Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a declaration that surprised precisely no one, yet resonated profoundly across the global gaming community, League of Legends has officially been crowned the “Esports Game of the Decade” by the prestigious Esports Awards. The announcement, made during the ceremony in Riyadh on August 24th, served as the culminating event of the Esports World Cup 2025 festival, cementing the MOBA`s unparalleled dominance over the past ten years.
An Uncontested Reign
The competition for this coveted title was formidable, pitting Riot Games` flagship against a pantheon of modern esports titans. League of Legends emerged victorious over acclaimed titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Valorant, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. This win is not merely a testament to its enduring popularity but to its consistent innovation, robust competitive infrastructure, and its ability to captivate millions globally year after year. While many games rise and fall, League of Legends has maintained a steady, ascending trajectory, defining an era of competitive gaming.
The Ecosystem of Champions: More Than Just a Game
What truly underscores League of Legends` reign is not just its individual victory, but the cascade of related accolades that followed. The Esports Awards recognized that the game`s success is intricately woven into the fabric of its competitive ecosystem. It’s a holistic triumph, celebrating not only the virtual battleground but also the warriors, strategists, and events that bring it to life:
- Best Esports Team of the Decade: T1 – The undisputed dynasty of League of Legends, T1`s consistent excellence and numerous championships have made them a household name far beyond traditional esports circles.
- Best PC Player of the Decade: Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok – Often referred to as “The Unkillable Demon King,” Faker`s mechanical prowess, game sense, and longevity at the pinnacle of competitive play are unmatched. His influence transcends the game, making him a true global sports icon.
- Best Coach of the Decade: Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun – The strategic mastermind behind many of T1`s legendary victories, kkOma`s ability to cultivate talent and engineer championship teams highlights the critical, often understated, role of coaching in modern esports.
- Esports Live Event of the Decade: 2017 League of Legends World Championship – Remembered for its incredible narratives, spectacular production, and the sheer scale of its viewership, the 2017 Worlds epitomized the grandeur and emotional intensity that League of Legends events consistently deliver.
“To win `Game of the Decade` is significant, but to see its most iconic team, player, coach, and even a historic event also honored—it`s less an award and more a formal declaration of League of Legends` cultural impact,” noted one industry analyst, with a hint of playful inevitability.
A Legacy Cemented, A Future Anticipated
The Esports Awards ceremony in Riyadh provided a global stage for these recognitions, underscoring the increasing prominence of esports on the world stage. League of Legends’ clean sweep is a powerful affirmation of Riot Games` long-term vision and investment in competitive gaming. It`s a testament to a game that, for a decade, has not just survived but thrived, adapting to new metas, integrating new champions, and consistently delivering thrilling professional play.
As the esports landscape continues to evolve with new titles constantly vying for attention, League of Legends stands as a towering benchmark. Its reign as the Esports Game of the Decade is not just a look back at past glories, but a strong indicator of its enduring legacy and its continued role as a foundational pillar of competitive gaming. The question now isn`t if League of Legends will continue to dominate, but by how much, and for how long, before another game dares to challenge the throne.
Finley Holt