RankingFew things can match the excitement of a thrilling esports tournament, but one element that never fails to get fans hyped is the theme song. Riot Games, the masterminds behind League of Legends (LoL), have consistently raised the bar by collaborating with different artists to create unforgettable anthems for the annual LoL World Championships. With a decade of incredible songs under their belt, it’s time to rank these epic theme songs from the worst to the best.
Ranking every worlds song from worst to best
- Burn It All Down by PVRIS (2021)
- Worlds Collide by Nicki Taylor (2015)
- STAR WALKIN’ by Lil Nas X (2022)
- Ignite by Zedd and Tim James (2016)
- Take Over by A Day to Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon, MAX, Henry (2020)
- Phoenix by Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza (2019)
- GODS by NewJeans (2023)
- Legends Never Die by Against the Current (2017)
- Rise by The Glitch Mob, Mako, and The Word Alive (2018)
- Warriors by Imagine Dragons (2014)
10. Burn it all down by PVRIS (2021)
The most recent addition to the world theme song lineup, “Burn It All Down” by PVRIS, unfortunately, finds itself at the bottom of the list. Despite a visually stunning music video co-created by Riot Games and Haoliners Animation League, the song feels somewhat lackluster, with its beat and melody echoing previous World Championship anthems.
9. Worlds collide by Nicki Taylor (2015)
Coming in at number nine is “Worlds Collide” by Nicki Taylor. While this song is by no means bad, it had the challenging task of following Imagine Dragons’ “Warriors,” making it a tough act to follow. The song starts slow but builds up to an intense chorus with the memorable line, “We are the ones.” Surprisingly, it’s the only Worlds song without an animated music video, which may contribute to its underrated status.
8. STAR WALKIN’ by Lil Nas X (2022)
Lil Nas X’s “STAR WALKIN’” takes the eighth spot, injecting fresh energy into the Worlds theme song tradition. Written and produced by the pop sensation himself, the song is a certified banger that stands out with its upbeat and catchy vibes. Its music video featuring pro players adds another layer of excitement.
7. Ignite by Zedd and Tim James (2016)
For EDM enthusiasts, “Ignite” by Zedd and Tim James holds a special place at number seven. Zedd’s genius shines through the song’s abrupt beat drops, accompanied by Tim James’ vocals. The official animated music video is a nostalgia trip, showcasing iconic Worlds moments from the first half of the decade, including legendary plays like Paul “soaZ” Boyer’s Rumble Backdoor in season 4.
6. Take over by a day to remember’s Jeremy McKinnon, MAX, Henry (2020)
“Take Over” secures the sixth spot, even though it may not have had the instant impact of its predecessors. Riot Games seemed to draw inspiration from their earlier hit, “Rise,” but “Take Over” is one of those songs that grows on you. With a Mandarin Chinese rap section performed by Mandopop singer Henry Lau, it brings a unique flavor to the mix.
5. Phoenix by Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza (2019)
“Phoenix” takes the fifth place, offering a distinctive sound with the angelic voices of Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza. Its catchy chorus seemed tailor-made for FunPlus Phoenix’s 2019 victory, and the coincidence adds a touch of magic to the song.
4. GODS by NewJeans (2023)
A groundbreaking moment in LoL Esports history lands “GODS” by K-pop sensation NewJeans at the fourth position. This female group’s versatility shines through as they collaborate with Riot Games, venturing into a genre different from their usual style. The song encompasses the elements expected in a Worlds song, transitioning from a dramatic opening to a pop melody, and culminating in an EDM-infused chorus that showcases the vocal range of Danielle, Haerin, Hanni, Hyein, and Minji.
3. Legends never die by against the current (2017)
Securing the third spot is the rock-infused “Legends Never Die” by Against the Current. Chrissy Costanza’s sweet yet powerful vocals are a perfect match for the song’s solid rhythm, and the buildup to the chorus is nothing short of epic.
2. Rise by the glitch mob, Mako, and the word alive (2018)
“Rise” takes a well-deserved second place, serving as a motivational anthem that inspires players to rise to the challenge. Combining elements from metalcore, electronic music, and DJ beats, it’s a track that makes you want to dive right into a League of Legends match and give it your all.
1. Warriors by Imagine Dragons (2014)
At the pinnacle of our ranking stands the iconic “Warriors” by Imagine Dragons. As the very first Worlds theme song, it remains unrivaled in its ability to capture the essence of League of Legends. With powerful lyrics, an unforgettable music video, and Imagine Dragons’ genuine passion for the game, “Warriors” continues to resonate with fans even after more than a decade.
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