Olympic and world sprint champion Noah Lyles could not contain his excitement after learning that the 2026 League of Legends (LoL) World Championship will be hosted in the United States. The announcement marked a major moment for both American esports fans and the global gaming community, as the competition returns to U.S. soil with events scheduled to take place in Allen, Texas, and New York City.
Lyles, who is as passionate about gaming as he is about athletics, shared his joy online with the simple but powerful post: “WE ARE SOOO BACK!!” His reaction perfectly captured the enthusiasm of American fans eager to welcome back one of the world’s biggest esports tournaments.
The LoL World Championship has grown into one of the largest and most-watched competitive gaming events globally. It broke viewership records in 2023, reaffirming its place at the heart of modern entertainment. For Lyles, the news is particularly exciting given his strong ties to the gaming world. He is an avid supporter of the esports organization 100 Thieves, a team that has previously competed in multiple World Championships.
Away from the track, Lyles is known for his deep love of anime and gaming culture. He often merges these interests with his athletic identity, famously celebrating his races with Dragon Ball Z-inspired poses. His appreciation for pop culture has led to several creative collaborations, including a custom Yu-Gi-Oh! keyboard and a special anime-themed apparel line designed with Adidas and Crunchyroll.
Following an outstanding 2025 season that saw him win gold in the men’s 200m at the World Athletics Championships, Lyles has been enjoying some well-earned rest. Recently spotted at New York Comic Con, he continues to embrace his passions outside athletics, blending sports, art, and entertainment in a way that makes him stand out as one of the most unique personalities in world sport.
Lyles has often spoken about the importance of staying true to his identity and interests, and his excitement for the upcoming LoL World Championship proves just how much he values being part of a broader cultural movement. As esports continues to rise, his support bridges the gap between traditional sports and digital competition, uniting two worlds that thrive on passion, creativity, and competition.
