The Tournament of Souls is a fighting game-style metagame in 
League of Legends telling the story of Samira's rise to fame in the Tournament of Souls. It was released on July 20th, 2023 (1:00 PM PT) and ended on August 28th, 2023 (11:59 PT).[1][2]
Lore[]
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Jhin
Jhin: Samira. I've been dreaming of this day. I imagined... the crowd would be larger.
Samira: Aw, Jhin. You've been dreaming about me?
Jhin: I simply wish to see our relationship... to its natural conclusion.
Samira: There's only one way this is gonna end. You: KO'd before your tournament run could even begin. Me: barely breaking a sweat.
Gwen
Get hyped for our FIRST match of the tournament, folks! This seamstress' deadly blend of offense and defense puts all of her foes on their toes because this fighter can heal, peel, AND conceal herself from danger! Keep an eye out for her mist because she's sure to resist anything you throw at her!
Gwen: I know the work you do, Samira. You've hurt many more than you've helped.
Samira: It's just business. If someone's in my way, they either move, or I make them move.
Gwen: I detest violence. These tools of mine awoke to help others. But if I must get through you to achieve my dream... I will.
Samira: Now that's more like it. Try to keep up, softie.
- Victory
Samira: Healers have their uses. Fighting isn't one of 'em.
- Defeat
Lux
We're comin' up on our SECOND match! Can you believe it?! This fighter may be on the run, but when her back's against the wall, she shines brighter than the best of 'em! Lux likes to fight clean, so keep an eye out for her shields and her POWERFUL strikes, then BREAK through her defenses!
Lux: DEMA's after you too, Samira?! But... why?
Samira: They want the best, so clearly they have taste. Doesn't explain why they want you.
Lux: Hey, that's not nice-Wait! How about we team up and stop DEMA together!?
Samira: Uh... gross. Not my style, sunshine.
- Victory
Samira: You would've just slowed me down.
- Defeat
Naafiri
Our THIRD match is against a... pack of dogs with soul knives?! I know some viewers are thinking: "Hey, isn't this tournament 1v1?" Well, our lawyers have informed me that I'm not legally allowed to say it's cheating, but if you can turn this brawl into an honest fight, you might take Naafiri down!
Naafiri: We can smell your fear, bounty hunter. ... No, not fear. Anticipation.
Samira: Really? And what does it smell like?
Naafiri: ... Gunpowder and... dried blood. You've taken many, and added none to your pack.
Samira: A little sniff told you all that? All I'm picking up from you is... you need to take a bath.
- Victory
Samira: A 1v5 really wasn't fair. But strength isn't just in numbers, huh pup?
- Defeat
Jhin
One, Two, Three... FOUR! Welcome to... Jhin's ENCORE! This twisted mentor is here to steal the show! One look's all it takes for him to spot his opponent's weakness, but with a sharp eye, you might be able to reflect his big strikes! Carefully count his shots, though, or you'll fall into his spotlight!
Jhin: Your opening act was wonderful, Samira. Your intermission, delightful. And now...
Samira: Yeah, yeah. Let's get on with me ruining your precious performance like always.
Jhin: Your manners are still so unsightly. As I was saying-let us proceed... with your curtain call.
Samira: Ha! The audience cheering my name will be a good final blow to your ego.
- Victory
Samira: Isn't it gettin' hard to track how many times you've lost to me, Jhin?
- Defeat
Pyke
All rise for fight number FIVE! He was resurrected from the dead, and now, he's back with a vengeance to honor his seamstress! Pyke's style is steady and methodical, so when you're gettin' low, survival is nearly impossible! Keep your health high, or the Lands Beyond might be callin' your name!
Pyke: Samira. I heard your name whispered by a hundred haunted souls. The Lands Beyond tell your story.
Samira: My story's far from over, sad to say. I have my eye on one last bounty.
Pyke: No. Your hopes will lie broken on the arena floor. Just as you left Gwen.
Samira: It's not my fault your necromancer friend couldn't cut it. You, on the other hand, should've stayed dead.
- Victory
Samira: Go get stitched back together. I'm sure Gwen has some thread left over.
- Defeat
Evelynn
Back into the mix with fight SIX! This stealthy DEMA agent is silent as the night and swift as a snake! Captivating all who stand in her way and goin' in for the kill while their defenses are down, Evelynn is one VICIOUS experiment, folks! Keep the damage tickin', or she'll remain alive and kickin'!
Evelynn: Mmm, you're a strong one. I wonder how you'll beg for mercy when DEMA takes your powers.
Samira: Pfft, what kind of woman do you take me for?
Evelynn: Everyone's got something that makes them tick, love.
Samira: Wow. Big talk from someone with manufactured powers. Let me show you what natural talent looks like.
- Victory
Samira: Only an idiot hunts a hunter.
- Defeat
Sett
Oh man, OH MAN! Sett's here for fight number SEVEN! He's built like a tank and punches even harder, so just make sure you don't say a THING about his momma! The only way you're takin' this behemoth down is if you can shatter his defenses before he crushes your spine AND your tourney run!
Sett: Famed bounty hunter versus even-more-famed champion brawler? What is this, the showdown of the century?
Samira: Keep telling yourself that. To me, it's just another fight.
Sett: It's okay to show a little emotion, Samira. It won't hurt ya. But... I will.
Samira: You can drop the tough guy act, kid. I'll sign your autograph book after I beat you.
- Victory
Samira: You just weren't ready for the big leagues, kid.
- Defeat
Shaco
Here we go! THE GRANDDDDD FINALS! This trickster's fighting style is so mysterious that even I can't predict what he'll do next! All I know is that those daggers don't mess around, even if Shaco does! Pierce through his clones and malicious tricks, and you'll have your SOUL'S DESIRE FULFILLED!
Shaco: OoOoOooO... Samira. Have your eye on the prize, yes? But Viego has his eye on you...
Samira: That creepy monster doesn't scare me. I fight my own battles.
Shaco: Not all puppets have strings, mmMmMmmM. You will do as Eye have seen, even if you do not know it.
Samira: Did you see me kicking your ass? Because I'm about to.
- Victory
Samira: Was that it? A bundle of empty clothes with creepy eyes is the best Viego has to offer?!
- Defeat
Viego
Uh... I think our tournament host JUST JUMPED INTO THE ARENA! This broody fighter loves to take what he can't have, including his own soul power! Viego calls it the power of love, but who knows if his wife would agree! He can't let go of the past and is gonna turn all that grief into YOUR problem now!
Viego:I have been watching you from my tower. Your soul is... strong.
Samira: While you were busy taking notes, I was busy fighting. Which one of us do you think is more warmed up?
Viego: I have little use for training. I possess true power.
Samira: True power, huh? Let's see it.
- Victory
Samira: Thanks, Viego. Time for my payday.
- Defeat
God's Eye Viego
Are you SEEING what I'm seeing?! It's hard to tell what's goin' on through all the smoke, but our host does NOT pay me enough for... whatever this showdown's shaping up to be! He's sure to pull out all the stops, so be prepared for anything! Let's hear it one last time for SAMIRA, the One-Eyed Blaze!
God's Eye Viego: I carry her with me always. My lost love, Isolde. Now you see my soul's true form!
Samira: You carry her? Seems like she's the one doing the heavy lifting.
God's Eye Viego: No! She is but a broken reflection. Yet... with the Eye's full strength restored...
Samira: You and your precious Eye... tsk. You borrowed your power, Viego. I earned mine.
- Victory
Samira: I've faced my demons, Viego. Time you faced yours.
- Defeat
Fan Fair[]
Drop by the Fan Fair tent for a little meet-and-greet with the Soul Fighters' biggest fans. You'll unlock new interactions as you progress through the brackets.
Sommer
Whoa! W-were you trying to get a lesson on soul power from Jhin just now, too?! Isn't it so kind of him to let you win like that? He's just too cool!
Who am I? Oh, sorry... I'm Sommer. The fourth most talented artist to ever grace the stage only behind Jhin, Jhin and... Jhin!
I mean, sure, technically I just said Jhin three times, but I figured he'd pay attention to me if I was the fourth best, y'know? I just really need him to notice me, so he can unlock my soul power!
Wait. He might hate me for using his name only three times... Crap.
Can you believe that someone just barged into Jhin's theatre and demanded he train them? Could NEVER be me. So disrespectful to his craft.
- After beating
Lux
Hey, Samira! Your performance against Lux was elegant-all that shield-breaking action gave me some inspiration, so I'll let you in on a secret.
In order to earn an audience with Jhin, there are four trials that must be successfully completed... And the first comes with this hint: "The essence of a thing can only be found in its absence."
I wonder if this means that artists should be willing to let go of what's familiar? Y'know, branch out, learn some new skills... Wait, that's it! Can you come back later? I need try something!
Roses are red, violets are blue. I love art and murdering too! No, Sommer. Jhin would hate this... AH! Were you eavesdropping?! I asked you to come back later! I'm not ready!
- After beating Jhin
T-there's no way! I can't believe you've done this! Actually, no, no. This has to be part of Jhin's master plan because of his second trial: "Even if the artist dies, his contributions persist in all things."
So, OBVIOUSLY, Jhin's career isn't over. He's just showing us how iconic his reputation is, even if he's knocked out of the tournament! I need to prove to him that I can leave a legacy, too!
...No clue how though. A painting? A sculpture? A MURDER? Guess I could do another poem, too. Eh, I'll workshop it.
Look, just because my work hasn't been shown anywhere yet doesn't mean I don't have talent! I'm just waiting for Jhin to give me my big break, okay?
- After beating Shaco
Viego's crashed the tournament?! Doesn't that mean Jhin can do that, too? I wonder if he planned this for his third trial: "I love to perform, but I hate crowds... Yet, sometimes, silence is loud."
If he intentionally lost earlier to avoid the crowd... he must want someone who can create art SO stunning that it leaves the audience speechless!
Well, lucky for him, I'm already prepared with a sculpture of one of his greatest performances: his invite to the Tournament of Souls! Man, you should've seen it in real time. Actually... a lot of the victims kinda looked like you, Samira. Weird, huh?
Hey, my sculpture of Jhin's invite has actually been pretty popular! Maybe this'll finally be the push of attention I need to see Jhin!
- After beating God's Eye Viego
Whoa, that portal looks terrifying! Someone needs to do somethi-Oh... You only came to hear the last trial? I thought you just liked talking to me...
Okay, fine: "This is my grand design. But, how does it feel." Well, this whole situation seems horrifying, but... is that where the inspiration lies?
Discovering beauty through tragedy, just like my sculpture from earlier! I think that's my soul power-creating art that memorializes Jhin! Nearly all of my other works failed, but this... This is my moment!
Jade
...All you Resistance Raptors tuning in for the first time are in for a super special treat, because we're LIVE at the Tournament of Souls!
That's right, the only podcast that discusses the TRUTH about DEMA scored press passes to the tourney, so we can follow our fave soul fighter, Lux!
And we just got an incredible preview of the action to come: a grudge match between two old rivals-like, super old. Oh, wow-here comes the winner now!
You're on "DETAILS of DEMA," a Sonafy Studios production... Okay, but off the record, you beating up that guy-so cool. I have a feeling you and Lux would be best friends!
... You don't want to be recorded. I get it! I'd be cautious, too, if I was a soul fighter. DEMA's always listening. And not just to the radio! They can also hear our thoughts!
So, it looks like you'll be going up against Lux pretty early! You know... the only reason she's such a low seed is because DEMA'S REALLY pulling the strings. Viego? Just a patsy.
- After beating Lux
Nonononono. This... can't be happening. You BEAT LUX?! She must have been forced to wear an inhibitor band made by DEMA! There's no way she was at full power... right?
Okay, new theory: That wasn't even Lux. Had to be a paid actress. And that actress... she was barely even trying. Didn't get paid enough by DEMA. Totally phoning it in!
Yeah, that's it! And DEMA put Lux in what I like to call "Loser's Queue." Paired her up with the worst trainers! Can you believe they'd do that to her?
... Resistance Raptors, we're getting reports that Lux DID NOT get a full night's sleep, which totally explains her sub-par performance! Just WAIT 'til she's well rested, Samira!
- After beating Naafiri
That thing you fought... Was that DEMADOG? Our forums speculate she's a secret DEMA experiment...
Apparently, DEMADOG isn't really a dog, but more like a collection of the souls of different dogs forcefully combined? That poor, cute pupper! I bet she's a good not- dog deep down!
Uh, so turns out DEMADOG isn't a good not-dog. She escaped from DEMA and is trying to assimilate all living things into her "pack?" It's like Soul Juice Raptor all over again!
For those at home who need reminding, Soul Juice Raptor LOOKED like a cute lil' friend, but then it turned out he was actually a corporate shill with some pretty offensive takes!
- After beating Evelynn
You're really in for it now... Do you have any idea who that was? She's pretty much DEMA's most notorious torturer. They say the worst part about being interrogated by her is the end.
Guess she makes her victims fall in love with her, and then, they never want to leave. I don't even think a crazy badass like you could handle it! Though you did just beat her up...
Oh! An anonymous follower just DM'd me. Said, Evelynn isn't the real problem. She was kidnapped at birth and is doing the only thing she knows how to do: hurt. Really makes you think!
I'm getting reports that Evelynn actually VOLUNTEERED to be a DEMA experiment. So much for the "tortured soul tortures others" act. Guess you can't believe everything online, huh?
- After beating Shaco
I KNEW IT! You can check my social media for undoctored proof! I chirped: "Got a feeling that Viego is going to do a bit more than just watch the tourney this go around."
Sure, my prediction wasn't specific, but I had to cover my bases. I thought he'd either join the fight OR announce that he's controlled by something much more powerful... like DEMA!
I know Viego SAYS he helped build these tourney grounds, but I've heard this whole place was here long before he was even alive. And so was that creepy sidekick of his. Just watching... and waiting.
Samira versus Viego. Will it be a fair fight, listeners? Or will Viego unleash his horde of secret DEMA police on Samira in the midst of battle? Total bait 'n' switch! Highly likely!
- After beating God's Eye Viego
Uh... I don't think anyone saw that coming. You'd have to be crazy... or have some BIG insider info... to think that Viego WOULD BECOME A SUPER VIEGO AND OPEN A MASSIVE SKY PORTAL!!!
No way that portal is real, though. I bet it's a bunch of high-tech drones! Or maybe CGI. Honestly, it's not even that impressive. I feel like I can see where it's glitching out.
DEMA's probably trying to make us think that portal is BAD so we won't focus on the REAL ISSUES. Like the fact that DEMA plants slugs in our food so that when we die we all turn into slime!
Thanks for tuning in! If you want to listen to the "DETAILS of DEMA" post-show discussion "After DEMA: Dark," make sure to subscribe! Unless you work for DEMA... In which case, please don't follow me!
Guy (left) & Rizz (right)
Sup, small fry! Come to sign up for a 3-week intensive led by the one, the ONLY, Sett "THE STEEL MAN"? Came up with that nickname for him myself. *He hates it.*
*I'm Guy by the way. That's-* Rizz. Seeing your form against Jhin, I can tell you have A LOT to learn. First tip's on the house: Have you heard of Soul Juice?
Soul Juice is totally legit! It has 0 fat. O carbs. And the NEW version comes with 0 traces of tranquilizer! *But in the same blue flavor!* You gotta try it!
SETT IS GONNA TAKE HOME THE GOLD! Wait, what's the trophy made out of? *The winner gets their soul's desire.* There's NO TROPHY?! What are we gonna display in the gym's trophy case?
- After beating Sett
*You b-b-b-beat Sett!* PUNCH ME, GUY. I HAVE TO BE DREAMING... OW! NOT THAT HARD! *Are you crying?* No! I physically can't. My tears are 90% Soul Juice!
My whole life everything I stand for it all rested on Sett being THE champion. *It was all a lie! A beautiful, beautiful lie!* I mean... does Sett even lift?
I'M SPIRALING, GUY! I'M GONNA RAGEQUIT... RAGEQUIT MY JOB AS ASSISTANT TRAINER! *Don't throw your life away just because Sett wears a muscle suit! His tough guy act fooled us all!*
Screw it! If Sett's going down, I'm going down WITH HIM! 1v1 me, Samira! *Don't do it, Rizz!* I do what I want! But, uh... I COULD use some extra training first.
- After beating Shaco
Guy, check the rule book! *It doesn't say anywhere that the host can't enter the tourney...* So, if Sett'd won... then HE'D have gotten to fight Viego? IT SHOULDA BEEN HIM ON THAT STAGE!
*I'm not so sure Sett could beat Viego!* Why, just cause Viego has an eight pack? Sett has abs, too! EIGHT OF 'EM! And they glisten like his shiny, blonde hair!
You think Viego drinks Soul Juice? *Oh totally.. There's no way all that is natural.* Exactly. Not that Sett's muscle isn't natural. *It's real.* YEAH! WE'RE BACK ON HIS SIDE!
Just imagine Viego and Sett, squaring up! *I can see it now* A no-shirts, no-holding- back, wrasslin' fight for THE ULTIMATE PRIZE! *And the crowd goes wild!!!*
- After beating God's Eye Viego
*Where do you think that portal leads?* Probably someplace with terrifying monsters beyond our imagination! *Oooh, monsters to fight? Let's send Sett there!*
Now that's the first good idea you've ever had! Sett can lead the strike team! Samira, you can... *Be his.. backup!* If you're not too busy training for your Sett rematch...
Sett's gonna go into that portal and come back WAY stronger! And then, next tournament, HE'LL be the winner! *And then we'll finally get to dump this cooler of Soul Juice on his head!*
Kiri
My name's Kiri! Welcome to my booth! I'm selling stories & comics that are all about Pyke & Gwen. If you like gothic horror, suspense, comedy horror, or... horror-you'll find something you like for sure!
Nice going with Jhin back there by the way. I knew from the first time I saw him that he was bad news... I have a feeling you did, too.
I'm rooting for Gwen and Pyke to win it all. I mean, I know technically only one can win, but I just really want them BOTH to get their souls' desires. That can happen, right? There's gotta be a way.
Check this out! In this story, Pyke goes on a killing spree, and the only one who can stop him... is Gwen! It's about the hardest strings to cut being the ones tied closest to our hearts!
Okay...Ooor... how about this one! Pyke and Gwen venture into the Forest of Lost Souls and fight a giant spider, and Pyke rips off one of its fangs AND uses it as weapon! Isn't that SO DISGUSTING?!
- After beating Gwen
No way! Seriously, no way! I don't like that you beat Gwen like that. Now you gotta be real careful though, 'cause Gwen woulda healed you after beating you. Pyke... not so much.
But you know what? It's times like these that make me love Gwen all the more. I know she'll stitch up her wounds and be back at it in no time. She's a fighter!
Congrats to you, Samira! Good luck in the rest of the tournament!
Have I told you about my story where Pyke and Gwen get kidnapped by a mad scientist and sewn into a single person?! It's about how even best friends need space sometimes.
- After beating Pyke
WOW! You just keep winning, don't you?! That's amazing! Really! I'm SO happy for you! ...That is some serious plot armor if I've ever seen it...
How did you get so strong? What's your story? You know what? I'm not going to let this get me down... I'm going to channel it into a new comic! That's what I'll do!
Pyke's defeated by an opponent with many weapons... Maybe he can hear voices from the Lands Beyond that teach him how to fight against each of them? IT'S HAPPENING! THE IRON'S HOT! WHERE'S MY PEN?!
Don't you think it's cool how Gwen's thread has healing powers? In a way, I hope these stories are kind of like my threads. The right story at the right time can mean a lot, you know?
Well anyways, in this comic, Gwen stitches Pyke back together, but the thread was corrupted with a wicked curse, and it goes horribly wrong, and he has to eat brains to survive!
...That's it! This one's just about Pyke eating brains, and I love it!
- After beating God's Eye Viego
Samira!! What's that portal thing?! It reminds me of that movie 'LOUD' where aliens with no eyes came through a portal and started hunting people with their sonar screeching.... really hope that's not what's happening.
Also, have you seen Gwen?! I bet she's helping anyone who's hurt. I'm so happy she's here for something like this.
Well, seeing as you're the tournament winner, you should probably help get people to safety. I'll be right behind you! A Pyke to your Gwen if you will... but for helping people, not hurting them. Felt the need to clarify.
Looks like no one was hurt around here, which is great! I did accidentally scare a couple people with my lurking... Whoops! I think Pyke would be proud though.
This whole tournament gives me an idea for another story. Maybe about a hero who could wield any weapon and how, even though her motives may be selfish, she gave hope to a lot of people that needed it...
...with maybe a multidimensional monster tearing cities apart. Can't have it getting boring, you know?
Shaco
- After beating God's Eye Viego
YoU'Ve OnlY jUSt beGuN to UndErStaNd ThEse PoWerS yOu FeEL sO ConFIdEnt WiTh...
...EyE... WiLl Be... WatChInG.....
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