The Sheep Esports team gathered and spent several days voting to create their tier list ranking the Worlds songs from Warriors in 2014 to Heavy is the Crown in 2024.
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공유
Chrissy Costanza, Imagine Dragons and Linkin Park
Sacrifice, the 12th Worlds song by G.E.M., will be released at 3 PM on Monday, October 13th
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Since 2014, Worlds Anthems have stood as one of League of Legends’ most iconic traditions—annual soundtracks that capture the spirit, rivalry, and emotion of the World Championship. From the power of Warriors to the intensity of more recent hits, each anthem defines its era and the memories tied to it.
To celebrate the release of “Sacrifice”, this year’s anthem, unveiled on October 13, Sheep Esports brings its definitive Worlds Songs Tier List. Almost all members of our editorial team built their tier list based on their personal taste and nostalgia regarding both songs and videos, combining diverse opinions into one collective ranking.
1. Warriors - Imagine Dragons (2014)
Warriors is a true classic and the original anthem that set the bar for all future Worlds songs. Its significance goes beyond being one of the earliest and most popular anthems: it was performed by Imagine Dragons, one of the world's biggest bands, and featured one of the best animated music videos of its era by Fortiche Production. At the time of its release, the song was even integrated directly into the League of Legends client, forging a strong bond between the game and the anthem.
The opening lyrics — "As a child you would wait / And watch from far away" — perfectly embody the journey of every player, while the chorus — "We are the warriors that built this town" — resonates deeply with the global League of Legends community that has built the esports scene from the ground up. Warriors remains the anthem to which fans continually return, with its music video gaining renewed views each year alongside the release of new Worlds anthems. It stands as the foundation of what League of Legends has become: a battleground for warriors.
2. Legends Never Die - Against the Current & Chrissy Costanza (2017)
It is widely agreed that Legends Never Die is one of the best Worlds songs ever made. Chrissy Costanza’s powerful voice screaming the chorus is impossible not to get hyped by. The song’s title and lyrics reflect the story of the legends created over the years around the players. The violent, reggae-influenced percussion makes the anthem unique among Worlds songs. In 2017, Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok was already a three-time world champion, defending his crown from 2016, which adds even more meaning to the song’s message.
3. Heavy is the Crown - Linkin Park (2024)
Without a doubt, this anthem was one of the most divisive upon its release. It marked Riot Games’ return to a rock sound, taking a punk turn this time. The collaboration with Linkin Park, a band that exploded in the 2000s and resonates deeply with much of the League of Legends audience, was a powerful choice. The song’s story closely connects to the visuals, featuring Faker as the emperor who must defend his crown once again, just as Emily Armstrong carries the legacy of Chester Bennington. The intense, rage-filled sound of the track adds to the epic atmosphere, tightly binding storytelling and powerful music.
4. Rise - The Glitch Mob, Mako, and The Word Alive (2018)
If you ask anyone their favorite Worlds anthem, many will answer Rise. Its music video is incredible, telling the inspiring story of a player’s journey with powerful, motivating visuals. The song’s energy makes it perfect for pumping oneself up, whether for working out, playing League of Legends, or even just tackling everyday tasks like folding laundry. Everyone also remembers the unforgettable live performance of Rise at the Incheon Munhak Stadium in South Korea, where 50,000 fans witnessed the first LPL team’s historic triumph. This moment helped cement the track as one of the most beloved anthems in Worlds history.
5. GODS - NewJeans (2023)
GODS, performed by K-pop girl group NewJeans marked a stylistic shift for the group. It departs from NewJeans’ usual light and playful style, trading softness for a heavier, more anthemic sound that echoes bands like Imagine Dragons. The song features strong melodic choruses and confident vocal performances, though some fans feel it lacks a more memorable hook and could have benefited from more dynamic changes, especially at the very last chorus. The music animation was also outstanding, vividly depicting one of the most beautiful stories in Worlds history — the final won by Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu’s DRX against Faker’s T1.
6. Phoenix - Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza (2019)
Phoenix is often seen as less hype compared to anthems like Rise, Warriors, and Legends Never Die, but it holds a special place with its title referencing the champions of that year, FunPlus Phoenix. The song features soaring vocals paired with an uplifting message of renewal and perseverance, reflecting the Worlds narrative of rebirth.
7. Worlds Collide - Nicky Taylor (2015)
Worlds Collide, the second official Worlds anthem, is often seen as underwhelming compared to later releases. Without an official music video to help keep it memorable, it sometimes fades from fans’ minds, although we often hear it in Riot's productions during Worlds. The song’s tribal percussion brings a strong energy and tries to capture a spiritual vibe similar to what Warriors achieved the year before. Although it lacks the broad recognition of other anthems, it is praised for its ability to enhance the competitive atmosphere and for its unique, story-driven approach to the Worlds music tradition.
8. Take Over - Jeremy McKinnon, Max and Henry (2020)
Take Over offers a high-energy mix of rock and rap, featuring passionate vocals and motivational lyrics about overcoming failure and fighting on. Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, it gained popularity as many new fans discovered League of Legends and its esports scene. The collaboration between three different artists brings a charismatic and dynamic vocal delivery that remains quite exciting. However, some people still are debating whether its style fits the epic tone typically expected from Worlds anthems, making it somewhat polarizing. Despite this, its strong production and heartfelt message secure its place as a well-regarded anthem in the series.
9. Burn It All Down - Riot Music Team ft. PVRIS (2021)
Burn It All Down is often seen as an underrated Worlds anthem that brings a darker, moodier tone. Featuring PVRIS’s ethereal vocals over cinematic instrumentals, the song showcases Riot’s ability to create atmospheric tracks beyond just hype music. While many fans appreciate its fresh sound and strong visuals, others feel it lacks the emotional impact and memorability of other anthems. This makes it a stylistic experiment that resonates most with a niche audience rather than the broader community.
10. STAR WALKIN' - Lil Nas X (2022)
Bringing in a big-name artist like Lil Nas X does not always guarantee fan approval. While the catchy synth line in STAR WALKIN' is memorable and the production is polished, the anthem lacks the explosive energy and epic feel that a Worlds song usually carries. Its hip-hop focus was an interesting choice and had viral potential, but many fans felt it did not capture the hype or fighting spirit of the League of Legends World Championship. It's not a bad song, but it doesn't inspire the same drive to conquer the Rift compared to more classic anthems in the series.
11. Ignite - Zedd (2016)
The 2016 Worlds anthem Ignite by Zedd marked a complete shift in musical style, diving into EDM with a modern, remix-like sound that was less epic than previous anthems but reflective of its time. The song brought back the tradition of combining a music video with striking animation, featuring a bold and sharp artistic direction that sparked mixed opinions among fans. While Ignite delivered a strong, repetitive chorus paired with energetic electronic beats ideal for energizing crowds, its very electronic style feels dated today, preventing it from enduring as a timeless anthem like some others. Its impact lies more in its era-defining sound than in lasting emotional depth.
Header Photo Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Adela Sznajder/Riot Games
