Riot Games' "League of Legends" is more than a game. It's a legacy that has changed the face of Esports for the foreseeable future thanks to the company's dedication to its craft. 2023 has been a whirlwind year for the sport and game, reaching new achievements and milestones.

Kpopmap was honored to attend the 2023 Worlds Media Day on November 15th ahead of the "League of Legends" World Championship finals on November 19th. The event featured a panel with senior leaders of Riot Games Entertainment, performing artists from Riot's newest virtual band, HEARTSTEEL, the Worlds 2023 anthem performing artists, K-Pop girl group NewJeans, and pro players from the final two teams of the championship (WBG (Weibo Gaming) and T1).

Global media, reporters, and influencers gathered at the Banyan Tree Hotel in Seoul to celebrate the honor of the game, those who've contributed to it, and the championship's success this year. With David Higdon (the Global Head of Esports Communications at Riot Games) as the MC of the event, things took off with a bang as excitement filled the air.

 

Opening Remarks & Riot Games Executive Q&A

Dylan Jadeja (the CEO of Riot Games) opened the event by emphasizing the passion, determination, and excellence that Esports and "League of Legends" embody. Touching on the rise of Esports, Jadeja paid homage to Korea which has been a major player in gaming's growth.

I truly believe that Esports wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for the fans and the players right here in Korea... And for that, we are truly grateful.
Dylan Jadeja: CEO of Riot Games

He also revealed that thanks to the rise in popularity and recognition of Esports and "League of Legends", the championships have also seen an uptake in viewership compared to last year, which Riot Games is very excited about. Moreover, he touched on the importance of remembering the core of the competition.

The excitement is not just about the game but the ethos of excellence that the game represents.
Dylan Jadeja: CEO of Riot Games

Up next, more of the Riot Games executives spoke about the company's future and its journey this year. John Needham, Naz Aletaha, and Jeremy Lee graced the stage for a talk session.

Riot Games focused a lot on improving their offering in 2023. They made changes to the format for the championships, as well, including things like limiting inter-regional match-ups to create less predictable outcomes, etc.

They also spoke about their new offering this year, the 2023 Worlds Unlocked Package, which is available in the Collector's Edition and the Digital Edition. This is a limited edition box designed to level up the Worlds fandom experience. More info on this here.

Launched as the first of its kind, many have been wondering about the direction of the package. Riot Games emphasized how the launch allowed them to experiment with this offering and how the company has learned a lot from this release year. Fans can expect a new and improved version with more value added to it in the new year.

When asked how it feels for the Riot Games team to see a historical team like T1 make it to the finals, especially in their home country Korea... The panel answered that both teams (WBG and T1) are legendary in their own right. For T1, especially Faker (who is going for his 4th title), to be able to achieve this in a home crowd showed a palpable excitement that was reflected in the audience in the game. The panel also joked about how it was a relief that the team was able to make the final in their own country.

Anytime we're in Korea is so special because Esports is so core to the culture here.
Naz Aletaha: Global Head of League of Legends Esports

Next, Maria Egan (the Global Head of Music & Events at Riot Games), took the floor.

She opened with an impactful statement, "Worlds fans are music fans, too," showing the inevitable intersection between gaming and music.

When asked how she went about selecting NewJeans, Egan mentioned wanting a K-Pop idol on the anthem to pay tribute as Worlds would be in Korea this year. She wanted a fresh twist on the iconic "League of Legends" sound and NewJeans definitely delivered.

This collaboration has shown the crazy overlap between fandoms and was the biggest anthem debut in Worlds history.
Maria Egan: Global Head of Music & Events at Riot Games

Regarding HEARTSTEEL, Egan shared that the virtual group came together as a result of inspiration from fan conversations. This included fan art speculating the lineup of players, too. Special care was also taken in the process of transposing the characters from the gaming world into real-life artists. They wanted to find artists who love and are interested in the gaming world and "League of Legends" to create authenticity in the collaboration. For example, EXO's BaekHyun is a known avid gamer. His personality was also said to match perfectly with Ezreal who has a super confident attitude perfect for the role of a main vocalist.

Speaking of HEARTSTEEL, their session was up next.

 

Q&A: HEARTSTEEL Q&A

For those who are unfamiliar with HEARTSTEEL, they are a virtual collective/boy group created by Riot Games. The group consists of artists across genres who have come together as virtual counterpart champions. This includes EXO's BaekHyun (as Ezreal - The Prodigal Explorer), Tobi Lou (as K'Sante - The Pride of Nazumah), ØZI (as Sett - The Boss), and Cal Scruby (as Kayn - The Shadow Reaper).

The HEARTSTEEL members were asked about their synergy as a group of artists from different backgrounds to which they replied that they had great synergy. In fact, they had rehearsed for their performance at the finals earlier in the day and said that they were so in sync that they managed to do it well in one take.

The members spoke about how the project came along at a great time for them to be able to mesh their talents; mentioning that if there was an opportunity for them to collaborate together in the future, they would seize the opportunity.

[For EXO's BaekHyun] You're known for being an avid "League of Legends" player. How is it being part of the "League of Legends" universe? What does it feel like to be Ezreal and is there anything you focused on to bring the character to life?

I've been playing "League of Legends" since I started with EXO. So, I think it's an honor. When the proposal came in, I didn't even think about it and just agreed because its a game that I love and have so much affection for. Ezreal was actually the first character that I played in "League of Legends" Season 1 so I was very happy about this pairing. I thought that gamers would pay close attention to this character through this collaboration, so I did my best to pay special attention to his character.
EXO's BaekHyun (Ezreal)

[For Tobi Lou, ØZI, & Cal Scruby] Do you play "League of Legends" and what is your favorite champion and/or position?

I relate to K'Sante because he's such a big physical presence, much like myself hahaha. But, actually, when I went on the Riot Campus Tour I saw the little demon girl Annie... I stan Annie because I resonate with her story.
Tobi Lou (K'Sante)

Tobi Lou actually has his own animated alter-ego called 'Little Lou'. Thanks to Riot Games, Little Lou was able to feature in an easter egg of the HEARTSTEEL video. Tobi Lou expressed how grateful he was to have joined the lore somehow through this opportunity.

I'm actually a huge fan of "Arcane". Although for "League of Legends" I've been told that I'd be a good Jungle and Mid because of my play style.
ØZI (Sett)
I don't play but I'm quite familiar with the lore. I dove into it because I've been working with Riot Games for 3 years now. I really associate with Kayn because he has two sides to him and also a little bit with Sett because I'm kind of a mama's boy.
Cal Scruby (Kayn)

What characteristics do you all feel you share with your respective characters?

The two sides. I've been playing on this for a couple of years. So the idea of a split personality and this type of concept made sense to me. It was like second nature.
Cal Scruby (Kayn)
The red hair. Mostly the red hair. I also really resonate with his path - Sett worked really hard to become a Champion.
ØZI (Sett)
As big of a presence as K'Sante is, he's really a teddy bear inside. He can get in his emotions. Just like when people see Tobi - I'm not afraid to get vulnerable.
Tobi Lou (K'Sante)
Ezreal is a bit of a prankster but he has quite a plot-twist-like personality when he shows how skilled he is.
EXO's BaekHyun (Ezreal)

The members spoke about the learning experience that this collaboration was and what a pleasure it was to work together. They also mentioned how their close circle of friends and family reacted to the opportunity - giving them more recognition as successes in their industry.

They showed great chemistry during their compelling conversation.

Watch the HEARTSTEEL 'PARANOIA' music video here.

 

Q&A: NewJeans

Then it was time for NewJeans to join the stage. NewJeans was announced as the artist set to perform the 2023 League of Legends World Championship anthem, 'GODS', in October. You can read more about it here. The members looked stunning as usual with their athletic chic outfits, clearly inspired by the game.

The members shared how this partnership opportunity opened their eyes to a whole new world - including musically.

They expressed admiration for the Esports athletes and those in the gaming world, having also dabbled in the game themselves.

Is there a Champion in "League of Legends" that you like or do you have any gaming experience at all?

It's hard to not know "League of Legends" because it's so famous. I tried to play it after we heard about the collaboration. It's actually quite fun. I play with this champion called Garen. Hanni is really good at the destruction character. We've been enjoying it but don't have a lot of experience with Champions or the positions or anything yet.
Danielle

NewJeans then shared how blown away they were when they first heard 'GODS' because they'd never done something like it before. They started recording and each member had such a unique and fresh sound that they'd never heard before. So, they think it came out really well. The members expressed how happy they were to receive the support that they did both locally and internationally; and expressed their hope that everyone enjoys the songs as much as they enjoyed creating it.

The NewJeans members also had the opportunity to watch one of the championship games. They could feel the fierce nature of the competition and the passion of the players at the same time. It was nerve-wracking for them to watch.

K-Pop and Esports are two of the most successful things to come from the Hallyu wave - how did you feel being part of this iconic collaboration?

It's such an honor and to everyone who is playing "League of Legends" and enjoying 'GODS', it means the world to us to be performing it and we hope that everyone looks forward to it. Thank you!

Watch the NewJeans 'GODS' music video here.

 

Q&A: WBG And T1

Next were the teams of the hour, WBG (Weibo Gaming) and T1. Both teams spoke about their growth as a unit and their anticipation of the upcoming finals.

WBG shared how their teamwork has been strengthened and they have learned how to play as a true team altogether.

They had learned to trust each other. So, now when they win, the victory feels that much better. WBG said that they have developed a lot in that sense.

[For The Shy] You had previously said that if you win the "League of Legends" final this weekend you'd dance 'Super Shy' by NewJeans. Have you been practicing?

I haven't been practicing but I guess I'd better get to it hahaha.
The Shy

Next was T1's turn. T1 showed enthusiasm for the finals - citing that it would be a tough competition as both teams were good but they were confident in their ability to do well.

Faker of T1 was especially the man of the hour as many of the media questions were directed at him.

[For Faker] You've had so many accomplishments over your career, what is the secret to your success?

I usually hate to lose. So, it's fun to play among world-class players and the whole process becomes more meaningful, which is why I keep doing my best.
Faker

[For Faker] You have yet another final coming up this weekend. Throughout your career, how do you think you've developed from debut until now?

I'm excited and grateful for yet another final and have been working hard in preparation. In the time that I have been a pro gamer, I think that I've developed a lot - especially in terms of my mindset which has changed as I've learned a lot through my career.
Faker

T1 also shared adoration for their fans who have been showing them a world of support. They mentioned how seeing the fans' determination has pushed them to do better and work harder, creating great synergy for both parties.

 

Coin Toss: WBG vs. T1 & End Of The Night

It was then time for the coin toss to decide who could select their side for game one on finals day.

The moment that the coin was tossed everyone in the room held their breath anxious about the result.

In the end, WBG won the coin toss and chose to play on the blue side for game one.

Good luck to both teams in the final!

With that, the night came to an end at the Banyan Tree Hotel. Media stayed behind for a cocktail hour that was buzzed with the hype of the upcoming final and anticipation of the future of Riot Games.

Will you be watching the "League of Legends" World Championship final this weekend? Which team are you supporting? Let us know in the comments!