Riot Games’ Maria Egan discusses creating the 2025 League of Legends Worlds Anthem ‘Sacrifice’

Riot Games’ approach to music continues to redefine how gaming and entertainment intersect. In an interview with Sheep Esports, Maria Egan, the company’s Global Head of Music, discussed the creative process behind the 2025 League of Legends Worlds Anthem, “Sacrifice,” and how these songs have grown into major cultural moments beyond esports.

Released one day before the 2025 World Championship, “Sacrifice” reflects on the dedication and challenges faced by professional players. Egan explained that each year’s anthem captures the spirit of the competition and the sacrifices athletes make to reach the top. She said the anthem acts as “a memory, a container,” marking each championship in fans’ minds.

Egan highlighted Riot’s commitment to authenticity over profit, saying the company’s creative choices are driven by what resonates with its community. “Music is really a gift to our fans,” she said. “We’re not doing it to make money. If we just do something that our fans love, it will be huge.”

This year’s anthem features Chinese singer G.E.M., chosen to reflect the event’s location and to connect deeply with local audiences, while introducing her to a wider global audience. Egan noted that this localisation of artists—seen previously with Linkin Park, NewJeans, and K/DA—helps each year’s anthem feel unique and culturally grounded.

Discussing Riot’s broader creative philosophy, Egan said the company’s music projects, from VALORANT to Arcane, are part of a larger storytelling mission. “Our core fandom is so big that if we get it right for them, it will be a hit,” she said. “We’re the Taylor Swift of gaming.”

Egan added that Riot’s annual anthems continue to evolve as the company aims to deliver both powerful music and unforgettable live performances for its global audience.