Here’s why you can’t see usernames in champion select

TL;DR

  • Champion select anonymity hides teammate usernames to prevent toxic behavior and third-party tool abuse
  • The feature specifically targets OP.GG lookups and high-rank dodging patterns that disrupt matchmaking
  • Third-party applications can no longer access username data through LoL’s API during ranked games
  • Implementation began on Patch 12.22, affecting all PBE queues but only ranked on live servers
  • Players should adapt communication and team coordination strategies for the new anonymous environment

Lee Sin in League of Legends

League of Legends players are experiencing a significant interface transformation that addresses long-standing community requests regarding champion select visibility. This fundamental change directly impacts how players interact during the critical pre-game phase where team compositions are established.

Riot Games has officially confirmed that champion select anonymity functionality will debut on the League of Legends Public Beta Environment before transitioning to live servers in the following update cycle. This strategic implementation represents Riot’s commitment to enhancing competitive integrity and reducing negative social dynamics.

Why can’t I see usernames in champion select?

When loading into champion select on Patch 12.22 or newer versions, you’ll notice the absence of teammate identification displays—this intentional design choice by Riot Games disables username visibility for all players in your current lobby. The primary objective targets specific problematic behaviors that have persisted within League’s competitive ecosystem for multiple seasons.


The anonymity system actively discourages utilization of external match history tracking and player profiling applications. This prevents immediate judgment based on losing streaks, rank disparities, or performance metrics that often trigger hostile interactions when teammates scrutinize each other’s records through services like OP.GG.


Why are usernames hidden in champion select?

External applications that previously scraped League of Legends API data for username retrieval will encounter functional limitations, as this information becomes restricted during ranked match preparations. This adjustment specifically addresses persistent issues within elite ranking brackets where participants intentionally abandon champion select sessions upon recognizing specific players.

These personalized animosities at higher competitive tiers create consistently negative experiences for targeted individuals, making champion select anonymity an essential initial measure toward resolution. The feature represents Riot’s proactive approach to cultivating healthier competitive environments while maintaining matchmaking efficiency.

This modification launched with Patch 12.22 deployment, impacting all queue types on PBE testing grounds while exclusively affecting ranked queues on primary live servers.

Adapting to anonymous champion select requires strategic adjustments in communication and team coordination. Players should focus on champion selection discussions rather than personal performance history, utilizing ping systems and quick chat for efficient communication. Establishing role preferences and strategic intentions becomes crucial when player reputation cannot inform team decisions.

Successful navigation of this new environment involves proactive communication about preferred champions, intended playstyles, and willingness to flex into different roles. This shift encourages players to evaluate team composition synergy rather than individual player statistics, potentially leading to more balanced and cooperative team environments.

Mental preparation techniques include focusing on current game potential rather than past performances, embracing the opportunity for fresh starts each match, and developing stronger in-game leadership skills without relying on reputation influence.

Action Checklist

  • Utilize champion hover indicators to communicate role preferences and intended picks
  • Practice effective ping communication for jungle pathing and objective coordination
  • Develop team composition awareness without relying on player reputation knowledge
  • Master quick chat commands for efficient anonymous communication during selection phase

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