10 Most Memorable LoL Live Match Moments

Riot Games’ League of Legends (LoL) has been delivering unforgettable plays, victories, and emotional esports storylines for more than a decade. Since launching in 2009, the MOBA has become an important part of competitive gaming. It has offered entertainment to fans and players across the world, thanks to its world-class esports circuit.

There is so much history to the game that it is no surprise there are some legendary match moments. These highlights have defined the eras of LoL esports and given fans memories that they’ll never forget. 

LoL is not dissimilar to many other games. Much like the adrenaline of a high-stakes bet at a craps crypto casino where everything is at stake and outcomes are uncertain, live match moments keep millions of fans on edge until the last second.

Below are ten of the most iconic live match moments in LoL esports history.

10. KT Rolster Vs. Invictus Gaming Bace Race To Win (Worlds 2018)

Bace races are some of the most nail-biting situations in League of Legends. The 2018 Worlds quarterfinal between KT Rolster and Invictus Gaming (IG) resulted in one of the greatest base races ever. Both teams had their sights set on the other’s nexus, and for what felt like an eternity, it wasn’t clear who would finish first. 

KT was down two games in the best-in-five. But, somehow, they manage to claw their way back with a win that forced a game of five. Although IG ultimately advanced, the base race is one of those matches no one will forget.

9. Dyrus’ Retirement (Worlds 2015)

Some LoL match moments are not linked to gameplay, yet they stir up emotions in the community. At Worlds 2015, Team SoloMid’s (TSM) veteran top laner Marcus “Dryer” Hill announced his retirement live on stage after his team was knocked out.

It’s not just his decision that made the moment memorable, but also how he addressed viewers. He spoke directly to his fans, who have supported him for many years. He couldn’t hold back his emotions and started crying during his speech. It marked the end of an era for TSM and also an entire generation of fans and players.

8. TheShy Dominates G2 Esports (Worlds 2018)

Worlds 2018 is often referred to as the “Year of LPL” (LoL Pro League). Invictus Gaming’s top laner, TheShy, was a big reason why this name stuck. In their semifinal against G2 Esports, he became one of the most dominant players in LoL history. 

Playing as Aatrox, TheShy showed fearless aggression. He dived into fights and single-handedly controlled the game, dismantling G2 completely. It showed that Invictus Gaming was on another level. The team continued into the grand finals, cementing the LPL’s first World Championship.

7. SKT T1’s Wombo Combo (Worlds 2017)

Sometimes it is not a single player that creates a moment, but an entire team. This was seen in 2017, when SKT T1 was facing and losing to EDG. SKT T1 had a 10k gold deficit and no kills on the board. 

It looked hopeless until SKT unleashed one of the cleanest wombo combos ever seen in professional play. 

Within just three seconds, Rakan’s charms, Cho’Gath’s flash silence, Orianna’s shockwave, and Jarvan IV’s combo locked the EDG team in place. Next, Twitch pierced through them with his ultimate. 

The teamwork was flawless, the spectators were screaming, and the commentators lost their minds. This synergy was proof that anything can happen during a LoL match, even when a team is far behind. 

6. “I Trust You, Caps” (Worlds 2019)

Some moments are memorable because they show a human side to the competition. During the draft phase of Worlds 2019, Fnatic midlaner Caps wanted to lock in Wane against a tank-heavy enemy comp. His coach and teammates were uncertain and pushed him to go for safer picks like a Corki. 

However, teammate Rekkles simply said: “I trust you, Caps.”

This reassurance showed that he trusted in his teammate’s instincts, and Caps went on to deliver success. The phrase became an immediate meme and was shared widely by fans and those who have never watched a LoL competition. Even now, years later, people still quote it to one another as a symbol of trust. 

5. “Everyone Else Is Trash” (All-Star Tournament 2013)

Trash talk is becoming increasingly common in LoL, but it was still fairly controversial in 2013 when Yiliang “Doubelift” Peng uttered the now-infamous line: “Everyone else is trash”.

This atrocious statement created a heavy debate between Doublelift’s fans and conservative players. Some saw him as arrogant, while others took it as entertainment. Either way, it became a part of Doublelift’s lore and also the culture of competitive LoL. 

Despite his many successes, many view this moment as one of the most defining in his pro career.

4. Zed Vs. Zed - Faker Vs. Ryu (Hot6 Champions Summer 2013)

If there is one clip that every League fan and player has seen, it is Faker’s 1v1 outplay against Ryu in 2013. During the deciding game of the final, both players blindly picked Zed. This set up a mirror match in midlane. 

When Ryu caught Faker low and looked ready to get the kill, Faker suddenly turned the tables with incredible decision-making and mechanics.

The match launched Faker into legend status and made him the face of League of Legends. The image of Ryu’s disappointed expression became almost as iconic as the battle itself. 

3. The Elder Drake (Worlds 2017)

Worlds has always been about both competition and spectacle, rivaling sports tournaments and live entertainment acts. Riot Games’ opening ceremonies have set a high bar, especially in 2017. 

Thanks to the use of cutting-edge augmented reality technology, viewers were able to see a giant Elder Drake soar across China’s stadium. It landed on the stage, roared, and got the crowd screaming. Of course, there wasn’t a real drake at the stadium, and the entertainment was aimed at online viewers or those watching on the screen. It showed that Riot was going beyond just hosting a competition and that they were also focused on entertaining the audience. 

2. xPeke’s Backdoor (Intel Extreme Masters 2013)

Sometimes it takes just one brave move to become a LoL legend. During the IEM in 2013, Fnatic’s xPeke pulled off the ultimate backdoor against SK Gaming with his Kassadin. He barely had any health left, and Olaf was desperately trying to stop him. But xPeke was able to dance around the base to secure the win. 

And so, a new term for backdooring was born: “the xPeke”. Even after a decade, players still use it to describe sneaky base steals. 

1. ROX Tiger’s PraY Ashe Arrow Longshot (Worlds 2016)

The top place for one of the most iconic moments is a memorable skill shot. During the Worlds 2016 semifinal between ROX Tigers and SKT, PraY’s Ashe fired a Crystal Arrow across the map to stop Duke’s Ekko from recalling. 

The shot, to the surprise of everyone watching, landed perfectly. This gave ROX enough time to keep pushing. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the move became a staple of any LoL highlight reel. 

Although SKT went on to win the series, PraY’s arrow lives rent-free in the minds of all LoL fans. 

Final Thoughts

League of Legends has produced dozens of moments that combine skill and spectacle. The game’s legacy is built on these moments that keep players and fans coming back time and again. It’s clear why millions of viewers tune in to each tournament: you never know when the next historic moment will happen.