League of Legends, commonly called League, is a famous multiplayer battle arena and online role-playing game. It was released by Riot Games in 2009 and has been played by millions of fans worldwide since then.
League features a team-based battle arena wherein two teams consisting of 5 champions (fighter, marksman, mage, assassin and tank) battle it out to destroy each other’s base. The gameplay in League of Legends can run anywhere from minutes to hours depending on the players’ synergy, champions they choose, and how well they use item builds to win the game.
Most-played champions in League esports events
Many meta shifts have occurred in League of Legends over the years. Range and innovation were bolstered by a variety of champions who rose to prominence in different eras.
With several teams competing for the title, have you ever wondered which champions the best pro players pick? Below is a list of some of the champions that were often drafted in Leagues esports tournaments.
Top lane: Irelia
Many consider Irelia as the most lethal flex option available at the Worlds. In total, Irelia played 36 individual draughts, missing only two games in the play-in round. At the play-ins, she was the most frequently banned champion.
Top lane: Ornn
Throughout the competitive seasons, Ornn became a popular pick in the game’s meta. For the whole year, the champion was the League’s primary tank in the top lane. In competitions, he is a popular choice because of his ability to perform well in solo and team battles.
Jungle: Lee Sin
Lee Sin recovered his place at the top of the Jungle hierarchy during Worlds. This League’s traditional jungle champion is a crowd favourite in the season’s first international competition.
Not to mention, Lee Sin also proved his fame in the Mid-Season Invitational. During that tournament, the Blind Monk was used primarily in the top lane. This jungler has been the most hotly contested during play-in stages, with a total of 21 picks and 15 bans.
AD carry: Aphelios
Ezreal, Kalista, and Ashe are just a few of the top ADCs (attack damage carry) in the professional League. However, the role was nailed by none other than Aphelios. This season, Aphelios has established himself as one of the greatest champions to watch out for.
Pro players and fans alike can anticipate an exciting battle once Aphelios is drafted. Thanks to his immense damage output, he’s considered one of the best carries in LoL’s battlefield.
Mid-lane: Ryze
When it comes to tournaments like Worlds, the mid-lane meta is one of the most diverse areas. It’s not uncommon for mid-lane players to rely on Ryze and other well-tested options when the going gets tough. LeBlanc, Zoe, and other control mages have been at Worlds, but Ryze has been the most active.
Most players can rely on Ryze’s skills to dominate the mid-lane with ease. When played right, this champion can score kills even in the early game.
Mid-lane: Syndra
Syndra is known to be a key player in the mid-lane meta. This champion can easily outclass her enemies in the mid-lane including champions such as Zoe, Azir, and Leblanc. Not to mention, Syndra is the most drafted and banned champion in her role.
Support: Leona
In recent tournaments, Leona has been selected in 24 individual battles and competed in 87% of the play-in games. Only five of the 24 games Leona’s team played ended in a loss. This is thanks to her innate support skills that can help the team’s carry champions to secure kills.
Support: Amumu
After a seven-year absence, the Sad Mummy returned to the Premier League of Legends stage with a vengeance during the Worlds play-ins. There are 11 picks and 11 bans for Amumu in play-ins, making him one of the most popular support champions in esports events.
League’s gameplay
Now that you have an idea of the best champions used in the tournaments, here’s a guide on how the game works and how it’s played.
Destroy the other team’s Nexus
In LoL, each players’ primary objective is to destroy the Nexus of their opponents. The Nexus is where the team’s minions spawn. Behind it is the ‘fountain’ wherein players respawn after they die in battle and where they can also replenish their health and mana.
In the latter stages of a game in League of Legends, a marksman is often called upon to be one of the team’s key damage-dealers. By doing huge damage to the enemy and its turrets, they can lead their team to victory.
Clear the path
To get to the Nexus, the team must be able to clear at least one lane. On the map, each lane has an inhibitor and three turrets, with two turrets protecting the Nexus. Turrets and inhibitors are two types of defensive structures that stand in the way of the player.
Engage the creeps in the jungle
The jungle is between the three lanes where players can discover neutral monsters and jungle plants. Baron Nashor and the Drakes are the most prominent beasts in the jungle. The player’s champion is awarded unique buffs for the team that can influence the game’s tide after they are killed.
Choose the right lane
Each lane can only be occupied by a specific type of champion or role. To figure it out, players can choose all of them. Alternatively, they can choose to focus their attention on a specific lane that calls out to them.
- Jungle – Champions with stealth should keep an eye on the neutral creatures and assault an enemy who lets their guard down while they roam the jungle.
- Top lane – Fighters are typically assigned to this lane to guard their lane and kill the opposing team’s most powerful players.
- Middle lane – This lane is for champions, often mages with the highest damage output and bursts. Most mid-lane champions are versatile and can do well in solo or team fights.
- Bottom-lane – This lane is often occupied by a marksman. A marksman is often the hard-carry of the late game and must be protected early on. They have the ability to carry the team to victory by obtaining enough experience and gold.
League of Legends World Championship
The World Championship of League of Legends is an event that decides the best player in the game. A 70-pound trophy, a million-dollar prize, and the title of ultimate champion will be on the line when the teams compete for the Summoner’s Cup.
The event is also known for its dramatic and emotional appeal, as well as its ceremonial performances. Since then, it’s grown into one of the world’s most popular esports events and video games.
In 2011, Fnatic won the first Worlds of League of Legends in Sweden. Since then, six teams have won the trophy with T1 holding the only triple crown. With this, many are willing to support and purchase merchandise of the game and attend events that showcase the teams.
The tournaments are held in major countries and regions each year. Having won one of the three global championships, T1 of South Korea is the most successful team in the history of the event. People from all around the world watch them compete in the professional esports arena. In fact, they’re renowned as a formidable squad to deal with.
League of Legends is one major factor in the success that the esports industry is now experiencing. Thanks to League’s huge appeal, more people are starting to take interest in the various games in the competitive world of esports.