The wait is over. The 2025 League of Legends World Championship anthem, “Sacrifice” performed by G.E.M., has officially been released on Monday. Accompanied by a cinematic music video set among the stars, the anthem embodies this year’s theme of dedication, struggle, and triumph — a fitting reflection of what it takes to stand among the world’s best. The video, which premiered just a day before the start of Worlds 2025, is among Riot Games’ most ambitious MV to date.

Set in a vast expanse of space, players from across regions converge toward a celestial version of the Summoner’s Cup. Throughout the video, legendary moments from past World Championships are reimagined — Rasmus "Caps" Winther’s unforgettable Sylas play from Worlds 2020, including the “illegal” Ashe arrow moment, returns in stunning cinematic detail.

Some unforgettable plays

Kang "TheShy" Seung-lok’s Aatrox, Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok’s Azir shuffling Park "Ruler" Jae-hyuk’s Varus, Luka "Perkz" Perković’s Lissandra, Jian "Uzi" Zihao’s Vayne, and appearances by Đỗ "Levi" Duy Khánh, Alexandre "TitaN" Lima, and many more pros remind viewers of the tournament’s decade-long legacy of unforgettable plays. In a heartfelt moment at the end of the song, the video turns its gaze from players to the community itself. Fans, coaches, team’s owners, and more players flash in a quick rundown of some of the most iconic moments of the last 15 years.

Among them, longtime fans can spot a touching tribute. Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak, the Fnatic player who won the very first League of Legends World Championship in 2011 and who passed away earlier this year, is shown lifting the trophy one last time. The inclusion of fans and legacy figures weaves together the competitive and emotional threads that have defined Worlds for more than a decade.

“The biggest stage possible” for G.E.M.

In keeping with Riot’s tradition, “Sacrifice” balances musical storytelling with visual spectacle. The track itself goes back to a soft yet epic sound which could evoke “Legends Never Die” or “Phoenix” for fans. It showcases G.E.M.'s signature powerhouse vocals, blending it with orchestral strings and a soaring final bridge that mirrors the emotional crescendo of the Worlds stage.

Known across Asia for her vocal range and emotive performances, G.E.M. was chosen for this year’s anthem as Worlds returns to China — a deliberate creative decision, according to Maria Edgan, Riot Games’ Global Head of Music. “She’s a superstar, and we had to find the biggest possible stage,” Edgan told Sheep Esports in a recent interview.

Where 2024’s “Heavy Is The Crown” with Linkin Park leaned into rock energy and nostalgia, “Sacrifice” feels more introspective. Like a reminder that behind every team, broadcast member, and even fan there is a story of sacrifices in love for the game.

The 2025 Worlds anthem music video is now available on YouTube and all major streaming platforms. Fans are already scouring it for Easter eggs, and with over a decade of history represented, there’s plenty to uncover.