When watching the League of Legends World Championship, you come for the incredible gameplay. This year’s final—T1 versus DRX—delivered in spades: Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok and T1 returned to the grand stage for the first time in the 2020s, while DRX and Kim "Deft" Hyuk-kyu pulled off the most heartwarming storybook run in the game's history. If you’re a longtime fan, you know the players (and their out-of-this-world mechanics) are always the real stars of the show.

But for a few mesmerizing minutes at the opening ceremony, we got a spectacle of a different sort. The pageantry and hype surrounding Worlds makes one of the biggest headlines surrounding the event focus on the opening ceremony and Worlds Anthen, in this case Lil Nas X (and Jackson Wang) with his tune STAR WALKIN'.  There was a giant mech, a shimmering new Tiffany & Co.-designed trophy, and yes, Lil Nas X rising into the air like he was fronting a sci-fi rock opera. It was the kind of theatrical stunt you’d expect from the most viewed esports event. Was it cool? Absolutely. 

Lil Nas X adressed the press at Media Night, which offered me a golden opportunity to toss a fun question at him about building a dream League roster—drawing from his many celebrity connections. He immediately rattled off three picks, which I shall analyze:

1. Doja Cat – If there’s anyone who embodies flair, versatility, and a penchant for the very unexpected in the mainstream music industry, it’s Doja Cat. Known for her genre-blending music and vibrant personality, Doja would translate into the mid lane as a master of versatility—think of her as a dynamic mage who can switch from high burst damage to utility with ease. Imagine her champion select moments being as unpredictable as Twitter posts, perhaps opting for a champion like Nunu or Mordekaiser, always keeping both her team and the opponents guessing her next move. Her creativity would shine in devising unconventional strategies that leave enemies scrambling to adapt, much like her ability to shift between pop, rap, and R&B in her music.

2. Tyler, The Creator – Enter Tyler, the wild card of the jungle. If the jungle is where chaos reigns, Tyler is the king of that madness. Known for his offbeat creativity and fearless experimentation in music, Tyler would navigate the jungle like he navigates an album—rhythmically and unpredictably. Imagine him setting up ambushes in the most bizarre places, like the enemy’s own jungle, just to see their confusion (almost like listening to Cherry Bomb). Plus, his vibrant personality would keep the team’s spirits high, even when they're getting stomped by the enemy.

3. Beyoncé – When you have Beyoncé on your team, you’re not just bringing skill; you’re bringing an aura of excellence and an unwavering presence. As the Top Laner, Beyoncé would embody grace under pressure, effortlessly dominating her lane with the same commanding presence she has on stage. Imagine her executing flawless mechanics with champions like Darius or Camille, turning every skirmish into a performance. Her ability to inspire and lead would ensure that the team stays coordinated and motivated, much like her role as a leader in her musical endeavors. Plus, her sheer star power would add an intimidating edge to the team, making opponents think twice before engaging.

Lil Nas X shrugged, gave me a grin, and said I could pick the final slot. Talk about pressure. I had to choose someone who’s got synergy with him, comedic flair, and maybe a bit of that intangible “clutch gene.” So I went with:

4. Billy Ray Cyrus – Now, for the final spot, I went with someone who’s not just a country legend but also the man who helped Lil Nas X catapult to stardom with their iconic feature on “Old Town Road.” Enter Billy Ray Cyrus as the Support, providing the backbone Lil Nas X needs as the ADC. Billy Ray’s role as Support isn’t just about keeping Lil Nas X safe—it’s about enhancing his performance on the Rift. Think of him as the ultimate hype man, dropping shields and heals while Lil Nas X racks up the damage. Their synergy off-track translates perfectly into in-game teamwork: Billy Ray sets up the plays, ensuring Lil has every opportunity to shine. His experience in supporting Lil Nas X’s rise to fame means he understands the importance of timing and coordination—crucial elements for any successful support. 

If there’s one takeaway from the night, it’s that League of Legends continues to up its game on every front, blending sports competition and showstopping spectacle into a single event. Lil Nas X certainly added to that with his on-stage performance and witty responses.