ALL League of Legends Worlds Songs – WORST TO BEST

What’s an epic Worlds battle without a banger theme song? Riot Games stepping up their game in the League of Legends World Championships 2014 has led to 11 amazing Worlds anthems so far. Now, we’re ranking all of them from the bottom of the barrel to the absolute masterpieces.

 

Worlds Anthems: A Beloved Tradition

 

The fourth League of Legends World Championships held in 2014 birthed the tradition that makes every Worlds experience even better and more exciting. After the release of “Warriors” for Worlds 2014, Riot Games has continued to drop an official theme song every year for the biggest tournament in competitive League. Not only have these anthems been hyping up fans and players for the main event; they have also captured the spirit of competition, showcasing it through incredible animation and epic storylines.

 

Ones That Missed The Mark

 

Two songs landed at the bottom of the list, due only to them having detached from the signature Worlds sound. These missed the mark for most fans, yet they are still catchy songs in general.

 

11. STAR WALKIN’ (2022)

 

Lil Nas X’s “STAR WALKIN'” kicks off our list, but not in a good way. The song faced criticism for not feeling like a true Worlds anthem, and more like a “radio hit”. Lil Nas X is undeniably a good artist with songs that top the charts and make crowds groove, but for a Worlds theme song, it would have helped to stray a bit from his usual material. The upbeat rhythm and catchy tune of “STAR WALKIN’” has the star power, but lacks the epic feel fans expect from a Worlds song.

 

10. Ignite (2016)

 

Zedd’s “Ignite” stands out for its unique blend of electronic beats and orchestral arrangement. This unique impression, however, is also its weak point. The song’s departure from the typical Worlds song style gave it a more “hype song” kind of feel than one that truly connects with the game and audience. The animated video featuring stylized versions of in-game characters and fight scenes partly makes up for it, but not enough to land it higher on the list.

 

Banger Tracks

Now we’re talking. These tracks may not be the best or most legendary Worlds anthems, but they’re still solid bangers to listen to.

 

9. Take Over (2020)

 

“Take Over” tells the story of a young player being coached by Faker himself. The video is packed with references to famous plays and players. The song is well-executed, with rap verses adding an element of surprise to the electrifying rhythm. It’s amazing overall, but it doesn’t reach the heights of the top entries.

 

8. Burn It All Down (2021)

 

PVRIS delivered “Burn It All Down” with a slick video following various pro players preparing for Worlds. The track starts strong with a captivating riff, and Lynn Gunn’s vocals are powerful and raw – you can feel the intensity in every word. The song only falls flat in the later parts and doesn’t pick itself up from there, leaving an impression that’s more lukewarm than blazing. 

 

7. GODS (2023)

 

Featuring K-pop group NewJeans, “GODS” brings a fresh style while delivering the chills fans expect from a Worlds anthem. However, this seems like a result of avoiding the criticism Ignite and STAR WALKIN’ received, achieving a balance between the artists’ own style and Worlds anthem trademark, but not quite perfecting it. In the end, the song starts to sound generic after a few listens. The video depicts the story of pro-player Deft’s rise to the world championship, featuring other pros like in an inspiring animation.

 

Moving Up The Ranks

As we climb higher in our rankings, the songs become increasingly epic and memorable. These songs rarely fall from fans’ top 5, with music, lyrics, and visuals that leave lasting impact.

 

6. Worlds Collide (2015)

 

“Worlds Collide” by Nicki Taylor is hella catchy, and Taylor’s powerful vocals carry the song, but it’s lacking in the visual department. The experience is left incomplete without the cinematics, and the visual disconnect can take away from the real magic of the song. Still, “Worlds Collide” is a true Worlds anthem with all of its strong points, setting the right atmosphere for the thrill of battle.

 

5. Legends Never Die (2017)

 

Against The Current’s “Legends Never Die” gives fans chills with its inspiring lyrics and relentless champion journeys. The verses build up perfectly towards an intense, epic chorus that highlights the glory of being in one of the top tier LoL teams. Lines like “Can you hear them screaming out your name” perfectly capture the Worlds experience. One small downside is its tendency to sound basic and even annoying the more it is overplayed. Indeed, legends never die, but let them rest sometimes.

 

4. Phoenix (2019)

 

“Phoenix” by Cailin Russo and Chrissy Constanza tells a story of rising from defeat, made in reference to the fire bird that rose from the ashes. The music video takes an interesting approach, combining real footage of pro players with animation. This song is a bit more mellow yet a tad better than the more powerful “Legends Never Die”, where Constanza had also participated as part of Against The Current. The main strength of “Phoenix” is in its lyricism, but its melody makes it a song that can never be tiring to listen to.

 

The “God Tier” Anthems

These are the songs considered the “cream of the crop”, truly the best of the best. They perfectly capture the spirit of competition and the passion for gaming. Killer beats and cinematic build-ups set the tone perfectly for the Worlds journey and ultimate triumph.

 

3. Heavy Is The Crown (2024)

 

The newest entry, “Heavy Is The Crown” by Linkin Park, packs a punch. Its hard-hitting sound and lyrics perfectly capture the quest for glory in League of Legends’ biggest tournament. The animation features many pro players, all gunning for Faker’s crown as the GOAT of League. While fans are debating over screen time distributions, “Heavy Is The Crown” rarely has people hating the song itself, immediately establishing its place at the top of many tier lists.

 

2. RISE (2018)

 

“RISE” by The Glitch Mob, Mako, and The World Alive is rightfully a fan-favorite. This electronic-rock song makes you feel like you could climb from Bronze to Challenger in a day. The heavy, impactful beat drops are coupled with lyrics that capture the essence of competitive League. Its animation, created by Arcane studio Fortiche, follows Ambition’s struggles and setbacks that led to his Worlds title. The combination of music and visuals makes for an unforgettable experience. 

 

1. Warriors (2014)

 

Fans either collectively deny the influence of a “nostalgia bias”, or acknowledge it yet refuse to change their rankings. Even if only owing the top spot for its long-standing impact, the fact is that the original Worlds anthem remains unbeaten. Imagine Dragons’ “Warriors” set a new standard for what a Worlds song could be. Its epic music and animation following players’ journeys from solo queue to the Worlds stage make it the definitive Worlds anthem.

 

A Tradition That Keeps Evolving

There’s no denying the impact that Worlds songs have had on the League community. Ever since the release of “Warriors” in 2014, this tradition just kept on evolving, keeping fans hyped up for the next song to fire up the World Championships stage. Riot Games absolutely pushes the boundaries every year, too, with big collaborations and stunning animations ensuring that fans get the best of every release. Who knows what banger they will cook up next?

 

Our favorites and absolute ‘no’s in music may vary from ranking to ranking, and as more Worlds go by, it is expected that these rankings will change. What remains untouched is the role of Worlds anthems in adding an extra layer of excitement to the biggest event in competitive League. More than just hyping up the audience, they tell the stories of loss, struggles, and triumph all the same, inspire players and fans alike, and mark the start of a memorable League of Legends World Championships experience.