In February, Nike announced its partnership with the League of Legends Pro League (LPL), becoming the official shoe and clothing provider of the top online gaming league in China. The season culminates in the 2019 Season World Championship in Europe, which marks the debut of new Nike x LPL team uniforms, featuring bespoke designs unique to the gaming communities and a common chevron pattern on the chest to symbolize motion and teamwork. The pattern is also a nod to the Summoner’s Rift — the most competitive battleground in the League of Legends world.
Go Behind the Designs of Five Teams
Edward Gaming
Dark red color dominates the Edward Gaming uniform. The chevron pattern on the chest is inspired from the sword and shield of the knight, also a nod to the long history of the club. The “EDG-01 digital prototype” image at the lower hem of the uniform is composed of engines, a cladding exoskeleton and a fighter body, among other structures. The Cyber Formula thruster pattern on the sleeves of the uniform is a symbol of speed in Esports, and the triangle structure represents the stable core of a team.
Fun Plus Phoenix
The Fun Plus Phoenix uniform adopts a classic black, red and gold color scheme. The chevron pattern on the chest takes inspiration from the phoenix feather, symbolizing the creature’s rebirth from adversity. The uniform’s sleeve and neck tape features the same phoenix pattern, while the totem above the jock tag is a blend between the Eastern and Western interpretations of the phoenix throughout history.
Invictus Gaming
The Invictus Gaming uniform follows the team’s traditional color combination of a white base, black and silver-gray. The chevron pattern on the chest is inspired by the superhuman boost of angel wings, allowing players to literally and figuratively soar over obstacles. Like a global football kit, a golden star above the team logo commemorates the team’s world championship victory in 2018. The Chinese character above the jock tag, Ji, means “extreme.” Two target marks on the neck are a play between a scope fixed on the enemy and a power outlet for energy.
Royal Never Give Up
Made up of a black and gold color scheme, the Royal Never Give Up uniform has its chevron pattern drawn from dragon skin. The Fu pattern above the jock tag represents one of the 12 symbols of imperial authority (other symbols include the sun, moon and the seven-star constellation) and is one of the 12 symbols on an emperor’s robe. The dragon crest on the sleeves of the uniform is derived from a royal robe. In addition to the Fu pattern, the Möbius strip on the back neck of the uniform marks RNG’s never-ending toughness.
Top Esports
The Top Esports uniform arrives in a black base dotted by bright orange. The chevron pattern on the chest is an upward arrow, inspired by the team’s slogan, “Fight till the end.” The Sparta mask pattern above the jock tag denotes a fearless warrior’s spirit.