League of Legends World Championship: Patch 11.18 brings big changes
Get ready, League of Legends fans. The eagerly awaited World Championship season is just around the corner.
Today, Riot Games announced the upcoming changes for Patch 11.18, which will have a significant impact on the game. Lead game designer Jeevun “Jag” Sidhu revealed that these changes are only the first part, with more changes planned for Patch 11.19, specifically geared towards the World Championship event. These changes are targeting popular champions that have dominated the pro scene this summer, potentially shaking up the meta at Worlds.
For example, Kalista and Varus, two frequently picked AD carries, have enjoyed a high pick-ban presence in the major regions of North America, Europe, Korea, and China. According to League statistics site Games of Legends, Kalista boasts a 75 percent pick-ban presence, while Varus sits at 56 percent. Varus is also among the top five most played and seventh-most banned champions worldwide, with a 51-percent win rate.
Lee Sin has emerged as the most-played champion globally, with 1,417 games played. He also boasts an impressive 76-percent pick-ban presence. Lee Sin’s versatility as both a jungler and solo laner makes him a popular choice across multiple team compositions, thanks to his playmaking abilities, durability, and damage output.
Renekton and Thresh, known for their reliability, have consistently been favored by many players in the competitive scene. Renekton is currently the fourth-most banned champion, thanks to his ability to be blind picked into various matchups. Thresh’s playmaking and utility also make him a valuable addition to any team composition, earning him the third spot on the list of most banned champions worldwide, despite his 49-percent win rate.
With these prominent champions receiving nerfs, it’s possible that new champions could emerge as key picks in the run-up to Worlds. Champions like Jinx and Kai’Sa are also being adjusted ahead of the tournament, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape.
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League of Legends, World Championship, Patch 11.18, Riot Games, Kalista, Varus, Lee Sin, Renekton, Thresh, meta, AD carries, jungler, solo laner, esports