The Esports Awards 2025 marked a monumental celebration, honoring a decade of excellence within the competitive gaming industry from 2015 to 2025. Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the Esports World Cup, this tenth-anniversary event highlighted the evolution of esports and recognized the key players, teams, games, and moments that shaped the scene. With an astonishing 9.8 million fan votes, the ceremony underscored the unparalleled growth of titles like League of Legends and the powerful influence of content creators and organizations, reinforcing the industry’s global impact and vibrant community.
League of Legends Crowned Esports Game of the Decade
League of Legends secured the prestigious Game of the Decade award, a testament to Riot Games’ enduring influence on the esports landscape. Since its 2009 launch, League of Legends has not only captivated millions worldwide through competitive play but also via compelling media like the Netflix hit Arcane. The Worlds 2024 event sold out The O2 Arena in London, emphasizing the title’s sustained popularity. Beyond the game itself, League’s character-driven content, including music videos and novels, has enriched the ecosystem, promising robust growth ahead regardless of its age.
Key highlights:
- Multiple regional leagues maintaining a stable global calendar.
- Innovative cross-media storytelling expanding fan engagement.
- Integration of new gameplay updates to keep the competitive meta fresh.
For further insights into League of Legends’ competitive structure and player culture, visit Exploring the Dynamic World of League of Legends Esports.
Standout Players and Influencers of the Decade
The awards spotlighted iconic individuals who have shaped esports through stellar performances and charisma, including:
- Faker, the definitive PC player of the decade, whose five World Championship titles set the standard in Riot Games arenas, surpassing even legends from Counter-Strike and Dota 2.
- Shotzzy, reigning supreme as Controller Player of the Decade with his dominance in Call of Duty and Halo, boasting four world titles and multiple MVP accolades.
- ZywOo, the French Counter-Strike prodigy, known for his record 27 HLTV MVP awards and major championship victories.
- xQc, recognized as Streamer of the Decade, whose presence on Twitch transformed competitive FPS streaming culture.
- Nadeshot, a Call of Duty legend turned entrepreneur, awarded Esports Personality of the Decade for founding 100 Thieves and shaping the competitive mindset.
Learn how player culture evolves around leaders like Faker in the article Understanding Player Culture in League of Legends.
T1 Dominance and Leadership Acknowledge
The T1 esports team, led by Faker, was honored as Team of the Decade for its consistent global tournament success. Beyond players, T1’s strategic mastermind, coach Kim “KKoma” Jeong-gyun, was awarded Coach of the Decade. KKoma’s ability to nurture talent and devise winning strategies contributed significantly to T1’s legacy.
- Four Worlds titles cementing T1’s dominance in League of Legends.
- Consistent top-tier performances spanning multiple esports titles.
- KKoma’s expertise elevating players’ game intelligence and adaptability.
For updates on T1’s strategic shifts entering the LEC and player development, visit Poby of T1 Esports Academy to Step Into the LEC.
Esports Media and Commercial Impact
The ceremony further highlighted the vital ecosystem supporting competitive gaming:
- Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere was named Esports On-Air Talent of the Decade, her poise and expertise setting the benchmark for hosting tournaments like Worlds.
- Riot Games took Esports Publisher of the Decade, reflecting its leadership in running transformative titles such as League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics.
- Liquipedia earned the Content and Coverage Platform of the Decade, a vital resource trusted by millions for stats and updates.
- Intel was recognized as Commercial Partner of the Decade, backing major tournaments and teams with advanced technology solutions.
- LoL Worlds 2017 won Esports Live Event of the Decade, remembered for its stunning production across four Chinese cities and exceptional global viewership.
Discover deeper insights into Riot Games’ innovative ventures, including AI-driven cinematic storytelling, by reading Exploring the Vision Behind Riot Games’ AI-Driven Cinematic for League of Legends.
Broad Industry Influence Reflected in Awards
The list of nominees and winners serves as a mirror of the esports industry’s ten-year progression:
- Global fan engagement reaching millions across platforms like Twitch, supported by brands such as Red Bull, Corsair, and HyperX.
- Emergence of powerhouse teams like Cloud9, Fnatic, and G2 Esports shaping competitive meta and viewership landscapes.
- Innovations in game modes with titles like Teamfight Tactics expanding the boundaries of esports genres.
For more on the broader esports ecosystem and projections for upcoming tournaments, the Predictions for the Esports World Cup in League of Legends provides valuable foresight.