There’s nothing like a good theme song to get you hyped up. You know it, and obviously, Riot knows it too because every year for League of Legends Worlds, they collaborate with a different artist and somehow always manage to deliver an absolute banger.
But which Worlds song was the best? With 11 to choose from, here’s how we ranked every Worlds song from worst to best.
Ranking the Best Worlds Anthems
Position | Anthem | Artist | Year |
---|---|---|---|
11 | Burn It All Down | PVRIS | 2021 |
10 | Worlds Collide | Nicki Taylor | 2015 |
9 | STAR WALKIN’ | Lil Nas X | 2022 |
8 | Ignite | Zedd | 2016 |
7 | Take Over | Jeremy McKinnon, MAX, Henry | 2020 |
6 | Phoenix | Cailin Russo, Chrissy Costanza | 2019 |
5 | GODS | NewJeans | 2023 |
4 | Legends Never Die | Against the Current | 2017 |
3 | Heavy Is The Crown | Linkin Park | 2024 |
2 | Rise | The Glitch Mob, Mako, The Word Alive | 2018 |
1 | Warriors | Imagine Dragons | 2014 |
11. Burn It All Down by PVRIS (2021)
While its music video boasts top-tier art and animation co-created by Riot Games and Haoliners Animation League, the Worlds 2021 theme song “Burn It All Down” feels a bit lackluster. The song’s beat and melody sound too familiar compared to previous Worlds anthems.
10. Worlds Collide by Nicki Taylor (2015)
Taylor’s Worlds Collide had the difficult task of following Imagine Dragons’ Warriors and, while it’s still a great song, it struggled to match the impact of its predecessor. The absence of an animated music video may have also contributed to its lower ranking.
9. STAR WALKIN’ by Lil Nas X (2022)
“STAR WALKIN’” by Lil Nas X brought something different to the Worlds soundtrack. With its upbeat pop rhythm and mecha-inspired music video, it stands out from the rest, but its shift in tone felt like a departure from the grandiose anthems fans had come to expect.
8. Ignite by Zedd and Tim James (2016)
For EDM fans, Ignite was a standout. Produced by Zedd, it was filled with abrupt beat drops and featured iconic Worlds moments in its music video. Its high-energy composition earned it a solid spot in the rankings.
7. Take Over by Jeremy McKinnon, MAX, and Henry (2020)
Take Over didn’t immediately make a strong impression but has grown on many fans over time. The Mandarin rap section was a unique addition that gave the song a memorable twist.
6. Phoenix by Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza (2019)
Featuring angelic vocals from Cailin Russo and Chrissy Costanza, Phoenix is both soothing and uplifting. It might not be as energetic as other anthems, but it resonates with those who appreciate its lyrical depth.
5. GODS by NewJeans (2023)
In 2023, K-pop sensation NewJeans delivered GODS, making history as the first all-female group to perform a Worlds anthem. The song brilliantly blends dramatic and pop elements with EDM to create a powerful Worlds anthem.
4. Legends Never Die by Against the Current (2017)
One of the most iconic Worlds anthems, Legends Never Die by Against the Current has left a lasting impact on League of Legends fans. The chorus is unforgettable, and the lyrics are nothing short of motivational.
3. Heavy Is The Crown by Linkin Park (2024)
Linkin Park’s Heavy Is The Crown embodies the intensity of Worlds. The track, featuring Mike Shinoda’s rap and Emily Armstrong’s fierce vocals, is backed by stunning visuals that make it an instant classic in the Worlds anthem lineup.
2. Rise by The Glitch Mob, Mako, and The Word Alive (2018)
Rise is a collaboration of metalcore, electronic, and DJ talent that resulted in one of the most adrenaline-pumping anthems in Worlds history. It’s a motivational anthem that perfectly captures the competitive spirit of the game.
1. Warriors by Imagine Dragons (2014)
Even after more than a decade, Warriors by Imagine Dragons remains the pinnacle of Worlds anthems. Its powerful lyrics and incredible music video cemented it as a fan favorite and the best Worlds anthem to date.
Conclusion
Riot has consistently released incredible anthems for each World Championship, each song building the hype for fans around the globe. While all the anthems have their own unique flair, Warriors continues to stand tall as the greatest, reminding us why it’s so deeply cherished in the community.