Riot Games Delays Worlds Anthem release following Bwipo Controversy
Riot Games has delayed the release of the official anthem for the 2025 League of Legends World Championship, originally slated to accompany the reveal of the event’s host cities, due to the inclusion of former professional player Paul “Bwipo” Kral in promotional material. The decision comes after community backlash regarding Kral’s past controversial statements.
The delay impacts the planned rollout of Worlds 2025 marketing, including the debut of the anthem performed by G.E.M., a prominent Chinese singer. As 2014, Riot has consistently released a signature song annually to build excitement for Worlds, with previous anthems featuring artists like Imagine Dragons (“Warriors”), Linkin Park (“Heavy Is the Crown”), and Against The Current (“Legends Never Die”). The tradition has become a key component of the event’s hype cycle.
Riot Games confirmed the postponement in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, ”We’ve made the decision to delay the release of the Worlds anthem. We are removing content featuring Paul ‘Bwipo’ Kral and will be re-releasing the anthem and host city announcement soon.” The company acknowledged the community’s concerns and emphasized its commitment to creating a welcoming habitat for all fans.
kral’s inclusion in the promotional material sparked immediate criticism due to past remarks perceived as misogynistic and harmful. While Riot has not detailed the specific statements prompting the response, the outcry led to calls for his removal from the campaign. The incident underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by esports organizations regarding player conduct and representation.
