League of Legends: A Decade of Iconic Moments
The popular video game League of Legends is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, and as season nine of professional play comes to a close, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the game’s most memorable moments. From small plays to big pop-offs, these moments have shaped the way League is played at its core.
Here is a list of some of the most groundbreaking plays in League history:
1. The xPeke Backdoor – Intel Extreme Masters 2013
During the IEM Katowice 2013, Fnatic and SK Gaming faced off in a crucial match to determine playoff progression. In a back-and-forth 55-minute thriller, Fnatic’s mid laner xPeke made a daring play with Kassadin, finishing off SK Gaming’s Nexus with only 25 percent health left.
2. PraY’s Snipe – Season Six World Championship
In a match between SK Telecom T1 and ROX Tigers, PraY’s accurate arrow as Ashe onto SKT’s Ekko stopped a key teleport and allowed ROX to tie up the series. This play showcased PraY’s precision and contributed to ROX’s strong performance in the 2016 World Championship.
3. Faker vs. Ryu – Hot6 Champions Summer 2013
In the grand final of the Hot6 Champions Summer tournament, Faker’s one-vs-one play against Ryu’s Zed demonstrated his mechanical prowess and foreshadowed the legendary career he would build for himself. Faker’s dominance in this match solidified his reputation as League‘s best player of all time.
4. The inSec Play – All-Star 2013
In a match between OGN Korea and Europe during All-Star 2013, inSec’s Lee Sin play revolutionized the way the champion is played. By using Resonating Strike to lock onto an enemy and then ward-hopping to kick them into his team, inSec demonstrated the full potential of Lee Sin’s mechanics and set a new standard for future players.
5. Toyz’ Orianna – Season Two World Championship
In an unexpected turn of events, Taipei Assassins made an impressive run at Worlds 2012. In game three of the best-of-five final against Azubu Frost, Toyz’s precise pick onto Azubu Frost’s jungler with Orianna led to the Taiwanese team claiming an unlikely world title.
6. TheShy vs. G2 – Season Eight World Championship
At Worlds 2018, TheShy’s Aatrox combo against G2 Esports turned the game dramatically in Invictus Gaming’s favor. Despite his team’s disadvantage, TheShy’s decisive play, landing one Q on four G2 players, helped IG secure their first World Championship title.
7. Uzi’s Vayne – Season Three World Championship
Jian “Uzi” Zi-Hao is widely regarded as one of the best marksman players in history, and his performance with Vayne against Oh My God at Worlds 2013 showcased his exceptional kiting and attack spacing. Uzi’s fearless dive into the backline resulted in an iconic ace and a memorable display of his skills.
8. “I Never Doubted Them” – Mid-Season Invitational 2016
In a game between CLG and Royal Never Give Up, CLG made two clutch plays in the final minutes of the game to secure a victory despite a significant gold deficit. Xmithie’s dragon steal and Stixxay’s perfect Kalista kiting demonstrated their skill and determination as they turned the tides in their favor.
9. The MadLife Hook – Hot6 Champions Summer 2013
MadLife’s Thresh hooks in two separate matches against MiG Blitz became legendary moments in the League community. His ability to find targets in difficult situations set him apart as the most feared Thresh player of his time and inspired future players to emulate his impressive plays.
10. Griffin’s Backdoor – LCK Spring 2019
In an intense match between Griffin and SK Telecom T1, Griffin’s last-ditch backdoor play secured them a victory. With a perfectly executed team play, including a well-timed teleport and effective strategic moves, Griffin achieved an unforgettable moment in League history.
As Worlds 2019 continues, fans eagerly await new plays that could potentially make it onto this list. From iconic backdoors to game-changing team fights, League has consistently delivered unforgettable moments throughout its 10-year history.