his foundational role within the team.

These skins serve not only as a tribute to Damwon Gaming’s triumph but also as a celebration of the mythic qualities that each player brought to their championship run.

Edward Gaming (EDG) Skins (2021)

Edward Gaming (EDG), the victors of the 2021 World Championship, were honored with a series of skins that carried forward the dragon theme emblematic of their team’s identity. These skins were specially designed to reflect EDG’s monumental victory, incorporating elements that resonate with the team’s dynamic style and strategic prowess:

• Flandre excelled during the tournament, and his prowess was immortalized with a Graves skin, designed to echo his explosive impact on the top lane.
• Scout‘s magical gameplay was captured in a Zoe skin, illustrating his ability to bend the game’s reality with clever maneuvers and bursts of damage.
• Jiejie, known for his versatility and control in the jungle, was represented with a Viego skin that emphasizes the spectral and commanding presence he brought to his role.
• Meiko, whose support play was crucial, inspired a Yuumi skin that highlights the indispensable aid and healing he provided.
• Viper‘s sharpshooting abilities were encapsulated in an Aphelios skin, reflecting his deadly precision and crucial contributions as the team’s marksman.

Each skin not only celebrates their individual contributions to the championship win but also collectively showcases the fiery spirit and cohesive strength of EDG as the 2021 world champions.

DragonX (DRX) Skins (2022)

DragonX’s remarkable journey through the 2022 World Championship, which led to their ultimate victory, was celebrated with a series of skins that beautifully reflect their team’s colors. These skins, designed in DragonX’s signature white and blue hues, stand out with their unique and commemorative aesthetics, perfectly encapsulating the team’s triumphant run.

• Kingen was honored with an Aatrox skin, symbolizing his formidable presence and relentless aggression in the top lane.
• Pyosik’s strategic jungle maneuvers were captured in a Kindred skin, representing his duality of precision and foresight.
• Juhan received a Maokai skin, reflecting his sturdy and enduring support play that served as the team’s backbone.
• Zeka’s dynamic and elusive mid-lane play was immortalized with an Akali skin, highlighting his ability to outmaneuver and dominate opponents.
• Deft, known for his meticulous marksmanship, inspired a Caitlyn skin that showcases his sharpshooting skills and tactical gameplay.
• BeryL, whose adaptive support strategies were crucial, was commemorated with an Ashe skin, symbolizing his vision and leadership on the battlefield.

These skins not only celebrate the individual talents of each DRX player but also the cohesive teamwork and strategic mastery that led them to their World Championship victory.

SK Telecom T1 (SKT) Skins (2023)

T1’s victory at the 2023 World Championship secured another set of prestigious Worlds skins for its players, marking yet another highlight in their storied history. Notably, Faker added a fourth Worlds skin to his illustrious collection, a testament to his enduring excellence in competitive League of Legends. After careful deliberation, the T1 team selected the champions that would feature in these commemorative skins. Released in August 2024 as part of patch 14.16, the skins include:

• Zeus on Jayce, capturing his versatile and impactful play in the top lane.
• Oner with Lee Sin, commemorating his dynamic and skillful jungle control.
• Faker chose Orianna, reflecting his strategic depth and iconic presence in the mid lane.
• Gumayusi on Jinx, symbolizing his explosive firepower and precision as an ADC.
• Keria as Bard, showcasing his innovative support play and game-changing maneuvers.

These skins not only celebrate T1’s championship win but also the individual prowess and unique style of each player, immortalizing their contributions to the team’s triumph at the 2023 Worlds.

The Evolution of League of Legends World Skins Design

Over the years, the design of League of Legends World Championship skins has evolved significantly, reflecting more than just the victorious team’s logo; they capture the essence of each team’s spirit and often pay homage to the iconic Summoner’s Cup.

Starting in 2017, the skins for Samsung Galaxy adopted a cosmic theme, symbolizing the team’s stellar performance. The following year, Invictus Gaming’s skins featured a sleek mechanical design, reflecting their precise and calculated playstyle.

In 2019, FunPlus Phoenix’s skins were inspired by the mythical phoenix, using bold gold and red colors to symbolize the team’s fiery resurgence and triumph. DAMWON Gaming’s 2020 skins brought a contemporary Korean aesthetic into the mix, celebrating the team’s roots and cultural heritage.

The 2021 skins for Edward Gaming continued the dragon motif, honoring their fierce and resilient nature. The 2022 DRX skins maintained the team’s white and blue color scheme, ensuring instant recognition and cohesion within their visual representation.

Pricing for these skins has also become a notable aspect of their release. For example, the championship skins for Invictus Gaming are available at 1350 RP each. The “Signature Edition” sets, which include a signed icon, are priced at about 2700 RP, with the complete Invictus Gaming signature edition collection totaling 16,176 RP—translating to over $100.

As for the 2023 skins, anticipation is high. While details remain under wraps, the community is eager to see the new designs, particularly for T1 and the legendary Faker. The team has already made intriguing selections with Zeus opting for Jayce, Gumayusi for Jinx, and Keria making a surprising choice with Bard. Oner has chosen Lee Sin, and all eyes are on what Faker will select, adding a layer of mystery and excitement to the upcoming releases.

The evolution of these skins showcases a growing sophistication in how League of Legends commemorates its champions, celebrating their unique contributions to the sport in style.

Here’s a quick look at the recent themes of League of Legends World Championship skins:

• 2017: Samsung Galaxy - Cosmic-themed skins
• 2018: Invictus Gaming - Mechanical, featuring black and white designs
• 2019: FunPlus Phoenix - Phoenix-inspired, with gold and red colors
• 2020: DAMWON Gaming - Modern Korean aesthetic
• 2021: Edward Gaming - Dragon-themed designs
• 2022: DRX - White and blue color scheme

Each year, the skins have incorporated unique themes that reflect the identity and spirit of the winning teams.

How Players Earn League of Legends World Skins

Securing a victory at the League of Legends World Championship represents the pinnacle of achievement for players, not only granting them the esteemed title but also an extraordinary privilege: the creation of custom skins for their preferred champions. These skins serve as enduring symbols of the team’s triumph, crafted to commemorate their significant contributions to the tournament. Highly prized by fans and collectors alike, these skins encapsulate the skill, dedication, and strategy that propelled the champions to the top of the competitive League of Legends scene.

Eligibility Criteria for Receiving a LoL World Championship Skin

To be eligible for a World Championship skin in League of Legends, players must adhere to specific criteria set by Riot Games, which have evolved over the years to ensure a fair representation of the tournament’s winners. Currently, the eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Players must be part of the team that wins the World Championship.
• They need to have participated in at least two games during the play-in or group stages of the tournament.
• They must choose a champion that they played during the tournament on Summoner’s Rift for their skin.

Historically, the criteria were less stringent. Prior to the 2018 Worlds, for instance, players were eligible if they played just one game, as was the case with SSG Ezreal, which was awarded to Haru after he played a single game in the 2017 Championship.

Additionally, Riot may request that a player selects an alternative champion for their skin if the initially chosen champion already has a World Championship skin. Furthermore, in cases where players choose Xayah or Rakan, both champions must be selected by winning players to qualify for skins, reflecting their lore-based connection. These rules ensure that the skins remain unique and special commemorations of the players’ achievements at the Worlds.

LoL World Skins FAQs

How many skins are there in League of Legends as of September 23, 2024?

As of September 23, 2024, League of Legends boasts a collection of 1,710 unique skins available in the game.

Why are LoL World Championship skins so important?

World Championship skins in League of Legends hold significant value as they not only commemorate the annual victors of the world’s tournament but also serve as a cultural touchstone within the game, marking the evolution of gameplay, strategies, and aesthetic trends over the years. Each set of skins is a celebration of both the winning team’s achievements and the ongoing development of the game itself, capturing the essence of each era in League of Legends history.

What are League of Legends Worlds skins, and how are they awarded?

LoL Worlds skins are exclusive cosmetic items awarded to the champions of the League of Legends World Championship. These special skins are granted to players who significantly contribute to their team’s success throughout the tournament, ensuring that those who have played pivotal roles in securing victory are commemorated. Each skin reflects the skill, dedication, and strategic importance of its recipient, serving as both a reward and a lasting symbol of their achievements on the global stage.

How do League of Legends Worlds skins represent the winning teams?

LoL Worlds skins transcend simple logo placements, encapsulating the essence and identity of the winning teams. Each year, these skins are crafted with unique themes and color schemes that resonate with the characteristics of the victorious team. The designs are meticulously tailored to reflect the team’s spirit, strategy, and even cultural background, creating a visual homage to their triumph at the World Championships. This thoughtful representation ensures that each skin is not only a mark of victory but also a celebration of the team’s distinctive style and contribution to the League of Legends legacy.

Which LoL champion will be the first to have three distinct Worlds skins after the 2023 Championship?

After the 2023 Championship, Lee Sin will stand as the first champion in League of Legends to boast three distinct Worlds skins. His journey through the championships saw him adorned with skins from SKT T1 in 2013, FunPlus Phoenix in 2018, and T1 in 2023, each commemorating his pivotal role in these teams’ triumphs at the World Championships.

Has any League of Legends coach ever received a Worlds skin?

Indeed, in a unique instance, SKT T1’s coach, Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun, was honored with a Worlds skin in 2013. However, instead of a champion skin, he received a distinctive Ward skin, marking the only occasion a coach has been recognized with a skin in the history of the League of Legends World Championships. This special tribute underscores his significant contribution to the team’s success.

What are the eligibility criteria for a player to receive a LoL Worlds skin?

To qualify for a Worlds skin, players must meet several key criteria established by Riot Games. First and foremost, they must be a member of the championship-winning team. Additionally, they are required to have participated in at least two games during the early stages of the tournament, such as the play-in or group stages. Finally, players must select a champion that they have actively played on Summoner’s Rift during the tournament to be immortalized with a Worlds skin. This ensures that the skins commemorate meaningful contributions to the team’s success.

Is it possible to buy these LoL skins even when there is no worlds?

Yes, while Worlds skins are typically available for purchase directly through the in-game store only during specific events like the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) or the World Championship, you can acquire these skins through alternative means. For instance, websites like 1v9.gg offer the opportunity to purchase these exclusive skins at any time, and they often include a fresh account with the skin already unlocked. This allows fans to enjoy these special edition skins throughout the year, regardless of the competitive season.

When can we expect the release of the League of Legends Worlds 2023 skins?

The LoL Worlds 2023 skins are anticipated to be released around mid-2024. Typically, these commemorative skins are developed and launched approximately a year following the conclusion of the World Championship event, allowing ample time for thoughtful design and integration that reflects the winning team’s characteristics and achievements.

Which team won the LoL 2022 Worlds, and what skins did they receive?

DRX clinched the title at the 2022 World Championship. In celebration of their victory, the team was honored with specially designed skins, each reflecting the champions they excelled with during the tournament. The skins awarded include Aatrox for Kingen, Kindred for Pyosik, Maokai for Juhan, Akali for Zeka, Caitlyn for Deft, and Ashe for BeryL, each tailored to encapsulate the unique style and pivotal role of the respective players in their championship journey.

Conclusion

The evolution of League of Legends World Championship skins tells the story of competitive excellence and the ever-growing legacy of the game’s top teams and players. From the early days of Fnatic’s victory in 2011 to the most recent champions, each set of skins not only celebrates the unique identity of the winning teams but also serves as a tribute to the evolving strategies, skills, and dedication that shape the world of professional League of Legends. These skins are more than just cosmetics; they represent milestones in the history of esports, capturing iconic moments and marking the journey of the world’s best players. As we look ahead to future championships, the excitement for the next set of Worlds skins continues to build, ensuring that these commemorative designs will remain a cherished part of League of Legends for years to come.