Best Worlds Song Ranked

Since 2014, the League of Legends World Championship has featured an official song to mark the event, beginning with Imagine Dragons’ “Warriors.” Each year since, a new track has set the tone for the tournament, ranging from energetic pop collaborations to powerful rock performances. These songs have become a defining part of the Worlds experience, serving as both anthems for fans and symbols of each competitive season.

With a decade of releases now available, comparisons between tracks have become inevitable. Some songs stand out as enduring favorites, while others have struggled to leave the same impact. This article revisits every Worlds anthem from 2014 through 2024, ranking them to determine which track best captures the spirit of the championship.

8. Star Walkin‘ by Lil Nas X – Widely Recognized Worlds Anthem

Lil Nas X introduced significant mainstream attention to the Worlds stage in 2022 with Star Walkin’. The track’s polished production and radio-friendly chorus helped it reach broad audiences, including over 100 million YouTube views.

While the song’s energy and accessibility stand out, its ranking at number eight reflects how it lacks a dramatic finale compared to other anthems.

Key Points:

• Artist: Lil Nas X
• Release Year: 2022
• Strengths: Catchy hook, mainstream reach
• Limitation: No powerful closing crescendo

7. Linkin Park’s Heavy is the Crown – Worlds 2024

Linkin Park returned to the spotlight at Worlds 2024 with Heavy is the Crown, their second release since reintroducing the band with Emily Armstrong on vocals. The track blends nu-metal rhythms with rap-rock intensity, creating a sound that fits the scale of the championship stage.

• Artist: Linkin Park
• Vocalist: Emily Armstrong
• Style: Nu-metal, rap-rock fusion

While some verses carry less impact, the overall drive and energy make it a strong anthem for the event.

6. Burn it All Down (featuring PVRIS) – Worlds 2021

This 2021 Worlds anthem came from a partnership between Riot Games and the band PVRIS. The track stands out for its darker tone, with Lynn Gunn’s gritty vocals adding weight to the competitive atmosphere. Its lyrics emphasize themes of rivalry and perseverance, fitting the high-stakes nature of the tournament.

Highlights:

• Artist: PVRIS
• Style: Edgy, darker vocals
• Strength: Strong thematic connection
• Weakness: Chorus felt less impactful

Placed at #6, it delivered atmosphere but lacked a truly explosive hook.

5. GODS by NewJeans – Worlds 2023

Riot Games collaborated with NewJeans to create GODS, the official anthem for Worlds 2023. The track stands out with polished production and an undeniably catchy chorus, marking a distinct stylistic turn compared to previous themes.

• Strengths: sleek sound, memorable hook
• Limitations: less intensity, lyrics feel loosely tied to competition

4. Rise (with The Glitch Mob, Mako, and The Word Alive) – Worlds 2018

Blending electronic beats with rock-driven intensity, Rise set a standard for what fans anticipate in a Worlds anthem. Its driving sound pairs with lyrics centered on competition, resilience, and the pursuit of victory, making it a strong fit for the tournament atmosphere.

• Style: EDM and rock fusion
• Theme: Overcoming challenges, striving for triumph
• Impact: Energizes listeners before high-stakes matches

Despite its energy, the track carries less emotional depth compared to later anthems. Still, with over 400 million YouTube views, it remains one of the most recognized Worlds songs.

3. Warriors – A lasting League of Legends Worlds anthem

When Riot Games introduced Warriors in 2014, it set the foundation for what a Worlds anthem could be. The collaboration with Imagine Dragons brought a powerful arena rock sound that resonated with both esports fans and broader music audiences.

Key elements that make Warriors stand out:

• Strong build-up leading into a memorable chorus
• Vocal intensity that matches the competitive spirit of Worlds
• Longevity, as it continues to rank highly even after more than ten years

Warriors remains a benchmark for every Worlds song that followed.

2. Phoenix (ft Cailin Russo and Chrissy Constanza) – An emotional powerhouse

Phoenix, the official anthem for Worlds 2019, delivers a striking mix of intensity and vulnerability. The track combines Cailin Russo’s darker, restrained tone with Chrissy Constanza’s powerful vocal lift, creating a layered performance that mirrors the highs and lows of competition.

Its chorus drives momentum with bold imagery and urgent energy, making it a natural fit for the arena stage. Fans often compare its impact to Warriors by Imagine Dragons, noting its lasting presence.

Key qualities:

• Contrasting vocal styles
• Strong emotional resonance
• Memorable tournament identity

1. Legends Never Die (with Against the Current) – Worlds 2017

Released for the 2017 League of Legends World Championship, “Legends Never Die” became one of the most recognized tournament anthems. Performed by Against the Current and later remixed by Alan Walker, the track captures the endurance and determination tied to competitive play.

The structure of the song emphasizes:

• Gradual intensity through its build-up
• Dark, atmospheric verses
• A soaring, commanding chorus

Its themes highlight resilience, sacrifice, and the pursuit of greatness. Fans often regard it as a defining Worlds anthem that embodies the spirit of competition.

Reflections on the Top League of Legends Worlds Anthems

Recent years show a steady rise in the quality of Worlds anthems, with well-known artists shaping each release. Fans now anticipate each song as much as the tournament itself.

• Stronger production values
• Broader musical collaborations
• Consistent release schedules

The next anthem arrives on October 10, 2025, continuing this growing tradition.