Virtual Hip-Hop Group True Damage Reunites for League of Legends World Championship
Riot Games has brought back the virtual music collective True Damage to perform the 2026 League of Legends World Championship anthem titled "Know My Name," featuring artists SOYEON, Coco Jones, Vic Mensa, and Sofía Reyes voicing the group's characters. The track will release on October 8 and will premiere during the opening ceremony on November 14 at New York's Barclays Center. This marks the group's return since their popular 2019 debut single "GIANTS," which accumulated over 230 million streams.
True Damage represents a significant crossover between competitive gaming and mainstream music. The virtual group debuted during the 2019 World Championship and has maintained substantial cultural presence, with their opening track reaching over 230 million cumulative streams. By reuniting for 2026, Riot Games demonstrates confidence in the franchise's appeal to both esports audiences and music listeners worldwide.
The 2026 World Championship location across multiple U.S. cities reflects the esports industry's continued growth in North America. The opening ceremony at New York's Barclays Center will serve as the flagship moment for "Know My Name," combining live performance with a coordinated global digital release strategy on October 8.
The True Damage reunion could strengthen the bridge between gaming entertainment and mainstream music consumption, potentially introducing esports audiences to featured artists and vice versa. This strategy may influence how major gaming publishers approach soundtrack releases and live entertainment. For music industry observers, the project illustrates how virtual IP can sustain commercial viability across multiple years, while esports fans may see it as validation of gaming culture's growing prominence in entertainment.