League of Legends isn’t just a game—it’s a global spectacle. And when the dust settles after Worlds, the victors don’t just hoist the Summoner’s Cup—they’re immortalized in-game through World Championship skins. These aren’t ordinary cosmetics. They’re digital monuments to dominance, creativity, and legacy. Let’s break down the most iconic team skins in LoL history, why they matter, and how they’ve shaped the esports narrative.
What Are Worlds Skins?
Worlds skins are exclusive cosmetics released annually to commemorate the team that wins the League of Legends World Championship. Each player on the winning roster selects a champion they played during the tournament, and Riot Games collaborates with them to design a skin that reflects their personality, playstyle, and team identity.
These skins are more than just flashy visuals:
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They’re limited edition, only available for a short time.
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A portion of the revenue goes directly to the players and organization.
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They often include custom animations, voice lines, and team-themed elements.
Criteria for Ranking
To determine the best esports team skins, we considered:
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Visual Design: How striking and unique the skin looks.
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Lore Integration: Does the skin reflect the player’s story or team identity?
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Fan Reception: Community hype and sales performance.
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Legacy Impact: How the skin contributed to esports culture.
Let’s dive into the top contenders.
1. SK Telecom T1 (2016)
Champions: Ekko, Jhin, Nami, Olaf, Syndra Why It’s Legendary: This set is often hailed as the gold standard. Designed after SKT’s third Worlds win, it features sleek, futuristic aesthetics with glowing red accents and the SKT logo embedded in spell effects. Faker’s Syndra skin is particularly iconic, with custom voice lines and animations that scream dominance.
Standout Skin: SKT T1 Jhin – A masterclass in precision and elegance, mirroring Bang’s sharpshooting performance.
Legacy: Cemented SKT as the dynasty of LoL esports.
2. FunPlus Phoenix (2019)
Champions: Gangplank, Lee Sin, Malphite, Vayne, Thresh Why It’s Unique: FPX’s skins brought a fiery, rebellious energy to the Rift. With phoenix motifs, bold red-and-gold palettes, and explosive animations, these skins captured the team’s aggressive playstyle and underdog story.
Standout Skin: FPX Thresh – Doinb’s pick, featuring a flaming lantern and phoenix wings during his recall.
Legacy: A celebration of creativity and unconventional strategy.
3. Invictus Gaming (2018)
Champions: Camille, Fiora, Irelia, Kai’Sa, LeBlanc Why It’s Stylish: IG’s skins are sleek, modern, and infused with icy elegance. The white-and-blue color scheme reflects the team’s cool composure and mechanical prowess. Each skin includes crystalline effects and subtle nods to the players’ personalities.
Standout Skin: IG Fiora – A tribute to TheShy’s top lane dominance, with elegant blade trails and a regal recall animation.
Legacy: Marked China’s rise to global supremacy.
4. T1 (2023)
Champions: Jhin, Azir, Lee Sin, Bard, Gwen Why It’s Historic: This set commemorates Faker’s fourth Worlds title, making him the only player with four Worlds skins. The designs are ethereal and majestic, with celestial motifs and glowing effects. Bard’s skin, chosen by Keria, features musical elements and cosmic portals.
Standout Skin: T1 Azir – Faker’s pick, with golden sand soldiers and a regal aura that reflects his legacy.
Legacy: A tribute to the GOAT and T1’s enduring dominance.
5. Samsung Galaxy (2017)
Champions: Gnar, Jarvan IV, Taliyah, Xayah, Rakan Why It’s Romantic: This set is remembered for its dual skins—Xayah and Rakan—chosen by the bot lane duo Ruler and CoreJJ. The skins feature synchronized animations and a cosmic theme, symbolizing unity and synergy.
Standout Skin: SSG Xayah & Rakan – A love letter to bot lane coordination.
Legacy: Celebrated teamwork and redemption after their 2016 loss to SKT.
6. DAMWON Gaming (2020)
Champions: Kennen, Nidalee, Twisted Fate, Jhin, Leona Why It’s Clean: DAMWON’s skins are minimalist yet powerful. With icy blue tones and sharp visual effects, they reflect the team’s calculated, disciplined gameplay. The skins include references to Korean culture and the team’s mountain-themed branding.
Standout Skin: DWG Leona – BeryL’s pick, featuring a mountain crest and radiant shield animations.
Legacy: A symbol of Korea’s return to dominance.
7. EDward Gaming (2021)
Champions: Graves, Viego, Yuumi, Zoe, Aphelios Why It’s Whimsical: EDG’s skins blend elegance with fantasy. Zoe’s skin features magical effects and playful animations, while Viego’s design is haunting and regal. The set includes references to EDG’s logo and championship run.
Standout Skin: EDG Zoe – Scout’s pick, with cosmic sparkles and a dreamy recall.
Legacy: A celebration of perseverance and clutch performance.
Behind the Scenes: How Skins Are Made
Riot collaborates closely with players to design these skins. The process includes:
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Champion Selection: Players choose a champion they played during Worlds.
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Concept Art: Riot artists draft visual themes based on team branding and player input.
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Animation & Audio: Custom effects, voice lines, and sound design are added.
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Community Feedback: Skins are previewed and refined before release.
This collaborative process ensures each skin is personal, authentic, and memorable.
Fan Favorites and Cultural Impact
Worlds skins aren’t just cosmetics—they’re cultural touchstones. Fans wear them like jerseys, streamers showcase them in highlight reels, and esports orgs use them for branding. Some skins even appear in Worlds music videos, further embedding them in LoL’s mythos.
Examples:
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SKT T1 Syndra featured in the “Rise” music video.
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FPX Gangplank appeared in promotional art for Worlds 2020.
These skins also drive massive revenue, with millions of players purchasing them to support their favorite teams.
Monetization and Esports Strategy
For orgs and players, Worlds skins are a financial boon:
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Riot shares 25% of skin revenue with the team and players.
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Skins act as in-game merch, boosting brand visibility.
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They incentivize competitive excellence—winning Worlds means long-term income and legacy.
For marketers like you, Alejandro, these skins are prime examples of content monetization fused with fandom. They’re viral, emotionally resonant, and legally clean—since Riot handles all IP integration.
Honorable Mentions
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Fnatic (2011) – The OG Worlds skins. Primitive by today’s standards, but historically significant.
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Samsung White (2014) – Clean designs, but lacked the flair of later sets.
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DRX (2022) – A Cinderella story with skins that reflect grit and heart.
Final Thoughts: Skins as Storytelling
League of Legends esports skins are more than digital cosmetics—they’re narratives in pixels. Each one tells a story of triumph, teamwork, and transformation. Whether it’s Faker’s regal Azir or FPX’s fiery Thresh, these skins immortalize the players who shaped LoL history.
For content creators and marketers, they offer a blueprint: merge storytelling with visual design, monetize through fandom, and build legacy through engagement.
So next time you load into Summoner’s Rift, take a moment to appreciate the skin you’re wearing. It might just be a piece of esports history.