A bit of music and star power can go a long way to hype an event.
It’s undeniable that the power of music groups can elevate any event that they’re a part of and that’s no different for esports. Many big tournaments have been capitalizing on the power of music and what we get are some truly epic crossovers.
It’s hard to pick just one so we’ve got five music groups who partnered with video games to make a splash in esports.
KATSEYE
The LA girl group just recently made waves in Masters Santiago, the first VALORANT Major of the year. In a showmatch showcasing VALORANT’s newest agent, Miks, KATSEYE’s own Megan stepped up to bat for the group. Playing for team Weones Malos, Megan brought a surprising amount of energy to a chaotic but exciting showcase of the sound-based agent’s abilities.
SB19
When talking about Filipino music groups, we can’t really get bigger than SB19. Their music and performances always brings the hype and that’s what they achieved during KIC 2025. Alongside composing an original single for HoK’s pinnacle event, they brought it to life with a live performance during the grand finals.
NewJeans
It should be no surprise that Riot Games are no strangers when it comes to tapping into music groups. After all, it was only a few years ago that they got South Korea’s NewJeans to create the Worlds 2023 anthem. Together with their signature animation and storytelling style, Worlds 2023 became one of the biggest Worlds to date. Their electrifying performance during the event itself was also just icing on the cake.
JAM Project
If you’re an anime fan, then JAM Project should be no strangers to you. This music group made up of Japanese Rock legends have lent their powerful voices and riffs to various anime OST’s. They recently teamed up with Capcom for the theme song of their latest Street Fighter 6 character, Alex, and boy is it inspiring. It might be a little too inspiring for a wrestling heel’s theme but hey, we’re not complaining.
Linkin Park
Riot Games really seems to have music groups on speed dial as they got another big one for their Worlds 2024 anthem. Rock legends Linkin Park really brought a new level of energy to the Worlds 2024 grand finals. I mean, can you imagine what it would be like to walk out on that stage while Linkin Park are going wild in the background? The players didn’t have to and it was certainly one of the best ways to kick off a grand final.
Banner image: Colin Young-Wolff / Riot Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
KATSEYE member Megan participated in a VALORANT showmatch at Masters Santiago, the first VALORANT Major of the year, playing for Team Weones Malos to showcase the new agent Miks.
SB19 composed an original single for KIC 2025, Honor of Kings’ pinnacle event, and performed the track live during the tournament’s grand finals.How did NewJeans contribute to League of Legends Worlds 2023?
NewJeans created the official anthem for Worlds 2023 and delivered a live performance during the event, contributing to what became one of the biggest Worlds tournaments to date.
JAM Project, a group of Japanese rock veterans known for anime theme songs, created the theme song for Alex, a new Street Fighter 6 character, in partnership with Capcom.
Linkin Park performed the official anthem for the Worlds 2024 grand finals, bringing added energy to the event’s opening moments.
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