The Esports Decade Awards held in Riyadh on August 24, 2025, brought to a triumphant close ten years of unparalleled growth and transformation in competitive gaming. Coinciding with the Esports World Cup’s “Summer of Celebration,” the one-night ceremony honored the individuals, teams, and organizations that have shaped the modern esports landscape. With 9.8 million fan votes cast worldwide, the awards recognized excellence across 14 categories, several of which were dominated by League of Legends and its most iconic contributors. Below, we detail every accolade tied directly to Riot Games’ flagship title, underscoring LoL’s monumental influence on esports over the past decade.
League of Legends Crowned Esports Game of the Decade
League of Legends was named Esports Game of the Decade, a testament to its consistency, global appeal, and competitive integrity. Riot Games’ innovation in structuring regional leagues and maintaining a stable international calendar helped establish a sustained narrative arc for fans year-round. Each year, the World Championship serves as LoL’s climatic event, drawing millions of viewers globally and further securing its legacy as the industry’s most watched and revered title.
Riot Games Recognized as Esports Publisher of the Decade
Riot Games claimed the award for Esports Publisher of the Decade, an honor earned through its visionary approach to competitive operations and broadcast excellence. Riot has continuously pushed the boundaries of live production technology and tournament organization, setting the benchmark for esports publishers around the world. Their commitment to supporting both grassroots development and elite competition contributed significantly to the ecosystem’s global growth.
Worlds 2017: A Live Esports Milestone
The League of Legends World Championship 2017, hosted at Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), was awarded Esports Live Event of the Decade. The event was celebrated for its groundbreaking use of augmented reality, unforgettable stage design, and record-setting paid attendance figures. The iconic AR dragon entrance remains a defining moment in esports storytelling, establishing new expectations for production value and fan engagement at live events.
Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok Named PC Player of the Decade
Widely regarded as the greatest player in League of Legends history, Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok earned the title of Esports PC Player of the Decade. Over the span of multiple metas and generations of competition, Faker has achieved five World Championship titles with T1 while maintaining elite performance. His legacy extends beyond gameplay, inspiring a global audience and redefining professional standards for esports athletes.
Learn more about his journey and achievements on Faker’s Wikipedia page.
Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun Honored as Coach of the Decade
Kim “kkOma” Jeong-gyun received recognition as the Esports Coach of the Decade for his instrumental role in T1’s championship dominance. With titles achieved across various player rosters, kkOma’s coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, tactical adaptability, and long-term excellence. His impact on LoL extends to shaping a new generation of coaches and setting the gold standard for leadership and talent management.
T1: Defining the Esports Dynasty
The award for Esports Team of the Decade went to none other than T1, the organization most synonymous with League of Legends greatness. With an unprecedented five Worlds titles, T1 built a dynasty defined by consistent excellence, innovation in gameplay, and global popularity. Their enduring dominance throughout the 2010s and 2020s placed them at the forefront of competitive gaming history.
Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere Recognized for Broadcast Excellence
Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere was awarded Esports On-Air Talent of the Decade, acknowledging her paramount role in shaping the tone and delivery of LoL broadcasts. Known for her insightful interviews, energetic hosting style, and unmatched professionalism, Sjokz helped bridge global audiences with the on-stage spectacle, particularly within the European scene and during World Championships.
Explore her work and event highlights via Sjokz’s YouTube Channel.
Reflecting on Ten Years That Transformed Esports
The Esports Decade Awards recognized pioneers and powerhouses who helped propel competitive gaming from a niche subculture into a global entertainment phenomenon. With League of Legends claiming top honors across multiple categories, the title’s dominance throughout the decade is undeniable. Riot Games, Faker, kkOma, T1, and Sjokz each played a vital role in crafting the League of Legends era, setting standards that continue to influence newcomers and veterans alike across the esports industry.
To see the full list of categories and winners, visit the Esports Awards 2025 Official Site.
Watch the entire ceremony, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content on the Esports Awards YouTube Channel.
