‘League is home’: Players and fans celebrate the big return of League of Legends in the Summoner’s Rave
With LoL-themed drinks, a PC bang, and crane games –what more can a gamer ask for?
Riot Games hosted the League of Legends: Summoner’s Rave last February 24, 2023 at The Platform, Newport World Resort., —and it was packed with top LoL players, streamers, influencers, and big reveals for what’s in store this year.
League of Legends players, called “Summoners”, experienced recreations of the Summoner’s Rift and the world of League – from food and drink options, photo op areas down to the music and entertainment.
LoL-themed drinks were served such as Elixir of Iron and Healthy Potion to all Summoners.
Photo booth backdrops that were rich in detail and reminiscent of Runeterra regions and in-game locations were open for summoners to take photos and videos at.
By the entrance was a recreation of Zaun, while the Bar was themed to look like Bilgewater. The main hall was designed to look like the Baron’s Pit and the Summoner’s Rift –complete with Brambleback and Blue Sentinel.
Game streamer Aryanna Epperson who won a prize from the Poro-Catcher poses behind a Runeterra-themed backdrop.
Meanwhile, Poro-Catcher crane games were set up near the entrance of the event hall. Players lined up for a chance to get their own Freljord companion, Poro.
For those who cannot get enough of LoL (probably a whenever, wherever situation), a separate PC-bang room was available via a connecting door which led to about 10 open seats for players who want to play a match while still hearing the beats from the rave in the background.
A PC-bang called the “League of Legends Battle Room” was open for all Summoners during the event.
The event was matched by the amazing energy of top esports casters Autolose and Osiris, complemented by DJ Hannah Ichiko, dressed as DJ Sona, who played multiple sets during the event, and DJ Bandit as True Damage Yasuo, who headlined the finale.
One of the highlights of the night was the recognition of top Summoners —most bagging more than one award. The list includes players such as Quit Lol 102, Kenpk26, Knight Imperius, Porch Monkey2020, pogsilog, roywuski, LE ME HUSTLE, ChovoMo, RCA SOL, JAY_XING, nappster, kikomatsing01, xxGavreelxx, ariesblu, and Lady archer.
But on top of this, three Summoners graced the stage and received their own plaques. WSR TRANSGENDER FAE won Top Wards Placed, while ako ang diyosa was cited for Top Assists and Top Wards Placed. Joining them was idoodhel who won a Secret Lab Gaming Chair for owning all 1,467 champion skins of League of Legends.
Top Summoners were recognized by Riot and Lol for multiple in-game achievements.
(L-R: Riot Games PH Country Manager Joel Guzman, user ako ang diyosa for top assists and top wards placed; WSR TRANSGENDER FAE for top wards placed;, idoodhel,for total skins owned, and League of Legends Brand Manager Kimi Salazar)
A possible shot for PH team at Worlds
Upcoming plans of Riot Games for LoL’s comeback in its roster was later shown through a teaser video. To shed light on what it alluded to, Riot Games and League of Legends Philippine representatives laid out what players should look forward to this 2023.
Riot Games PH Country Manager Joel Guzman said that they are excited to welcome back all the LoL fans with the game’s new features and events for all its players.
“The migration of League of Legends back to Riot Games took a lot of Rioters to accomplish,” Joel said. “It took people from the local team here in the Philippines, the central team in Los Angeles, and also from our Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore.”
Joel also explained that the return of League to Riot Games is the first step in continually bringing high-level player experiences to Filipino gamers. “Our team is excited to create activities that will really cater to the Filipino gamer community,” concluded Guzman. “We want them to remember these experiences and understand we’re here for them.”
Cosplayers, streamers, and e-games influencers dressed up as LoL characters pose for a photo.
The same message was echoed by League of Legends Brand Manager Kimi Salazar, who said that their team is ready to put the Philippines on the world stage once again.
“This is just the beginning for Riot Games here in the Philippines…We aspire to be the most player-focused game publisher in the world, and that means that we are committed to making sure that our Filipino players feel that they are not just part of the world of League but also the entire Riot ecosystem.”
The company is geared to promote League teams and in hosting more events to support more players to play the game not just as a hobby, but also professionally.
“It’s just going to get bigger and bigger. ‘Clash’, our in-game tournament system is launching this March. We will have more community and open tournaments, and we are working on ways to give the Philippines a shot at ‘Worlds’,” Kimi added.
‘Disruption’ filled the stage with performances of top LoL hits like “POP/STARS” by K/DA.
LoL is one of the best-celebrated e-games in the Philippines of the past decade. With Season 2023 looking to be more promising than ever before, it’s safe to say that the Summoner’s Rave was only a taste of how more interactive and player-centric the game will be in the coming months –now that it’s back with Riot.
Summoners continued to pack the place as hit League songs were performed by a professional dance team on-stage, but what truly wrapped the event was a set by DJ Bandit which sealed the night into a full-on rave.
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