The League of Legends World Championship Finals, better known as Worlds Finals, represents the pinnacle of competitive League. Every year since 2011, the best teams across the globe clash for the coveted Summoner’s Cup. Over the past decade, fans have been treated to legendary battles filled with drama, insane outplays, clutch comebacks, and unforgettable storylines.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the best Worlds Finals matches of all time, exploring what made them iconic, how they shaped the competitive scene, and why they remain etched in the memory of every LoL fan.
Introduction: Why Worlds Finals Are Special {#introduction}
Unlike regular tournaments, Worlds Finals are more than just games. They’re a cultural event watched by millions of fans worldwide. The stakes are higher, the pressure is immense, and every decision on Summoner’s Rift can make or break history.
A great Worlds Finals match usually has:
- Intense rivalries (Korea vs. China, East vs. West).
- Close series going to Game 5.
- Unbelievable comebacks or individual carry performances.
- Legacy-defining moments that shape a team’s or player’s career.
Now, let’s revisit the most unforgettable Worlds Finals battles that gave us goosebumps.
SK Telecom T1 vs. Samsung White (2013–2014 Era Rivalries) {#sk-vs-samsung}
The early 2010s were dominated by Korean teams. While SKT rose to fame in 2013, Samsung White and Blue challenged them the following year.
- 2013 Finals: SKT demolished Royal Club 3-0, but it set the stage for Faker’s legacy. His Zed vs. Ryu outplay from the semifinals had already made him a legend, and the finals cemented him as the “Unkillable Demon King.”
- 2014 Finals: Samsung White, arguably the most dominant team in history, crushed Star Horn Royal Club 3-1. Although the series wasn’t close, it showcased peak team coordination and perfect macro play, influencing the competitive meta for years.
While these weren’t nail-biting thrillers, they’re remembered for ushering in the golden age of Korean dominance.
SK Telecom T1 vs. KOO Tigers – 2015 Finals {#skt-vs-koo}
The 2015 Finals featured SKT against KOO Tigers, an underdog squad led by Pray and GorillA.
- Final Score: SKT 3-1 KOO Tigers.
- Highlights: Faker’s Ryze and MaRin’s unstoppable top-lane dominance.
- Why It Matters: This was the year SKT became the first two-time Worlds champions.
Although KOO managed to steal one game, the finals were more of a coronation of SKT’s dynasty than a true nail-biter.
SK Telecom T1 vs. Samsung Galaxy – 2016 Finals (Game 5 Classic) {#skt-vs-ssg-2016}
The 2016 Finals is considered one of the greatest Worlds Finals series of all time.
- Final Score: SKT 3-2 Samsung Galaxy.
- Highlights:
- Ambition’s legendary jungle pathing nearly carried SSG.
- Crown’s Viktor mid-lane control.
- Faker’s emotional tears after narrowly winning Game 5.
- Why It Matters: It was SKT’s hardest-earned title, and the back-and-forth games showed peak Worlds competitiveness.
Fans still debate whether SKT’s clutch factor or Samsung’s resilience defined the series more.
Samsung Galaxy vs. SK Telecom T1 – 2017 Finals (The End of an Era) {#ssg-vs-skt-2017}
The rematch everyone wanted.
- Final Score: Samsung Galaxy 3-0 SKT.
- Highlights: Ambition finally lifted the Cup after years of struggle.
- Why It Matters: This series ended SKT’s dominance and marked the fall of Faker’s dynasty.
Although it was a sweep, the emotional weight makes it one of the most iconic finals.
Invictus Gaming vs. Fnatic – 2018 Finals (East vs. West) {#ig-vs-fnc}
- Final Score: IG 3-0 Fnatic.
- Highlights: Rookie and JackeyLove crushed Europe’s golden hopes.
- Why It Matters: This was the first Chinese team to win Worlds, breaking Korea’s monopoly.
Though one-sided, it was monumental for the LPL’s rise and remains historic for Western fans who dreamed of a Fnatic miracle.
FunPlus Phoenix vs. G2 Esports – 2019 Finals (Clash of Styles) {#fp-x-vs-g2}
- Final Score: FPX 3-0 G2.
- Highlights: Doinb’s unique champion pool (Nautilus mid!).
- Why It Matters: G2 was Europe’s “superteam,” but FPX’s chaotic style overwhelmed them, showing the power of LPL aggression.
While not close, it’s remembered for its meta-defining strategies.
DAMWON Gaming vs. Suning – 2020 Finals (A New Dynasty) {#dwg-vs-sng}
- Final Score: DWG 3-1 Suning.
- Highlights: Bin’s legendary Fiora pentakill in Game 2.
- Why It Matters: DWG officially started a new Korean dynasty post-SKT.
This was symbolic of the new guard rising after years of SKT dominance.
Edward Gaming vs. DWG KIA – 2021 Finals (Underdog Triumph) {#edg-vs-dwg}
The 2021 Finals is another Game 5 masterpiece.
- Final Score: EDG 3-2 DWG KIA.
- Highlights:
- Scout vs. ShowMaker mid-lane duel.
- Viper’s incredible Aphelios plays.
- Flandre’s top-lane consistency.
- Why It Matters: EDG shocked the world by defeating defending champs DWG. It’s one of the greatest underdog stories in LoL esports.
DRX vs. T1 – 2022 Finals (The Greatest Underdog Story) {#drx-vs-t1}
Arguably the best Worlds Finals of all time.
- Final Score: DRX 3-2 T1.
- Highlights:
- Deft’s emotional Cinderella run in his final Worlds.
- Pyosik’s Baron steal in Game 5.
- Keria in tears after losing, while Deft fulfilled his dream.
- Why It Matters: This was the first-ever Worlds won by a Play-Ins team. DRX’s underdog journey is one of esports’ most inspirational stories.
JD Gaming vs. T1 – 2023 Clash on the Road to Finals {#jdg-vs-t1}
While not the grand final itself, JDG vs. T1 in 2023 semifinals felt like a final before the final. T1 went on to dominate Weibo Gaming in the finals, but fans remember 2023 as the year Faker lifted the Cup again, solidifying his GOAT status.
Why These Matches Define League Esports History {#conclusion}
The best Worlds Finals matches aren’t always about close scores—they’re about storylines, legacies, and moments that live forever. From SKT’s dynasty to DRX’s miracle run, these finals reflect how League of Legends has grown into one of the most-watched esports in the world.
As we look forward to Worlds 2025 and beyond, one thing is certain: the next great final is always just around the corner.
FAQs {#faqs}
Q1: What is considered the greatest Worlds Finals match of all time?
Most fans agree that DRX vs. T1 in 2022 is the greatest due to its underdog narrative and thrilling Game 5 finish.
Q2: Which player has the most Worlds Finals appearances?
Faker (T1) holds the record, appearing in multiple Worlds Finals across a decade.
Q3: Which Worlds Finals was the most one-sided?
The 2018 Finals (IG vs. Fnatic) was a quick 3-0 sweep.
Q4: Has a Western team ever won Worlds?
Yes, Fnatic (2011) won the very first Worlds. Since then, no Western team has lifted the Cup.
Q5: Which Worlds Finals had the highest viewership?
The 2022 Finals (DRX vs. T1) broke records with over 5 million concurrent viewers.
