Few things ignite the passion of competitive League of Legends fans more than a great rivalry. Esports thrives on narratives, and no game has produced as many legendary clashes as Riot Games’ crown jewel. From regional grudge matches to international dynasties colliding, rivalries elevate simple games into unforgettable moments of history.
This article dives deep into the Top 10 Esports Rivalries in LoL History, exploring why they mattered, the storylines behind them, and how they shaped the professional scene. Whether you’re a veteran who remembers Season 2 or a newcomer hooked by Worlds, this guide captures the intensity, drama, and legacy of the greatest rivalries in League.
1. SK Telecom T1 vs Samsung Galaxy
No rivalry in LoL history embodies the Worlds finals stage better than SKT vs Samsung.
- 2016 Worlds Final: SKT narrowly beat Samsung Galaxy 3–2, cementing Faker’s dynasty.
- 2017 Worlds Final: The rematch flipped the script. Samsung Galaxy’s 3–0 sweep dethroned SKT, ending an era.
This rivalry symbolized the rise and fall of the greatest dynasty in League of Legends history. It wasn’t just about Faker vs Crown, or Bang & Wolf vs Ruler & CoreJJ — it was about the shift in power between Korea’s greatest organizations.
2. Faker vs Rookie
Mid lane supremacy in the LCK has always been fierce, but no 1v1 rivalry captured attention like Faker vs Rookie.
- Both considered mechanical gods.
- Rookie, once dubbed the “Korean Faker,” proved himself in China with Invictus Gaming.
- Faker represented consistency and dominance, while Rookie embodied rebellion and a new era.
Their international clashes, especially at MSI 2019, cemented this as one of LoL’s most iconic individual rivalries.
3. T1 vs G2 Esports
Europe’s rise in LoL esports owes much to G2’s rivalry with T1.
- 2019 Worlds Semifinal: G2 defeated SKT 3–1, shocking the world.
- MSI 2019: G2 triumphed again, denying T1 international glory.
- 2022 Worlds Semifinal: Faker and T1 struck back, eliminating G2.
This rivalry wasn’t just East vs West — it was the Joker vs the King, with G2’s trash talk fueling the fire.
4. China (LPL) vs Korea (LCK)
While team rivalries are legendary, the regional rivalry between LCK and LPL has defined LoL esports for the past decade.
- Korea dominated from 2013–2017.
- China struck back with Invictus Gaming (2018), FPX (2019), and EDG (2021).
- Korea reclaimed power with DWG KIA (2020) and DRX (2022).
Every Worlds final since 2013 has revolved around this Korea vs China chess match, a clash of styles and national pride.
5. Cloud9 vs Team SoloMid (NA LCS)
For North American fans, no rivalry is more emotional than Cloud9 vs TSM.
- TSM, the OG kings of NA.
- C9, the rising powerhouse from 2013.
- Countless NA LCS finals revolved around these two.
From Bjergsen vs Jensen to Sneaky vs Doublelift, this rivalry built the identity of North American League of Legends.
6. Fnatic vs G2 Esports (LEC)
In Europe, Fnatic vs G2 is the ultimate showdown.
- Fnatic, the historic org with a Worlds title (2011).
- G2, the new-age kings led by Perkz and Caps.
- Their clashes shaped the EU LCS → LEC rebrand era.
It’s a rivalry fueled by regional supremacy and the constant battle for Europe’s best.
7. KT Rolster vs SK Telecom T1 (Telecom War)
Known as the Telecom War, this was Korea’s most iconic domestic rivalry.
- KT Rolster, the challenger backed by corporate might.
- SKT, the dynasty led by Faker.
- Epic best-of-5 series in 2013, 2016, and 2017 playoffs defined this rivalry.
The Telecom War wasn’t just about LoL — it was corporate giants clashing through esports.
8. DAMWON KIA vs T1
A modern rivalry, born from Korea’s passing of the torch.
- DWG KIA, led by ShowMaker and Canyon, rose to world champions in 2020.
- T1, rebuilding with Faker and rookies, clashed with them repeatedly.
Their series in LCK finals and Worlds semifinals represented the new vs old guard of Korea.
9. EDward Gaming vs Royal Never Give Up (RNG)
In China, the fiercest domestic rivalry has been EDG vs RNG.
- RNG dominated MSI (2018, 2021, 2022).
- EDG claimed Worlds 2021, proving their strength.
- Xiaohu, Uzi, Meiko, Clearlove — legends of the LPL carried this rivalry.
Fans across China see EDG vs RNG as the El Clásico of LPL.
10. Faker vs Uzi
The final spot belongs to an individual rivalry that transcends regions.
- Faker, the GOAT mid laner.
- Uzi, the greatest ADC in LoL history.
- Their duels at Worlds (2013, 2016, 2017) defined League’s golden era.
Though Uzi never claimed a Worlds title, his rivalry with Faker is etched in history as a clash of legends.
11. Honorable Mentions
- IG vs FPX (LPL superteams)
- Doinb vs Rookie (Mid lane giants in China)
- C9 vs Liquid (Modern NA rivalry)
- TSM vs CLG (The original NA grudge match)
- DRX vs T1 (Zeka vs Faker Worlds 2022)
12. Conclusion
The Top 10 Esports Rivalries in LoL History reveal a common truth: League isn’t just about mechanics or draft — it’s about storytelling, legacy, and pride.
From Faker vs Uzi, to T1 vs G2, to the eternal battle between China and Korea, these rivalries have defined League of Legends as more than a game. They are the heartbeat of esports, keeping fans glued to every Worlds stage.
As new generations rise, more rivalries will be written. But these ten remain the foundation of what makes League esports legendary.
