Ambition’s RISE to World Champion (Worlds 2018 Music Video context)
The narrative unfolds around Kang “Ambition” Chan-yong’s journey through the competitive League of Legends scene in 2017, culminating in his ultimate victory over his greatest rival, SKT T1’s Faker. The RISE music video centers on a single protagonist and follows a linear storyline. While it includes numerous in-game and real-life Easter eggs and references, our focus will be on exploring the main narrative of the video.
Ambition Claiming his Weapons
The RISE music video commences with Ambition collecting Sejuani’s flail and Jarvan’s standard, followed by him already wielding Kha’Zix’s blades as the scene pans out. These items symbolize his champion pool during the Worlds 2017 tournament, comprising Kha’Zix, Sejuani, and Jarvan IV.
RISING to the top
Following his defeat to SKT in 2016, Ambition returns to the grind, embarking on a journey up the metaphorical mountain of challenges until he encounters his first formidable opponent.
Taste the Wind of Perkz
He then begins his climb or “rise”. Ambition’s first challenge comes against G2’s Perkz, playing as Yasuo. This showdown marks his initial test in the music video, where Ambition eventually prevails and continues his ascent.
This encounter is inspired by the group stage series between Samsung Galaxy (SSG) and G2 during Worlds 2017. Although Perkz did not actually play Yasuo in their matches—opting for Corki and Ryze instead—Yasuo symbolizes Perkz’s iconic champion during that time. Ambition’s choice of Kha’Zix made them win the game here and was their ticket to the quarter finals.
Setting up the Story before they Meet RNG
These scenes represents Rekkles’s AD Kennen being countered by Uzi’s Vayne, mirroring their playoffs encounter where RNG decisively defeated FNC (3-1), eliminating them from the competition.
Uzi halts Ambition’s stellar progress
Next, Ambition faces off against RNG’s Uzi as Vayne in the RISE music video. In a visually stunning fight scene, Ambition transforms into Sejuani in the music video. The battle is intense until Ambition retreats, symbolizing his move past RNG..
While this fight scene doesn’t directly reference their specific matches in the group stage of Worlds 2017 (where Uzi played Tristana against SSG), Vayne remains Uzi’s most iconic champion pick. This segment symbolizes SSG’s losses to RNG during the group stages (0-2).
Ambition is depicted fleeing from a volcano symbolizing RNG, marked by two arrows on his shoulder representing the 0-2 defeat. This imagery emphasizes Ambition’s inability to conquer RNG at that point in the tournament.
SKT T1 defeats RNG
Eventually, SSG didn’t meet RNG in the semifinals because RNG was defeated by SKT T1. This meant Ambition would now have to face Faker in their upcoming battle.
Samsung Galaxy Skins
This scene portrays Xayah, Rakan, Taliyah, Gnar, and Ezreal fighting against the Elder Drake, which are the champions for which SSG had their skins created after winning the 2017 Worlds. Notably, Jarvan, Ambition’s champion pick, is absent, symbolizing the final weapon he has yet to use in the music video. This moment encapsulates the legacy of SSG’s victory and their iconic champions.
Ambition Eventually Meets Faker at the Top
Here, Ambition faces his final challenge in the RISE music video. The scene shifts to Faker as Ryze, walking beneath a statue while reading a rune book. This sets up the intense showdown between Ambition and Faker, symbolizing SSG’s victory over SKT T1 led by Faker.
Jarvan’s pick represents Ambition’s pick and Faker’s Ryze pick in Game 1, this lead to the victory of SSG with a 3-0 win against them during the Grand Finals.
The RISE music video ends with Ambition celebrating his triumph over Faker, with the central statue lit up by the SSG logo, marking their 2017 championship win.
Ambition’s Journey
Ambition’s path to the 2017 World Championship was anything but easy. As one of the most renowned junglers in League of Legends history, his victory was truly iconic. The “RISE” music video masterfully encapsulates Ambition’s rise to glory, aligning perfectly with his journey to become a world champion. The video’s intensity is heightened by the presence of Perkz, Uzi, and Faker as formidable rivals throughout Ambition’s quest.
“RISE” stands out not only for its compelling narrative but also for its numerous easter eggs that pay homage to League esports history. However, this article focuses on the main storyline and the context behind Ambition’s journey. For a deeper dive into the easter eggs, stay tuned for our upcoming articles.
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