The world of League of Legends (LoL) esports is known not only for its competitive gameplay but also for its dramatic moments that have captivated fans and shaped the history of the game. From explosive rivalries and shocking upsets to player controversies and unforgettable broadcasts, the League of Legends esports scene is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, often offering more drama than the game itself. Here are some of the best and worst moments in LoL esports history, where the tension, triumph, and turmoil have kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Best Moments in League of Legends History
- Faker’s 2013 World Championship Victory (The Birth of a Legend)
When Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok led SK Telecom T1 to victory at the 2013 World Championship, it solidified his place as the greatest League of Legends player of all time. His iconic performance, particularly on champions like Zed, dazzled viewers and earned him the title of "The Unkillable Demon King". This victory not only marked SKT T1’s rise to dominance but also cemented Faker's legacy as one of the most influential figures in esports history.
This moment was one of the defining events of LoL esports, drawing fans from all over the world and making the game an international spectacle. Faker’s playstyle, humility, and sheer talent helped shape the culture of competitive LoL, and his name became synonymous with the game itself.
- The 2018 World Championship Final – Invictus Gaming vs. Fnatic
The 2018 World Championship saw the rise of Invictus Gaming (IG), a team that had previously been considered a dark horse in the LoL scene. In the final against Fnatic, IG delivered a dominant performance, and the series was an absolute spectacle. IG’s Rookie, in particular, earned widespread acclaim for his incredible mechanics, especially his play on champions like Ryze and LeBlanc.
What made this moment even more special was IG’s journey to the final. The team overcame top teams like Royal Never Give Up and KT Rolster, who were expected to take home the trophy. IG’s victory was a huge milestone for the LPL (Chinese region), which had been underperforming on the international stage. The 2018 Worlds final became a symbol of the Chinese LoL scene's growth and potential, and IG’s victory remains one of the most exciting moments in esports history.
- The Miracle Run of G2 Esports at MSI 2019
G2 Esports’ performance at the 2019 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) was nothing short of spectacular. G2, a European team, defied expectations and battled through tough opposition, including Korean and Chinese teams, to take the crown. What made their journey remarkable was their aggressive playstyle and innovative strategies, led by their charismatic mid-laner Caps.
The MSI 2019 final, in which they faced SK Telecom T1, was a truly iconic moment in LoL esports. G2 dominated the series with a 3-1 victory, and their innovative approach to the game earned them admiration from fans and analysts alike. G2’s victory was seen as a landmark achievement for European LoL, showing that the region was capable of challenging the traditionally dominant LCK and LPL teams on the world stage.
The Worst Moments in League of Legends History
- The Curse of the Korean Super Team – Season 6 (SKT T1's Domination)
Although SK Telecom T1’s dominance is one of the greatest stories in esports, their dominance, especially in Season 6, led to a certain level of frustration among fans of other regions. SKT T1’s unstoppable performances in both domestic and international competitions made them virtually unbeatable, leading to accusations of a "Korean super team" imbalance.
While this period undoubtedly produced unforgettable moments, it also caused a sense of stagnation in the global competitive scene. Many fans felt that no other region could pose a serious threat to the Korean teams, especially in international competitions like the World Championship. This led to a sense of monotony, and many hoped for a more competitive landscape where other regions could challenge Korea's dominance.
- The Fnatic Fnatic 2018 World Championship Heartbreak
Fnatic's run to the 2018 World Championship Final is often remembered for its ups and downs, but the real heartbreak came when Fnatic lost to Invictus Gaming in a 3-0 sweep. Despite being in strong form throughout the tournament, Fnatic was simply outclassed by IG in the final.
Fnatic’s players were emotionally crushed, especially after Caps’ incredible individual performance during the entire tournament. The loss highlighted the vulnerability of teams that had to go up against the best from regions like the LPL and LCK. Fnatic’s heartbreaking defeat left fans feeling disappointed but also marked a key moment in the evolution of the competitive scene, where Chinese teams were becoming a new powerhouse.
- The "C9 Curse" – Cloud9’s Near-Misses
Cloud9 is one of North America’s most popular and consistently strong teams, but it has often been the victim of the "C9 Curse" — a term used by fans to describe their near-misses at international competitions. Perhaps the most famous instance of this curse was during the 2018 World Championship, when Cloud9 made an incredible run to the semifinals, only to lose a nail-biting series to Fnatic. Their journey was full of heart-stopping moments and epic plays, but in the end, they fell short of their ultimate goal.
While Cloud9 is considered one of the best North American teams to ever play, the "C9 Curse" symbolized the recurring frustration that many North American teams experience at Worlds. The curse of falling just short of greatness has haunted the region for years and has left many wondering when North America will finally break through.
- The LCK Scandals: Match-Fixing and Cheating
One of the darkest moments in League of Legends esports came in 2015 when several high-profile LCK players were caught in a match-fixing scandal. Players from Nexon and Team CJ Entus were involved in fixing matches to influence the betting market. This incident tarnished the reputation of the Korean league, which had long been considered the best in the world. Riot Games had to step in to ensure the integrity of the game, resulting in punishments and suspensions for the involved players.
The scandal was a massive blow to the integrity of competitive LoL, as it raised questions about the potential for cheating and match-fixing in other regions. Riot Games acted swiftly to address the issue, but the damage to the public perception of the esports scene was undeniable.
Conclusion
League of Legends has had its fair share of highs and lows in the competitive esports world. From moments of incredible triumph like Faker’s rise to stardom, to heartbreaking failures such as Cloud9’s constant near-misses, the drama that unfolds in LoL esports is part of what makes it so captivating. These best and worst moments have defined the game’s competitive history, and they will continue to shape the future of esports for years to come. The drama and passion surrounding League of Legends only prove one thing: the game is as much about the stories off the Rift as it is about the action on it.