en
VALORANT Introduces Champions 2026 Anthem ‘If The Sun Burns Out Tonight’
As VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Stage 2 enters the final weeks, we have our first glimpse of Champions 2026’s anthem titled “If The Sun Burns Out Tonight”. Set to release globally this fall, let’s have our first look at it.
First Look at the VALORANT Champions 2026 Anthem
Ahead of the global release of “If The Sun Burns Out Tonight”, Riot Games has released an accompanying promotional trailer that offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration that produced VALORANT’s newest Champions anthem.
Crowd-Favorite Grabbitz Returns for Another VALORANT Collaboration
VALORANT Champions 2026’s anthem unites three talents to release what is promised to be the ‘best VALORANT anthem to date’ with Oli Sykes, frontman for multi-platinum band Bring Me The Horizon; Courtney LaPlante, vocalist for progressive metal band Spiritbox; and fourth time returning writer and producer Grabbitz.
He previously collaborated on 3 of the past VALORANT Champions anthems, namely 2021’s “Die For You”, 2022’s “Fire Again”, and 2023’s “Ticking Away”.
“The best collaborations happen when everyone brings a different perspective to the room — and that’s what makes this record so exciting to me. Oli, Courtney and I came together from different corners of the globe and landed on a track that sits effortlessly between my electronic world and the heavy landscapes of Bring Me The Horizon and Spiritbox. The 3 of us just clicked — and the result is what I believe to be the best VALORANT anthem to date.” - Grabbitz
New Artists Lend Their Voices to Riot’s Growing World
The VALORANT Champions Anthem has always been a special amalgamation of some of the brightest artists in the world and Riot Games’ own community flavor. In years past, we have seen artists like Kiss of Life, bbno$, and Ashnikko all make the anthem in part their own, and this year is no different.
“Welcoming artists of Oli Sykes and Courtney LaPlante’s caliber into the world of VALORANT this year has been an incredible honor for us,” said Bob DeBelina, Music Artist Partnerships Manager at Riot Games. “We’re thrilled they brought their own creative vision and emotion to this year’s Champions anthem,” she added.
“I’ve always been drawn to projects that blur the lines between storytelling and music, so working with Riot Games, alongside Grabbitz and Courtney, and becoming part of the VALORANT world felt like a really natural fit.” – Oli Sykes
“I cannot wait to release this song! Oli has given me the opportunity to perform live with BMTH many times over the years, and we’re finally debuting something we worked on together. Grabbitz produced such as great atmosphere and a song tailored to all three of our voices, and Oli went in right away and made it a true collaboration.” – Courtney LaPlante
2026 Champions Shanghai: 16 Teams Descend
Champions comes to China this year, gracing Shanghai with the final epic clash of the season between the 16 best teams in the world. From September 24 to October 18, we celebrate the journey and birth of a new world champion, the 6th to join the pantheon.
But before any of that, we need the anthem. Set to launch globally this fall, stay tuned for more information as we wind down Stage 2 and the final 16 teams emerge.
Follow Strafe Esports for the latest VALORANT news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Also, stay tuned to Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured Image Credit: Riot Games
