The League of Legends World Championship, known as LoL Worlds, stands as the highlight of the year for fans. It’s where the top players in this popular MOBA game clash to claim the world champion title and substantial prize money. As the 2025 tournament approaches, Riot Games prepared its traditional Worlds anthem and accompanying visually stunning music video, usually showcasing prominent players. However, due to recent controversial remarks by FlyQuest’s toplaner Gabriel ‘Bwipo’ Rau, Riot has confirmed a delay in the video’s release to remove him from the final cut.
Just last month, Bwipo faced a suspension from his team, FlyQuest, following remarks deemed “sexist” made during a livestream. His comments suggested that women should avoid playing games like League of Legends at certain times during their menstrual cycles. Bwipo publicly apologized for these statements, admitting they were “ignorant and disrespectful to women,” and completed his suspension.
Since then, Bwipo rejoined the FlyQuest roster and contributed to their LTA Championship finals victory in late September, securing their spot at Worlds.
A video embed was originally placed here, likely featuring the Worlds anthem or related content.
As a seasoned veteran in LoL esports, Bwipo has been part of many significant moments across both European and North American teams. He was originally slated to represent North America in the highly anticipated LoL Worlds 2025 music video. However, with the tournament less than a week away and just two days before the anthem’s scheduled premiere on October 10, Riot has declared a delay in the video’s launch, specifically to remove Bwipo’s footage.
In a statement shared on social media, Riot explained, “The Worlds Music Video will now launch on October 13, a few days later than originally planned.” They added, “Bwipo was featured in the original cut, but given his recent comments, we decided it wouldn’t be right to showcase him in a piece that represents LoL Esports, pro players, and fans.”
Riot further clarified that “editing him out required significant changes during the final stages of production.” As Bwipo was the designated player to represent the Americas, this region will now be absent from this year’s video, contrary to initial plans. The company emphasized that this was not an additional sanction or competitive ruling, but rather “a decision about how we represent our sport and community on a global stage.”
A graphic was embedded here, displaying Riot’s official statement confirming the delay of the LoL Worlds 2025 song video.
Despite Bwipo having completed his suspension, issued an apology, and being set to compete in the globally televised tournament, Riot’s choice to remove him from the music video is a significant one. As of now, neither Bwipo nor his team have publicly addressed this decision.
The revamped League of Legends Worlds 2025 music video is now scheduled to premiere on Monday, October 13, just one day before the tournament officially begins. The LoL Worlds championship will culminate with its grand final on Sunday, November 9.