TL;DR
- Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry) are dedicated League of Legends players
- Boyd specializes in jungling with Heimerdinger while Monaghan enjoys multiple roles and champions
- They used gaming to maintain their friendship during 2020 isolation periods
- Both actors have become respected members of the League community
- North American players might encounter them in late-night Draft Queue matches

The intersection between J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy world and Riot Games’ competitive MOBA creates a fascinating cultural bridge that few would anticipate. Two beloved actors from the iconic film trilogy have emerged as genuine League of Legends enthusiasts, bringing their Middle-earth camaraderie to the digital battlefield.
While many might assume Orlando Bloom would naturally gravitate toward marksman roles like Ashe to channel his elven archer persona, the reality proves more surprising. The Lord of the Rings cast members who’ve embraced League of Legends actually portrayed the more lighthearted hobbit characters rather than the fierce warriors.
Billy Boyd, who brought Peregrine “Pippin” Took to life, and Dominic Monaghan, immortalized as Meriadoc “Merry” Brandybuck, have developed into serious League of Legends competitors. Their gaming journey offers valuable insights into how celebrities approach competitive gaming.
Through their popular podcast “The Friendship Onion,” the duo extensively documented their introduction to League of Legends, revealing how the game became an essential tool for preserving their friendship during the challenging isolation periods of 2020. This demonstrates gaming’s power to maintain social connections when physical interaction becomes limited.
When the League of Legends community discovered that actors from the legendary fantasy adaptation were playing their game, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Boyd and Monaghan received warm welcomes from both players and content creators, eventually leading to their hosting a special Friendship Onion episode during the Worlds 2022 championship finals in San Francisco.
What roles do Merry and Pippin play in League of Legends?
Billy Boyd has established himself as a dedicated jungler, though interestingly his preferred champion remains Heimerdinger—a choice that reflects strategic thinking over flashy mechanics. Dominic Monaghan demonstrates remarkable versatility, comfortably playing across multiple roles with champions like Jinx, Ahri, and his surprising preference for Teemo in the top lane.
During an appearance on the official League of Legends podcast with host Travis Gafford, Monaghan expressed particular enthusiasm for poke-heavy playstyles that gradually wear down opponents through sustained pressure. This tactical approach shows how actors transfer their understanding of character development to gaming strategy.
The two performers have seamlessly integrated into their roles as Summoner’s Rift’s unofficial celebrity ambassadors. Their influence extended to convincing fellow Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood to sample the game during his guest appearance on their podcast, expanding the franchise’s gaming footprint.
For players looking to emulate their styles, Boyd’s Heimerdinger preference suggests patience and area control strategies, while Monaghan’s diverse champion pool indicates adaptability and willingness to experiment with different playstyles.
North American server participants have legitimate opportunities to encounter these Lord of the Rings actors during their late-night Draft Queue sessions. This creates unique gaming moments where fantasy cinema and competitive gaming intersect unexpectedly.
The actors’ journey into League of Legends provides valuable lessons about gaming as a social connector. During pandemic isolation, their gaming sessions served as digital campfires where friendship could flourish despite physical separation—a relevant insight for today’s gaming community.
Their integration into the League ecosystem demonstrates how gaming communities can embrace unexpected members when they demonstrate genuine passion and commitment. This serves as an encouraging example for players who might feel intimidated by competitive gaming environments.
For those inspired to follow similar paths, remember that consistent practice, willingness to learn from mistakes, and maintaining positive interactions with fellow players are key to building reputation and skill simultaneously.
Action Checklist
- Follow The Friendship Onion podcast for celebrity gaming insights
- Experiment with different champion roles to develop versatile skills like Dominic Monaghan
- Practice late-night Draft Queue sessions to potentially encounter celebrity players
- Analyze professional player streams to understand advanced strategies mentioned in the article
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