The recent conclusion of the League of Legends Worlds tournament saw the crowning of a new champion, with the Korean team T1 taking home a substantial prize of $445,000. However, despite the victory, one team member faced a personal setback when it came to the unique reward of designing a custom skin for his favorite character.
Worlds Championship and the Prize of a Custom Skin
The League of Legends Worlds tournament is an annual global event that brings together the best teams from around the world to compete for the title of world champion. The tournament is not only a display of top-tier competitive play but also a celebration of the game’s community and culture. One of the unique traditions of the Worlds is that the winners are given the opportunity to collaborate with Riot Games to create a custom skin for a champion they played during the tournament. This skin serves as a lasting tribute to their victory and becomes a coveted item among the game’s player base.
- Annual global event featuring top competitive teams
- Winning team collaborates with Riot Games on a custom champion skin
- Champion must be played at least once during the tournament to qualify
- Custom skin becomes a part of the game’s permanent collection
- Winners receive a cut of the skin’s sales, adding to their prize
Keria’s Unfulfilled Wish for a Lux Skin
T1’s support player, Keria, had his heart set on creating a custom skin for Lux, a champion known for her charm and powerful light-based abilities. Despite his team’s victory, Keria faced the disappointment of not being able to choose Lux for his custom skin, as he did not get the chance to play her during the tournament. Instead, he was offered the opportunity to design a skin for Bard, another character he is known for playing.
| Lux Skin (Desired) | Bard Skin (Alternative) |
|---|---|
| Champion known for being adorable and shooting beams of light | A wandering celestial with a more whimsical appearance |
| Personal favorite of Keria | Not the preferred choice for a custom skin |
| Did not get to play Lux in the tournament | Playable character for Keria during the tournament |
Community Reactions and Riot’s Rules
The League of Legends community has been vocal about Keria’s situation, with many fans expressing their support for his desire to create a Lux skin. A Reddit post discussing the matter garnered significant attention, reflecting a sentiment that as a Worlds champion, Keria should have the freedom to leave his mark on the game as he wishes. However, Riot Games has rules in place that require a champion to be played in the tournament for a skin to be made, emphasizing that these skins are meant to commemorate significant moments and plays from the event.
While some fans have made light-hearted suggestions and others have encouraged Keria to use this as motivation for future victories, the debate continues on whether Riot might make an exception for him. The rules are in place to maintain the integrity of the tournament’s legacy, but the community’s call for flexibility in this case is a testament to the passion of the players and fans alike.
Custom skins in League of Legends are more than just cosmetic items; they are a symbol of achievement and personal expression within the game’s community. For champions like Keria, who dedicate countless hours to mastering their craft, the opportunity to design a skin is a rare and cherished reward. While Riot Games has not traditionally made exceptions to their rules, the situation with Keria has sparked a conversation about the balance between tradition and player recognition. Whether or not Riot will bend the rules remains to be seen, but the significance of such a gesture would undoubtedly resonate with players around the world, reinforcing the idea that the spirit of the game lies not just in competition, but in the community and creativity it inspires.
