League of Legends fans were deeply moved when Riot Games paid tribute to Shushei in the official Worlds 2025 anthem, “Sacrifice,” featuring G.E.M.
The touching moment appeared in the music video’s montage, which celebrated 15 years of competitive League history. For many fans, seeing Shushei honored during such a monumental milestone was a powerful reminder of how far the game and its community have come.
Shushei, who died on April 28, 2025, at the age of 36, was a true pioneer of the esports scene. He made history as the first-ever LoL World Championship MVP when he led Fnatic to victory at the inaugural Worlds tournament in 2011. His innovative gameplay and memorable personality made him one of the defining figures of the early days of professional League.
The community quickly took to Reddit and social media to share their emotions, drawing comparisons to the legendary 2017 Worlds anthem “Legends Never Die” by Against the Current. As one Reddit user put it: “Love when Riot honors the OG S1 and S2 Champions even as the esports scene really took off after S2.”
LEC host Sjokz perfectly captured the wave of emotion sweeping through the community. “THE SHUSHEI TRIBUTE… I actually love this SO MUCH,” she wrote. “A BALLAD is so different but SO amazing in this context…. Imagine with a live orchestra oh my god.” Her heartfelt reaction echoed what so many felt: that Riot’s decision to feature a ballad-style anthem gave the tribute even more emotional depth.
Fnatic themselves responded to the Worlds 2025 tribute with a heartfelt message on social media, stating, “Shushei forever.” It was a brief but powerful acknowledgment of his place and lasting influence in the organization’s history.
Shushei’s inclusion was a moment that symbolized respect for the roots of competitive League of Legends. Back in 2011, he became known for his creative strategies, particularly his Gragas and Alistar builds, that helped shape the double-AP meta and influenced countless players and pros afterward. Alongside teammates like xPeke and Cyanide, Shushei’s innovation and adaptability helped Fnatic become the first world champions in League.
Riot Games had previously celebrated his legacy earlier in 2025 by releasing the “Shushei Forever” title for all players and temporarily making the Fnatic Gragas skin available through a special tribute event. The gesture coincided with his funeral, giving fans a chance to honor him and share their memories globally.
Beyond his early championship win, Shushei continued to leave his mark on the competitive landscape. He was among the first to experiment with champions like Vi and Evelynn in pro play, showing a fearless willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible. His creativity helped shape the European meta and influenced how professional players approached champion flexibility in the years that followed.
The tribute in “Sacrifice” stands as a beautiful reminder of how far the game has evolved, from grassroots competitions to a global esports phenomenon. By honoring Shushei alongside today’s champions, Riot Games created what fans have described as a “beautiful way to honour his legacy.”
Published: Oct 13, 2025 06:59 pm