October 13, 2025

Riot Delays Worlds 2025 Anthem To Remove Bwipo from Video

Riot Games has officially delayed the highly anticipated League of Legends Worlds 2025 Anthem, pushing its release back three days after making last-minute edits to the music video. The change comes after the developer decided to remove professional player Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau from the project following his recent controversial remarks online.

Fans had been waiting eagerly for the annual anthem, which has become a tradition in League of Legends esports, a cinematic mix of music and storytelling that celebrates the game’s global competition. The delay, while brief, lead to outspread debate across the community, but cemented Riot’s decisions, values, and approach to representation in esports.

Lol Worlds 2025 Anthem: Sacrifice

Riot Edits the Worlds Anthem Video

According to Riot Games, the removal of Bwipo was not a punishment or disciplinary measure, but a decision about how the company wanted to represent League of Legends Esports and its community on a global stage. Bwipo had originally been selected to represent FlyQuest and the Americas region in the Worlds 2025 music video, a role now cut entirely. As a result, the Americas will reportedly no longer appear in this year’s anthem, which required extensive re-editing and caused the production delay.

“This was not part of any sanction or competitive ruling, but a decision about how we represent our sport and community globally,” Riot stated in its announcement.

The update quickly divided the community. Many players and fans praised Riot for prioritizing inclusivity and professionalism, while others criticized the move for punishing an entire region due to one player’s actions. This led to discussions about fairness, consistency, and how Riot balances its values with its partnerships, particularly with events like the Esports World Cup, which has faced criticism for its connections to Saudi Arabian boosts to funding and human rights controversies.

Why Bwipo Was Removed

Bwipo’s removal from the Worlds 2025 Anthem stems from comments he made during a livestream, where he said, “There is a time in the month where you should not be f***ing playing competitive games as a woman.” The statement drew widespread backlash from both fans and fellow professionals. Though Bwipo later clarified that his words were not meant to be sexist, the damage had already been done.

FlyQuest benched him shortly afterward, and Riot Games made the decision to exclude him from the anthem to avoid associating the event with controversy.

For over a decade, Bwipo has been known as one of the most outspoken and passionate players in professional League of Legends. His time with Fnatic, Team Liquid, and FlyQuest earned him respect as a strong competitor and analyst. However, this incident has placed him at the center of a larger debate about accountability, free speech, and how far companies like Riot should go to maintain their public image.

Bwipo removed from Worlds 2025 Video

Community Reactions and Broader Implications

The delay of the Worlds 2025 Anthem has reignited discussions about how Riot Games handles controversies in the League of Legends scene. Some fans argue that Riot’s stance is justified, setting a clear example of the standards expected from professional players. Others, however, see it as selective enforcement, pointing out inconsistencies in how the company addresses other issues within the community.

Despite the controversy, anticipation for the Worlds 2025 Anthem remains high. Each year’s anthem acts as a cultural milestone, capturing the spirit of global competition and uniting fans worldwide. This year’s edition, set to release on October 13, marks the 15th anniversary of the tournament, a major moment in LoL Esports history.

For many fans, the song’s delay doesn’t diminish its significance. Instead, it highlights Riot’s ongoing effort to balance entertainment, representation, and integrity on the world stage. As players are grinding solo queue to boost their rank or following the biggest esports events, this anthem is the motivation they need, and a reminder that League of Legends is also about the values and stories that shape the community.

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As the countdown continues, fans around the world wait to see whether the new anthem will live up to the hype, both musically and thematically. One thing’s certain: Riot’s decision has ensured that this year’s Worlds celebration will be one of the most talked-about moments in LoL history.

 

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