The recent conclusion of the League of Legends Worlds tournament brought both triumph and a tinge of disappointment for the winning team, T1 from Korea. While they secured a hefty cash prize, one team member, Keria, faced a unique predicament. Despite his team’s victory, he was unable to claim a personalized reward—a custom skin for his favorite champion, Lux—due to not having played the character during the tournament. This rule, which requires at least one play of the champion to qualify for a custom skin, left Keria with the option to design a skin for another champion, Bard, which did not align with his initial hopes. The situation sparked a mix of sympathy and humor within the gaming community, as they weighed in on the strictness of the rules and Keria’s unfulfilled wish.
Worlds Championship Prize
The League of Legends Worlds tournament is not only a battleground for the best players around the globe but also a chance to win significant rewards. The champions of the tournament, T1 from Korea, were awarded a substantial cash prize of $445,000 and the prestigious opportunity to collaborate with Riot Games in designing a custom skin for a champion they played during the competition. This unique prize offers a dual benefit:
- For the winning players, it’s a chance to leave a personal mark on the game by immortalizing their victory with a custom champion skin.
- For Riot Games, it’s a savvy business move that capitalizes on tournament hype, driving additional revenue through the sale of these exclusive skins.
Players receive a share of the profits from the skin sales, creating a win-win situation where both the players and Riot Games benefit from the continued engagement and excitement within the League of Legends community.
Keria’s Unfulfilled Wish
The story of Keria, the support player for the victorious T1 team, is a bittersweet tale of triumph and unfulfilled desires. Keria’s favorite champions are Thresh and Lux, the latter being known for her charm and powerful light beams. However, due to the strategic demands of the tournament, Keria was unable to play Lux even once, which meant he could not choose her for his custom skin reward.
| Keria’s Preferred Champion | Reason for Ineligibility |
|---|---|
| Lux | Not played during the tournament |
| Thresh | Eligible for custom skin |
Despite his personal preference for a Lux skin, Keria was presented with the alternative to design a skin for Bard, a champion with a vastly different aesthetic. This situation highlights the strict adherence to the rules set by Riot Games, which stipulate that a champion must be played at least once during the tournament to qualify for a custom skin creation.
Community Reaction
The gaming community has been vocal about Keria’s situation, with many expressing their opinions on various platforms. A particular Reddit post discussing the issue garnered over 4,600 upvotes, with the author arguing that as a Worlds champion, Keria should have the right to leave his mark on the game as he wishes. The sentiment was echoed by others who suggested creative compromises, such as designing Bard’s chimes to resemble little Luxes, though this was seen as a consolation rather than a solution.
While some comments were supportive, others took a more humorous or challenging stance, suggesting that Keria could simply win the tournament again to get his desired Lux skin. This mix of sympathy, suggestions, and light-hearted banter reflects the passionate engagement of the League of Legends community with the competitive scene and its players.
The custom skins in League of Legends are more than just cosmetic items; they are a testament to the skill and achievements of the players who earn them. They serve as a lasting tribute to the memorable moments and strategic plays that define the Worlds tournament. While the rules are clear about the eligibility for these skins, the case of Keria has raised questions about their flexibility. The community’s response indicates a strong desire for exceptions to be made when circumstances are exceptional, such as a Worlds champion’s heartfelt wish. Whether Riot Games will make an exception remains to be seen, but the situation has certainly sparked a conversation about the balance between strict rules and rewarding player passion.
