The 2025 League of Legends World Championship has officially found its voice, and it’s one that echoes across the stars. Riot Games has released this year’s Worlds anthem, “Sacrifice,” performed by Hong Kong pop sensation G.E.M., just ahead of the tournament’s kickoff.
Marking the 15th anniversary of LoL Esports, “Sacrifice” celebrates the dedication, legacy, and passion that define both the game and its global community. The cinematic music video, which premiered on Monday, takes fans on a breathtaking journey through space, blending stunning visuals with a heartfelt story about what it means to give everything for the love of competition.
A Cosmic Tribute to Legends
Set among constellations and cosmic dust, “Sacrifice” reimagines some of the most iconic moments in League of Legends history. From Faker’s legendary Azir shuffle and TheShy’s devastating Aatrox plays to Caps’ unforgettable “illegal” Ashe arrow steal, the video immortalises the plays that shaped a decade of esports greatness.
Beyond the players, the video also shines a light on fans, coaches, and broadcast talent who’ve carried the scene for 15 years. One of the most emotional moments comes as Maciej “Shushei” Ratuszniak, the late Fnatic player who won the first-ever Worlds in 2011, is shown lifting the Summoner’s Cup one last time, a poignant tribute to his legacy and the history he helped create.
The song itself brings back the emotional depth of past anthems like “Legends Never Die” and “Phoenix.” G.E.M.’s soaring vocals intertwine with orchestral elements to deliver a sound that’s both epic and deeply personal. Riot’s Global Head of Music, Maria Edgan, said G.E.M. was chosen deliberately as Worlds returns to China, describing her as “a superstar who deserved the biggest stage possible.”
As the 2025 League of Legends World Championship begins, “Sacrifice” stands as both a love letter and a rallying cry, a reminder that every great story in esports starts with passion, perseverance, and yes, a little bit of sacrifice.