Worlds 2026 of League of Legends: an anthem dedicated to Faker, the Play-In draw places KC against Cloud9

We are almost there, in a few days, the entire community around League of Legends will be vibrating alongside their favorite team, at least if they are participating in the Worlds 2026. The world championships will begin this October 15 with the Play-In phase. This will reveal the name of the team that will join the other 15 already qualified for the Swiss Stage. Meanwhile, Riot Games has unveiled the music video for the official anthem "Know My Name" of the Worlds 2026, which notably pays tribute to Faker from T1. 

Faker, the LoL legend in the spotlight

Even though everyone has their favorite, it goes without saying that there are players of League of Legends who leave their mark on the history of the game. Such is the case with Lee Sang-hyeok, better known by the nickname Faker. This midlaner, who plays for the T1 team, is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. The numbers speak for themselves as he has won the world title six times (in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023, 2024, and 2025). In 2017 and 2022, he was an unfortunate finalist. Faker is such a legend that Riot Games inducted him into the prestigious Hall of Legends in 2024. At that time, Riot Games' Esports president, John Needham, referred to him as "the most iconic and influential figure in League of Legends and Esports history". 

The American company thus wanted to pay tribute to him once again by placing him at the heart of the official anthem of the Worlds 2026. The video "Know My Name" traces his journey and quest for a new title. Fans can spot several easter eggs, such as his heartbreaking defeat in 2017 against the Samsung Galaxy team or the departure of toplaner Zeus in November 2024. We leave it to you to find the others. 

This official clip also marks the grand return of True Damage, the virtual music group behind the single GIANTS unveiled during the Worlds 2019. Even though the group is virtual, behind the performance, we find several real artists, namely Coco Jones, Sofía Reyes, Vic Mensa, and SOYEON from i-dle. For clarity, the video was created in partnership with WIZZ, while the animation is the work of the CRCR collective. 

Dates, Worlds structure, Play-In draw: what to remember

Officially, the Worlds 2026 will begin on October 15 with the Play-In phase in Los Angeles. This is a stage that brings together four teams that will have to face each other in a double elimination bracket. The matches will be held in a best-of-three format. Only one will qualify for the next stage. The other three will return home. The draw was recently conducted. We now know that the Karmine Corp, a famous French team that secured its ticket to the Worlds thanks to a great victory against GiantX in the first round of the Summer Split playoffs, will challenge Cloud9. On the other hand, FURIA will face MVK Esports. We will know the winner of this phase by October 18. 

Then, it will be time for the Swiss Stage, which will be held between October 23 and 31 in Allen, Texas. The 16 qualified teams will then attempt to secure their ticket for the finals, which will begin on November 3. The last 8 teams still in the running will then face off with the hope of reaching the final, which will be held on November 14 in Brooklyn (New York)... But only one will be crowned world champion. It remains to be seen if T1 Esports will manage to win a fourth consecutive world title, if G2 Esports will create a surprise by making Europe shine, if the Karmine Corp will play its role as an underdog, or if Hanwha Life Esports or Gen.G, who start as favorites, will prevail. We'll find out in a month!

Cover image: Riot Games®