Fans who watched the latest episodes of Arcane Season 2 may have spotted a subtle Easter egg. While it might seem insignificant to casual viewers unfamiliar with League of Legends esports, for long-time followers of the competitive scene, this moment is groundbreaking.
Arcane’s Subtle Nod to Esports
Arcane is known for its countless references to the League of Legends universe—some so obscure that even dedicated fans of the game might miss them. Riot Games has always kept the lore of League optional, allowing players to enjoy the game without diving into the expansive world of Runeterra.
However, for esports enthusiasts who have followed professional League of Legends for over a decade, those iconic moments from their favorite teams are unforgettable. The creators of Arcane clearly understood this and decided to weave in a subtle nod to the competitive scene.
This tribute doesn’t just include iconic teams like Gen.G and DRX, but also smaller names such as DetonatioN FocusMe and GAM Esports. Yet, it’s T1 and their legendary mid-laner, Faker, who stand out the most.
Faker: A Living Legend Immortalized in Arcane
Faker, often called the “Unkillable Demon King,” has had more skins in League of Legends than most in-game champions. Yet, despite his legendary status, his likeness has never officially made it into the game. Arcane’s multiverse-driven narrative (don’t worry, no spoilers here) brings the esports icon one step closer to being enshrined in League’s lore.
As the face of T1 and a cornerstone of professional League of Legends history, it’s hard to imagine one without the other. Arcane’s subtle acknowledgment of esports legends marks a significant shift, breaking boundaries between the game’s competitive and narrative worlds.
A Step Toward Canonizing Esports in League of Legends
Up until now, League of Legends has celebrated its esports heritage through in-game skins, like those tied to World Championship-winning teams. These tributes have always been confined to the game itself, never extending into its broader lore.
Arcane changes that. By incorporating esports into the show’s storyline, it takes a bold step toward making competitive League a legitimate part of its canon.
Who knows? Maybe one day, Faker will become a fully-fledged champion in League of Legends. After all, for his fans, he’s already the main character of the game.
