The long-awaited anthem for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship has finally arrived. The song, titled “GODS” and performed by global K-pop sensation NewJeans, was written alongside a music video that showcases the epic rise of Dplus KIA’s superstar AD carry Deft and includes references to important moments in his career.
Deft, a veteran player who has been competing at a high level for almost a decade, finally won the Summoner’s Cup in 2022 after it had eluded him for so long. He is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, and his championship-winning run with DRX is considered one of the greatest moments in League Esports history.
The music video for “GODS” pays homage to Deft’s journey, with each chapter of his career represented in Riot Games’ epic style. Let’s take a look at all the references and easter eggs in the Worlds 2023 anthem music video.
Humble beginnings
The video starts with a reference to Deft’s time at Mapo High School, where he attended the same school as Faker. There are also background easter eggs, including a quote by Deft himself, written in Korean, that says “The most important thing is the unbreakable spirit.”
Deft watches Faker’s Worlds-winning 2013 run
Next, Deft is seen watching Faker’s iconic 2013 World Championship run as Zed. This scene represents Deft’s admiration for Faker and his determination to improve himself.
Deft’s first Worlds appearance in 2014
Deft’s first Worlds appearance with Samsung Blue is depicted, specifically the moment when he was taken down by PawN’s Jayce from sister team Samsung White.
Worlds 2015 vs. Fnatic
Deft’s time with Edward Gaming in 2015 is shown, with his defeat at the hands of Rekkles’ Kennen representing Fnatic’s victory over EDG in that year’s Worlds.
Deft and Keria’s brotherhood
The scene portrays Deft’s struggles against DAMWON Gaming in 2020, with ShowMaker launching projectiles at Deft and Keria sacrificing himself to protect Deft. This moment represents the bond between Deft and Keria before they went their separate ways.
The 2022 Cinderella run
After multiple failures, Deft is lifted up by his 2022 DRX teammates, symbolizing their underdog story and their journey to becoming champions.
The video concludes with shots of various pro players looking up at the Summoner’s Cup, building anticipation for Worlds 2023.
Worlds 2023 will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 10, with the Worlds Qualifying Series between North America and Europe taking place a day before on Monday, Oct. 9.
Related: Bow down: LoL Worlds 2023’s official song ‘GODS’ is finally here, Who are NewJeans, the LoL Worlds 2023 anthem artist?
League of Legends, World Championship, anthem, music video, K-pop, NewJeans, Deft, Dplus KIA, esports, references, easter eggs, Faker, Samsung Blue, Samsung White, Edward Gaming, Fnatic, DAMWON Gaming, DRX, Cinderella run, Summoner’s Cup, Worlds 2023.