Top Categories

The OG Leeroy Jenkins viral video turns 20 this year

The Leeroy Jenkins video is a seminal piece of internet culture that originated from the game World of Warcraft and officially reached its 20th anniversary in May 2025.

The footage depicts a guild of players, "Pals for Life," meticulously strategizing for a difficult encounter in the Upper Blackrock Spire. While the leader calculates specific survival percentages, a player named Ben Schulz (playing as Leeroy Jenkins) is away from his keyboard.

Upon returning, Leeroy completely ignores the plan, screams his iconic battle cry "LEEROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOY JEEEEEEENKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINS!!!!" and charges into the room alone, causing a chaotic chain reaction that kills the entire group.

The video's legacy has transitioned from a niche gaming joke to a globally recognized meme used to describe anyone who rushes headlong into a situation without thinking.

Although the creators revealed in 2017 that the clip was a scripted satire, it was based on a real event that had actually occurred within their guild. Its influence is vast, having been referenced in major media such as Jeopardy!, South Park, and even by members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

In 2025, Blizzard Entertainment celebrated the two-decade milestone with extensive in-game content for World of Warcraft.

During the official 20th Anniversary Celebration Event (which ran from late 2024 through early January 2025), players could find a special NPC of Leeroy operating a spicy fried chicken stand in the Tanaris region, a direct nod to his famous final line in the video: "At least I have chicken."

Additionally, new limited-edition merchandise, including high-end licensed statues, was released to commemorate his enduring impact on gaming history

Top Categories

Tags

The OG Leeroy Jenkins viral video turns 20 this year

Incase you missed it...