The League of Legends World Championship is not just a tournament; it's a cultural phenomenon that unites millions of players and fans globally. A significant part of the Worlds experience is the anthem, a specially crafted song that embodies the spirit of the competition, ignites the passion of viewers, and becomes synonymous with the year's defining moments. The League of Legends World 2021 song was no exception, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. This article delves into everything you need to know about the Worlds 2021 anthem, its creation, reception, and enduring legacy.

The Essence of a Worlds Anthem

Before diving into the specifics of the 2021 anthem, it's crucial to understand the role and significance of these songs. These aren't just background music; they are carefully composed tracks designed to encapsulate the themes, emotions, and narratives surrounding the tournament. They serve as a rallying cry for teams, a source of inspiration for players, and a unifying element for the global community. Anthems often feature powerful vocals, driving beats, and evocative lyrics that resonate with the competitive spirit of League of Legends. The selection process is rigorous, involving collaboration between Riot Games' music team and renowned artists to ensure the song captures the essence of the year's competition. Successfully, a Worlds anthem becomes more than just a song; it transforms into an emblem of the tournament, forever associated with the defining moments and unforgettable plays of that year. Each anthem aims to tell a story, often highlighting the journey of underdogs, the pursuit of excellence, and the camaraderie among players from different regions. The music videos accompanying these songs are equally important, featuring stunning visuals, cinematic storytelling, and appearances by popular players and personalities, further amplifying the anthem's impact and reach. Ultimately, a Worlds anthem is a carefully curated piece of art designed to elevate the entire World Championship experience, making it a memorable and emotional journey for everyone involved. The League of Legends World 2021 song had big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of many iconic anthems that had come before.

"Burn It All Down" - The League of Legends World 2021 Song

The official anthem for the League of Legends World Championship 2021 was "Burn It All Down", performed by PVRIS. Released on September 16, 2021, the song immediately struck a chord with the League of Legends community. PVRIS, known for their blend of electronic, rock, and pop elements, brought a unique energy to the anthem, setting the stage for the intense competition that was to follow. "Burn It All Down" distinguishes itself through its blend of intense, driving rhythms and haunting, evocative vocals. The lyrics speak of overcoming obstacles, facing adversity head-on, and the relentless pursuit of victory, perfectly capturing the essence of the World Championship. The song's title itself, "Burn It All Down," suggests a willingness to leave everything on the line, to take risks, and to push beyond limits in the quest for glory. PVRIS's signature sound, characterized by layered synths, powerful drums, and Lynn Gunn's distinctive vocals, gave the anthem a contemporary edge while maintaining the epic feel that League of Legends fans have come to expect. The song's structure builds dynamically, starting with a brooding intro, progressing through energetic verses, and culminating in a soaring chorus that is both catchy and inspiring. This careful construction ensures that "Burn It All Down" is not only a great standalone track but also an ideal soundtrack for the high-stakes moments and emotional rollercoasters of the World Championship. Overall, "Burn It All Down" is more than just a song; it's a musical embodiment of the spirit of competition, resilience, and determination that defines the League of Legends World Championship.

Music Video and Visuals

The music video for "Burn It All Down" is a visually stunning complement to the song, enhancing its themes and narrative. Riot Games invested heavily in creating a cinematic experience that captures the intensity and drama of the League of Legends World Championship. The video features a blend of live-action and CGI, depicting iconic champions facing off against each other in breathtaking battles. These scenes are interwoven with shots of real-life players, showcasing their dedication, focus, and emotional investment in the game. The visuals are designed to evoke a sense of grandeur and epic scale, reflecting the global significance of the tournament. The color palette is rich and vibrant, with contrasting hues that highlight the tension and excitement of the competition. Visual effects are used sparingly but effectively, adding impact to key moments and emphasizing the superhuman abilities of the champions. The music video also incorporates symbolic imagery, such as flames and shattered landscapes, representing the idea of breaking down barriers and forging a new path to victory. Furthermore, the video pays homage to past Worlds events, featuring subtle nods to iconic plays and unforgettable moments from previous tournaments. This attention to detail demonstrates Riot Games' commitment to honoring the history and legacy of the World Championship. The overall effect is a visually arresting and emotionally resonant experience that deepens the connection between the song and the tournament, making "Burn It All Down" an even more memorable anthem.

Reception and Impact

"Burn It All Down" garnered a mixed but largely positive reception from the League of Legends community. While some fans initially expressed reservations, many grew to appreciate the song's unique sound and powerful message. The anthem resonated particularly well with those who connected with PVRIS's distinctive style, praising the band's ability to capture the intensity and emotion of the World Championship. Critics also noted the song's strong production value and catchy chorus, acknowledging its potential to become a long-lasting anthem. However, some viewers felt that "Burn It All Down" deviated too much from the traditional sound of previous Worlds anthems, which often featured a more orchestral or rock-oriented approach. These fans expressed a preference for songs that more closely resembled the epic feel of tracks like "Warriors" or "Legends Never Die." Despite these criticisms, "Burn It All Down" proved to be a successful anthem, generating millions of views and streams across various platforms. The song also served as a powerful marketing tool, helping to promote the World Championship and attract new viewers. Furthermore, "Burn It All Down" had a lasting impact on the League of Legends community, inspiring fan art, remixes, and covers. The song's themes of resilience and determination resonated with players of all skill levels, encouraging them to push their limits and strive for improvement. Overall, "Burn It All Down" left a significant mark on the League of Legends World Championship 2021, solidifying its place in the tournament's history.

Community Reactions

Community reactions to "Burn It All Down" were diverse, reflecting the varied tastes and preferences of League of Legends fans. On social media platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube, discussions about the anthem were lively and often passionate. Many fans praised the song's unique sound, appreciating PVRIS's ability to bring a fresh perspective to the Worlds anthem tradition. These viewers lauded the song's energetic beat, catchy chorus, and Lynn Gunn's powerful vocals, arguing that it perfectly captured the spirit of the tournament. Others expressed reservations, feeling that "Burn It All Down" did not live up to the high standards set by previous anthems. Some of these fans felt that the song lacked the epic scope and emotional depth of tracks like "Warriors" or "Legends Never Die," arguing that it was too generic or pop-oriented. However, even among those who initially disliked the song, many admitted that it grew on them over time. As they watched the World Championship unfold, they began to appreciate how "Burn It All Down" complemented the intense action and emotional moments of the tournament. Furthermore, the music video played a significant role in shaping community perceptions of the anthem. Many viewers were impressed by the video's stunning visuals, cinematic storytelling, and incorporation of iconic champions and players. Overall, community reactions to "Burn It All Down" were complex and nuanced, reflecting the diverse opinions and perspectives of League of Legends fans.

Legacy and Enduring Appeal

While opinions on the League of Legends World 2021 song, "Burn It All Down," were initially divided, its legacy has solidified over time. The song remains a memorable part of the 2021 World Championship, evoking the excitement, drama, and passion of the tournament. "Burn It All Down" continues to be a popular track on League of Legends-themed playlists and is often played during esports events and community gatherings. The song's themes of resilience, determination, and overcoming obstacles resonate with players of all skill levels, reminding them of the challenges and rewards of competitive gaming. Furthermore, "Burn It All Down" has inspired numerous fan creations, including remixes, covers, and artwork. These tributes demonstrate the song's lasting impact on the League of Legends community and its ability to spark creativity. The song has also been featured in various League of Legends promotional materials, further cementing its place in the tournament's history. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of the World Championship, reminding fans of the unforgettable moments and legendary plays that defined the 2021 season. Whether you loved it from the start or grew to appreciate it over time, "Burn It All Down" remains a significant part of the League of Legends World Championship legacy.

In conclusion, the League of Legends World 2021 song, "Burn It All Down" by PVRIS, served as a powerful anthem that captured the spirit and energy of the tournament. While initial reactions were mixed, the song's themes of resilience and determination resonated with many, leaving a lasting impact on the League of Legends community. Its legacy continues to live on through fan creations, esports events, and the memories of the 2021 World Championship.