Every year since 2014, the League of Legends World Championship has had an official theme song. Some songs were great, some were inspiring, and some were downright legendary. As we await the official LoL Worlds kick-off, we provide you with a list of all the songs Riot Games used as official event anthems.
League of Legends, one of the most popular esports in the world, consists of more than just a game with a competitive league. Developer Riot Games always provides additional lore and content for fans to enjoy. Musical scores and content are a big part of the event ecosystem for LoL events.
We usually focus much on the LoL Worlds Power Rankings and Match Previews, yet with all this serious action happening ahead of Worlds, it’s time we reminisce on the art and creativity going behind the entire League of Legends Worlds experience.
The popular band Imagine Dragons was a great choice for the first LoL Worlds song. Not only were they incredibly well-known outside of gamer circles, but they also signified, at the time, a relatively rare intersection between gamers and other types of pop culture.
Like most of the videos of the following years, an animated music video was created to compliment the song itself, featuring players on their journey from playing at home to playing on the world stage. Naturally, the song and video quickly became iconic, and the League community responded incredibly well to this release.
This song was pivotal in many ways. It set the stage for other non-Worlds-related musical projects from Riot, such as “Bring home the glory” or “Awakened”. Unlike Warriors and the songs that followed, this one didn’t have a proper animated video. The video for it featured a floating red crystal in which different landmarks, most of them from Central Europe, reflected.
Due to its lack of proper video, the song faced some criticism, but overall the musical tone of synth mixed with bass and a female vocalist proved a solid foundation for other Riot projects like the virtual pop group K/DA that Riot unveiled in 2018.
One of the more unique songs that Riot has released, as a LoL Worlds song, Ignite, featured electronic beats and an orchestral arrangement. The animated video that went with the song featured both gamers and strongly stylised versions of in-game characters and fight scenes.
For many, this video was the peak as far as LoL Worlds songs visuals went – its bright and lively animation style was certainly eye-catching. The song features simple lyrics that were easy to remember and sing along to – also unusual among the LoL Worlds songs.
Legends Never Die is one of the best-known LoL Worlds songs, popular even with esports fans that don’t normally follow League of Legends. It’s very catchy and features a well-animated video showing game characters sparring, training and exploring different environments matching the characters’ lore backstory.
Ashe, Lee Sin and Garen are featured in the video, making it the only one (other than Worlds Collide) that doesn’t feature players’ journeys to the League of Legends World Championship. For some, this watered down the connection between the song and the competition, while others felt the incredible song/video combination more than made up for it.
Rise primarily features Kang ‘Ambition’ Chan-yong’s journey to being a world champ. It artistically depicts the epic battles of the player on his way through the World Championship. The video is full of symbolism from cornfield battles with Perkz, volcano battles against Uzi, and glacier battles versus Faker. Ambition meets challenger after challenger during the video until ultimately reaching the Hall of Champions, where his team’s logo and legacy are finally engraved among the historical League of Legends Worlds Champions.
The Korean player started playing pro in November 2011 and showed consistent performances up to his win at Worlds 2017 – the year before the song was released. Ambition retired another season later but remained an active League streamer for Gen.G. Fans wouldn’t have bet on the LoL Worlds pro retiring so soon, but after a successful career and after featuring in the Rise video, he more than earned his retirement!
For the first time, the 2019 song featured an artist that had already collaborated on a previous LoL Worlds song – in 2017. The song was initially delayed due to production issues and wasn’t actually released until weeks into the play-in stage – it was expected before the beginning of that stage.
Along with the song, the 2019 video features stunning visuals – a combination of animation and bits of real-life footage featuring some pro League players. They’re even shown transforming into play characters – specifically, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, Rasmus “Caps” Borregaard Winther, and Song “Rookie” Eui-jin are featured.
The 2020 song is an exciting experience in its entirety. The song itself and the accompanying video were packed with references and vocals reflecting the Take Over theme of Worlds 2020.
Take Over’s music video follows a young player getting coached by no other then Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok himself. Throughout the clip, we can see our protagonist battle famous League of Legends champions personified by the players who made a huge impact on the scene with them. From Xpeke’s Kassadin pick, Mata’s Thresh and JackeyLove’s Xayah through BeBe’s Caitlyn and Tian’s Leesin, the protagonist battles each World Champion until he ultimately reaches the Summoner Cup itself.
Additionally, every second of the video is filled with easter eggs and humorous messages. From champion names written on the car licence plates to shop signs saying things like: “Irelia’s office”, “Red Buff Hotpot”, and “Sivir’s Pizza Delivery”, the entire video represents League of Legends culture at its fullest. Overall, the Worlds 2020 song has one of the best Worlds music videos produced to date.
Released one week ahead of Worlds 2021, Burn it All Down was written and produced by the Riot Music Team Alex Seaver (Mako). The vocals were performed by PVRIS as the featured artist.
The music video is similar in concept to 2020’s Take Over, featuring various active LoL Esports players. We are guided through it by following Heo “ShowMaker” Su as he goes through a series of scenes with various players, all practising and preparing for what is ultimately Worlds 2021. The list of featured players absolutely mind-boggling featuring: ShowMaker, Chovy, Rekkles, Wunder, Carzzy, TheShy, Viper, GALA, Blaber, PowerOfEvil, Hans Sama, Armut, Peanut, Gori, Summit, Clid and we definitely missed some and will need to re-watch it ten more times.
Lil Nas X’s Worlds 2022 song was released one week before kick-off, similar to 2021. There was a short pre-taser featuring Lil Nas X as president of League of Legends. Produced by Cirkut and Omer Fedi, the song is less energetic than previous iterations, with fans commenting on it as needing an orchestral remake.
The music video features various storylines centred around Worlds 2022 and the host cities, with players and fans both featured throughout the video. The ending culminates with an all-out brawl between players and their champions in front of the Chase Center in San Francisco.
The LoL 2023 Worlds Song is performed by K-pop group NewJeans and was officially released on October 4. The music video is built around Deft’s journey to his 2022 Worlds title, showcasing all his appearances on the international stages throughout his career.
Check out our breakdown of the video in our dedicated article.
NewJeans is a South Korean girl group formed by the entertainment company ADOR and it’s composed of five members: Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein. They debuted in 2022 with the single “Attention”, but the songs that allowed them to really gain popularity and become the new rising stars were “Ditto”, “OMG”, and “Super Shy”. NewJeans’ music is close to 1990s- and 2000s-indebted pop and R&B and it’s “soft, contained, and delicate”, according to critic Minsoo Joshua Kim.
The 2024 Worlds song was released on September 24, and as anticipated by some rumors, Linkin Park were the artist behind the new song.
After making a return with a new singer, Emily Armstrong, the worlds song titled “Heavy is the Crown“, is part of their upcoming album, From Zero.
Below is the release video for your pleasure:
League of Legends Worlds songs lyrics
If you’ve just finished watching the music videos and want to go deeper into the words behind the anthems, here’s a full collection of League of Legends songs lyrics. From the earliest Worlds themes to the most recent releases, this section includes all LoL Worlds songs lyrics — perfect for reading along, finding your favorite lines, or just appreciating the storytelling behind the music.
Here’s the Lyrics to GODS ft New Jeans for you to sing along:
⚔️ 'Warriors' by Imagine Dragons LyricsVerse 1
As a child, you would wait
And watch from far away
But you always knew that you’d be the one
That work while they all playPre-Chorus
In youth, you’d lay
Awake at night and scheme
Of all the things that you would change
But it was just a dreamChorus
Here we are, don’t turn away now
We are the warriors that built this town
Here we are, don’t turn away now
We are the warriors that built this town
From dustVerse 2
The time will come
When you’ll have to rise
Above the best and prove yourself
Your spirit never diesPre-Chorus
Farewell, I’ve gone
To take my throne above
Don’t weep for me
‘Cause this will be the labor of my loveChorus
Here we are, don’t turn away now
We are the warriors that built this town
Here we are, don’t turn away now
We are the warriors that built this town
From dustBridge
(Instrumental)Chorus
Here we are, don’t turn away now
We are the warriors that built this town
Here we are, don’t turn away now
We are the warriors that built this town
From dustOutro
(Instrumental fade-out)🌌 'Worlds Collide' by Nicki Taylor LyricsVerse 1
Do we fight to hold our heads up high?
And beat the drum to what we love?
Risk the fall, oh, we have felt it all
Come crashing down from far abovePre-Chorus
Stars aligning, we are here to learn
Feel the fire as we cross and burnChorus
Worlds collide tonight
No turning back, ignite the fight
Worlds collide tonight
We rise, we rise, we rise, we riseVerse 2
Chasing fate, we carve our names in stone
Our shadows dance where legends roam
Hearts will race, oh, we will face the storm
To claim the light that calls us homePre-Chorus
Stars aligning, we are here to learn
Feel the fire as we cross and burnChorus
Worlds collide tonight
No turning back, ignite the fight
Worlds collide tonight
We rise, we rise, we rise, we riseBridge
Oh, we stand as one, unbroken, unafraid
Through the dark, we run, our glory will not fadeChorus
Worlds collide tonight
No turning back, ignite the fight
Worlds collide tonight
We rise, we rise, we rise, we riseOutro
Worlds collide, we rise
Worlds collide, we rise💥 'Ignite' by Zedd LyricsVerse 1
There’s a fire that burns inside
It’s an instinct that never lies
The target’s tattooed between our eyesPre-Chorus
Stand and fight
Live by your heart, always one more try
I’m not afraidChorus
Light the fuse, ignite the flame
Feel the rush, we’re not the same
No regrets, we own this game
Ignite, ignite, igniteDrop
(Instrumental EDM drop)
Ignite, ignite, igniteVerse 2
Through the dark, we make our stand
With the spark held in our hands
We’ll light the way, no turning backPre-Chorus
Stand and fight
Live by your heart, always one more try
I’m not afraidChorus
Light the fuse, ignite the flame
Feel the rush, we’re not the same
No regrets, we own this game
Ignite, ignite, igniteBridge
Oh, we rise above, we’ll never break
Every scar we earn, every chance we takeChorus
Light the fuse, ignite the flame
Feel the rush, we’re not the same
No regrets, we own this game
Ignite, ignite, igniteOutro
(Instrumental fade-out)
Ignite, ignite, ignite🏆 'Legends Never Die' by Against the Current & Chrissy Costanza LyricsVerse 1
Legends never die
When the world is callin’ you
Can you hear them screamin’ out your name?
Legends never die
They become a part of you
Every time you bleed for reachin’ greatPre-Chorus
The dawn is callin’, take your place
You were born to chase the flameChorus
Legends never die
They’re written down in eternity
But you’ll never see the price it costs
The scars collected all their lives
When everything’s lost, they pick up their hearts
And avenge defeat
Before it all starts, they suffer through harm
Just to touch a dream
Legends never dieVerse 2
They never lose hope when darkness falls
Their fire will light the way till dawn
Oh, pick yourself up, ‘causeChorus
Legends never die
They’re written down in eternity
But you’ll never see the price it costs
The scars collected all their lives
When everything’s lost, they pick up their hearts
And avenge defeat
Before it all starts, they suffer through harm
Just to touch a dream
Legends never dieBridge
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
When the world is callin’ out your name
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Begging you to fight
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Pick yourself up once more
Oh-oh-oh, fightChorus
Legends never die
They’re written down in eternity
But you’ll never see the price it costs
The scars collected all their lives
Legends never dieOutro
When everything’s lost, they pick up their hearts
And avenge defeat
Before it all starts, they suffer through harm
Just to touch a dream
Legends never die🗡️ 'Rise' by The Glitch Mob, Mako, and The Word Alive LyricsVerse 1
Welcome to the wild, no heroes and villains
Welcome to the war, we’ve only begun, so
Pick up your weapon and face it
There’s blood on the crown, go and take itPre-Chorus
You get one shot to make it out alive, so
Higher and higher you chase it
It’s deep in your bones, go and take it
This is your moment, now is your time, soChorus
Prove yourself and rise, rise
Make ‘em remember you, rise
Push through hell and rise, rise
They will remember you, riseVerse 2
Welcome to the climb up, reach for the summit
Visions of the top, so close you can touch it
You were made to thrive, born to overcome
Feel the fire inside, you’re second to nonePre-Chorus
You get one shot to make it out alive, so
Higher and higher you chase it
It’s deep in your bones, go and take it
This is your moment, now is your time, soChorus
Prove yourself and rise, rise
Make ‘em remember you, rise
Push through hell and rise, rise
They will remember you, riseBridge
Oh, through the smoke and the fire
You’ll find your way
No, they can’t hold you down
This is your dayChorus
Prove yourself and rise, rise
Make ‘em remember you, rise
Push through hell and rise, rise
They will remember you, riseOutro
Rise
(Rise, make ‘em remember you)
Rise
(Rise, they will remember you)🐦🔥 'Phoenix' by Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza LyricsVerse 1
What are you willing to lose?
You cover your wounds, but underneath them
A million voices in your head that whisper, “Stop, now”
Another twist of the knife, turn of the screws
It’s all in your mind and it’s fighting youPre-Chorus
Arm yourself, a storm is coming
Well, kid, what you gonna do now?
It’s your reflection looking back to pull you downChorus
So are you gonna die today or make it out alive?
You gotta conquer the monster in your head and then you’ll fly
Fly, phoenix, fly
It’s time for a new empire
Go bury your demons, then tear down the ceiling
Phoenix, flyVerse 2
So tell me what you’re willing to choose
You’re facing the truth, no hiding from it
A thousand echoes in the dark, they call your name
Another storm in your heart, it’s breaking youPre-Chorus
Arm yourself, a storm is coming
Well, kid, what you gonna do now?
It’s your reflection looking back to pull you downChorus
So are you gonna die today or make it out alive?
You gotta conquer the monster in your head and then you’ll fly
Fly, phoenix, fly
It’s time for a new empire
Go bury your demons, then tear down the ceiling
Phoenix, flyBridge
(Instrumental with vocal ad-libs)
Oh-oh-oh, phoenix, fly
Oh-oh-oh, tear down the ceilingChorus
So are you gonna die today or make it out alive?
You gotta conquer the monster in your head and then you’ll fly
Fly, phoenix, fly
It’s time for a new empire
Go bury your demons, then tear down the ceiling
Phoenix, flyOutro
Phoenix, fly🎮 'Take Over' by Jeremy McKinnon, MAX, and Henry LyricsVerse 1
This is our time, we’re taking over
No looking back, we’re getting closer
Feel the rush, it’s in our veins
We’re breaking chains, we’ll never fadePre-Chorus
Oh, we’ve been waiting for this moment
To rise above, yeah, we’re chosen
The stage is set, we’ll make ‘em see
This is our destinyChorus
Take over, we’ll never break
We’re climbing higher, no escape
Take over, we’ll light the flame
The world will Covertly setting variables: The world will know our name
Take over, we’re here to stay
This is our fight, we’ll seize the day
Take over, we’ll carve our way
We’re taking over, come what mayVerse 2
No fear, no doubt, we’re standing tall
We’ll rise above, we’ll take it all
The fire burns, it’s in our soul
We’ll write the story they’ll be toldPre-Chorus
Oh, we’ve been waiting for this moment
To rise above, yeah, we’re chosen
The stage is set, we’ll make ‘em see
This is our destinyChorus
Take over, we’ll never break
We’re climbing higher, no escape
Take over, we’ll light the flame
The world will know our name
Take over, we’re here to stay
This is our fight, we’ll seize the day
Take over, we’ll carve our way
We’re taking over, come what mayBridge
Oh-oh-oh, we’ll shake the ground
Oh-oh-oh, hear the sound
Oh-oh-oh, we’re unbound
We’re taking over nowChorus
Take over, we’ll never break
We’re climbing higher, no escape
Take over, we’ll light the flame
The world will know our name
Take over, we’re here to stay
This is our fight, we’ll seize the day
Take over, we’ll carve our way
We’re taking over, come what mayOutro
Take over, take over
We’re taking over now🔥 'Burn It All Down' by PVRIS LyricsVerse 1
This ain’t a game, we came to play
We’re breaking through, no time to waste
The fire’s lit, it’s in our soul
We’re taking aim, we’re in controlPre-Chorus
No holding back, we’re all in
Feel the spark, let it begin
We’ll tear it down, we’ll make ‘em see
This is our legacyChorus
Burn it all down, we’re rising now
No stopping us, we’ll take the crown
Burn it all down, we’ll light the sky
We’re born to fight, we’ll never die
Burn it all downVerse 2
We’ll shake the ground, we’ll break the chains
No fear, no doubt, we’ll stake our claim
The stage is set, we’ll steal the show
We’ll make ‘em know, we’ll make it glowPre-Chorus
No holding back, we’re all in
Feel the spark, let it begin
We’ll tear it down, we’ll make ‘em see
This is our legacyChorus
Burn it all down, we’re rising now
No stopping us, we’ll take the crown
Burn it all down, we’ll light the sky
We’re born to fight, we’ll never die
Burn it all downBridge
Oh, we’ll ignite, we’ll set it free
Oh, this is our eternity
Oh, watch the flames, they’ll touch the stars
We’ll show the world who we areChorus
Burn it all down, we’re rising now
No stopping us, we’ll take the crown
Burn it all down, we’ll light the sky
We’re born to fight, we’ll never die
Burn it all downOutro
Burn it all down
Burn it all down
We’ll burn it all down🌠 'STAR WALKIN’' by Lil Nas X LyricsIntro
Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’
Racin’ to the moonlight and I’m speedin’
I’m headed to the stars, ready to go far
I’m star walkin’Chorus
Star walkin’ to the same dream
Star walkin’ with the same team
Star walkin’ in the same league
I’m star walkin’, star walkin’Verse 1
I been tryna find my way, lost up in the maze
Chasin’ every wish I made, countin’ down the days
They said I wouldn’t shine, now I’m provin’ ’em wrong
Lightin’ up the sky, yeah, I’m where I belongPre-Chorus
Ayy, I ain’t lookin’ back, no, I’m too far gone
Rocket to the moon, yeah, I’m blastin’ off
Ayy, they tryna dim my glow, but I keep it strong
I’ma keep on risin’ ’til the break of dawnChorus
Star walkin’ to the same dream
Star walkin’ with the same team
Star walkin’ in the same league
I’m star walkin’, star walkin’Verse 2
Look up, see the galaxy I’m paintin’
Every step I take, yeah, the ground is shakin’
They can try to clip my wings, but I’m still flyin’
I’ma touch the stars, ain’t no sense in tryin’Bridge
No gravity can hold me down
I’m weightless, I’m boundless now
Through the cosmos, I’m crown-bound
I’m star walkin’, yeah, I’m star walkin’Chorus
Star walkin’ to the same dream
Star walkin’ with the same team
Star walkin’ in the same league
I’m star walkin’, star walkin’Outro
Don’t ever say it’s over if I’m breathin’
Racin’ to the moonlight and I’m speedin’
I’m headed to the stars, ready to go far
I’m star walkin’⚡'GODS' by New Jeans LyricsIntro
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODSVerse 1
(Ayy) This is what you came for
Blood on the game ball
Everybody droppin’ like rainfall
(Uh) This is your moment
Eyes on the pulpit, kid
(I) think Church just openedPre-Chorus
And they’re singin’ your praises, la-la-la
Screamin’ your name out, la-la-loud
One more step, you’re immortal now
‘CauseChorus
This is your time
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
Watch it (Yeah), begin (Yeah)
Only one king, only one king
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
We’re the (Yeah), we’re the (Yeah)
Only one king, only one kingVerse 2
(Yeah) Who’s back? (I’m back)
And I’m still on my throne (Uh-huh)
They put me in a cage to see my rage
Go get the key and set me free, I’m ‘bout to roll
(Uh) You win or you fall, it’s all or none
Take everything or it’s all for nothin’
(Uh) Keep climbin’, no denyin’
Put your heart in it, gotta sacrifice to get it poppin’Pre-Chorus
And they’re singin’ your praises, la-la-la
Screamin’ your name out, la-la-loud
One more step, you’re immortal now
‘CauseChorus
This is your time
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
Watch it (Yeah), begin (Yeah)
Only one king, only one king
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
We’re the (Yeah), we’re the (Yeah)
Only one king, only one kingOutro
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS👑 'Heavy is the Crown' by Linkin Park LyricsVerse 1
It’s pourin’ in, you’re laid on the floor again
One knock at the door and then
We both know how the story ends
You can’t win if your white flag’s out when the war begins
Aimin’ so high but swingin’ so low
Tryin’ to catch fire but feelin’ so cold
Hold it inside and hope it won’t show
I’m sayin’ it’s not, but inside, I knowPre-Chorus
Today’s gonna be the day you notice
‘Cause I’m tired of explainin’ what the joke isChorus
This is what you asked for, heavy is the crown
Fire in the sunrise, ashes rainin’ down
Try to hold it in, but it keeps bleedin’ out
This is what you asked for, heavy is the—
Heavy is the crownVerse 2
It’s time to run, look at what you’ve become
Outnumbered, ten to one
Back then, should’ve kept your silence
‘Cause there’s no goin’ back on this road once it’s begun
You’re on that list
Say you don’t want what you can’t resist
Swingin’ that sword when the pen don’t miss
Watch it all crumble as it falls to thisPre-Chorus
Today’s gonna be the day you notice
‘Cause I’m tired of explainin’ what the joke isChorus
This is what you asked for, heavy is the crown
Fire in the sunrise, ashes rainin’ down
Try to hold it in, but it keeps bleedin’ out
This is what you asked for, heavy is the—
Heavy is the crownBridge
(Oh-oh, oh-oh)
(Oh-oh, oh-oh)
This is what you asked for, heavy is the crown
(Oh-oh, oh-oh)
Fire in the sunrise, ashes rainin’ down
(Oh-oh, oh-oh)Chorus
This is what you asked for, heavy is the crown
Fire in the sunrise, ashes rainin’ down
Try to hold it in, but it keeps bleedin’ out
This is what you asked for, heavy is the—
Heavy is the crownOutro
(Oh-oh, oh-oh)
Heavy is the crown
(Oh-oh, oh-oh)
Heavy is the crown
EN Global 
JP 日本語
BR Português